Oman has a rich and fascinating history, which is associated with permanent conquests. Here are preserved a variety of architectural monuments, built mainly in the Middle Ages to protect the state from the Portuguese and Persians. These fortresses are permeated with eternity and tell about different periods of the country.
Oman has a rich and fascinating history, which is associated with permanent conquests. Here are preserved a variety of architectural monuments, built mainly in the Middle Ages to protect the state from the Portuguese and Persians. These fortresses are permeated with eternity and tell about different periods of the country.
Popular forts of Oman
In the territory of the state there are more than 500 strongholds. Some of them are ruins, others are historical museums , others are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All the fortresses are built in different architectural styles and have their own flavor. The most famous forts of Oman are:
- Sohar - it was built in the IV century, but in the 16th century the Portuguese rebuilt it. This is the only fortress in the country, having a stone foundation of white color. The fort is made in the form of a rectangle and is surrounded by massive walls with 6 round towers. There is an underground passage leading to the mountain valley of Aldze, its length is 10 km. Today there is a museum on the territory of the citadel telling the history of local residents. Among the exhibits can be identified maps of trade routes, naval equipment, old coins, weapons, etc.
- Rustak - in former times the capital of Oman was located here. The fort was founded by the Persians in 1250, it was later restored and remade several times. The final form of the building acquired in the XVII century. The last towers were built in 1744 and 1906. The fortress is located on a rocky spur whose protrusions were used for construction. On the upper platform is a small tower Burj al-Jinn, which offers a stunning view. According to legend, it was created by demons. Nearby attractions are healing hot springs with public baths.
- Mirani - a fort that was built by the Portuguese in the XVI century. It is located in Muscat and is the property of the government. In the fortress there is a private museum. Only personal guests of the Sultan are permitted to enter here. You can only inspect buildings from the outside. Opposite the sights, one can see ancient graffiti left by military and merchant ships in the middle of the 19th century.
- Al Jalali - a fort that is a complete copy of Mirani, they are even called twins. It is surrounded by impregnable walls and today is a military base. The only road leading to the citadel is a rocky steep staircase. The entrance here is also one, near it is kept a large book, made in a gold frame. It records the names of the famous visitors of the fortress.
- Liv is a pirate fort, which belonged to Portuguese filibusters. Today, the structure is abandoned, so the walls and facade of the building are destroyed.
- Nahl - a small fortress, erected on the mountain of the same name in the pre-Islamic period. She is considered one of the most beautiful and hard-to-reach in the country. The fort is buried in the bright green of the surrounding palm trees. The monarchs of the Al Bu Said dynasty and Yaarubi extended it and strengthened it. The builders used features of the local landscape and roughness of the terrain, so the inner walls seem to be lower than outside. The windows, doors and ceilings of the citadel are decorated with elaborate carved ornaments.
- Jabrin - the fort is shrouded in many secrets and legends. It was erected in the XVII century and has a unique system of secret passages with traps. The fortress was an educational center and was considered the most beautiful in the country. The structure is divided into women's and men's rooms, as well as the Majlis (hall for the Advisory Board). The interior impresses with carved decoration of doors and windows, as well as graceful ceiling paintings. It houses the tomb of the Imam, who died in the Middle Ages.
- Al Hazma - it was built in 1708 by order of Sultan Bin Seif. The main attraction of the fort are 2 perfectly preserved doors, which have artistic design and inscriptions from the Koran. In the citadel, visitors will be able to inspect weapons towers, front rooms, cells for prisoners and underground tunnels with secret stairs that lead beyond the fortress.
- Nizwa Fort was erected at the end of the 17th century by the order of Imam Sultan bin Saif Jaarubia. It is decorated with the largest in the country tower, from the top of which opens a breathtaking panorama of the city and the palm oasis. Also, the fortress is famous for its ancient door, encrusted in the traditional Omani style.
- Bahla Fort is located near the homonymous oasis and belongs to the oldest structures of the country. It was intended for combat operations and even today it has impressive dimensions. The fortress was erected by the people of banu-nebhan from adobe in the 13th century. It consists of a 12-kilometer wall surrounding the city, 132 watchtowers and 15 gates. In the main three-story palace there are 55 rooms, and the building itself is decorated with drawings and wooden inscriptions. The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Khasab is located in the northern part of the Musandam Peninsula. From the windows of the fort there is a peaceful and picturesque view of the Strait of Hormuz. Many visitors come here to see this panorama. The fortress was built by the Portuguese in the XVII century, in order to be able to control all trade in the water area. The place was chosen rather successfully, because within it there are mountains, deserts and markets. The Citadel consists of a massive central tower and a palace.
- Taka is a small fortress made of clay bricks, which, with its architecture, resembles the castle of knights-crusaders. Almost all buildings of the fort have 2 floors. In the citadel, ancient wooden doors, watchtowers, medieval kitchens, a food pantry, an arsenal and a prison for prisoners with very small chambers have been preserved. Here you can see old dishes, medieval costumes, a large collection of weapons and personal items of everyday use of rulers.