Forts and Castles are Oman's most striking cultural landmarks and, together with its towers and city walls, they have historically been used as defensive bastions or look-out points. Forts were often the seats of administrative and judicial authority. There are over 500 forts, castles and towers in Oman which has a coastline of 1,700 kms, so they were needed to protect it from potential invaders. The architectural styles vary, being determined by the architects who built them or the periods in which they were built.
Below are my amateur shots of some famous forts and castles during my previous stay in the Sultanate.
Below are my amateur shots of some famous forts and castles during my previous stay in the Sultanate.
Oman's Forts and Castles through my Lens
Nakhl Fort (Al Batinah) is within an hour's drive from Muscat .The fort is 350 years old and is set in a gorge, surrounded by a mountain enclave. In 1990, sympathetic restoration work began, using traditional building materials and period furnishings. The carved master gate is believed to date back to the 1830's during the reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan.
Jabrin Fort was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya'arubi in 1670 as a defensive stronghold and as living accommodation for the Imam. It has rooms and ceilings decorated with fine carvings. It has two huge towers with walls two metres thick.it was built by Bil'arab bin Sultan, an Imam of the Ya'aruba dynasty during the 17th century. It is one of the most impressive forts in the Sultanate and the details and carvings in the rooms and balconies are most elaborate. Finely painted flowers and symbols are found on the ceilings in the 'living' rooms. The tomb of Imam Bil'arab remains within the fort.
Ar Rustaq Fort nestles at the foot of Al Jabal Al Akhdar on the edge of the Batinah Plain.Originally constructed on Persians ruins circa 1250 CE ,the imposing present day structure was rebuilt by the first ruler of the Ya'ruba Dynasty in 1650CE.Additional towers were completed in 1744 and 1906 CE.
A major landmark on the Batinah Coast.Barka Castle is located only a few hundred meters from the shore of the Gulf of Oman.It features an unsual octagonal tower, and at the rear of the castle are two restored watchtowers which were once part of the defensive town wall.
Main feature is its 7-mile long walls which were patrolled by sentries night and day. The Fort's internal staircases and walls were built of mud, coated with gypsum and sarooj (a traditional type of mortar) which are as hard and solid as present-day cement. UNESCO has approved Bahla Fort and Wall for inclusion in its World Heritage List.
Located in Al Hazm town in Welayat Rustaq. It was built by Imam Sultan bin Seif (the 2nd.) in ( 1123 A.H.–1711 A.D.) when he established Al Hazm town as a capital of Oman instead of Rustaq. The Castle is distinctive from other Omani Castle and forts by its magnificent shape and massive building. It contains the tomb of its builder / Imam Sultan bin Seif (the 2nd.). It was restored by the Ministry in ( 1416 A.H. - 1996 A.D. ).
Located in Harat Al Hajara in Sohar town. Dated back to 179 A.H., It was renovated, to its present shape, in the (Eighth - Ninth century A.H.) (14th A.H. - 15th A.D.). During the reign of Imam / Nasser bin Murshid Al Ya'arubi, he was able to conquer and expel the Portuguese from this castle. Sohar castle remained as administration Centre for the ruling Al Busaid dynasty. The Ministry restored the Fort in 1985 and used it as a museum in 1993.
Nizwa Fort, (A Dhakiliyah ) built by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Ya'arubi in 1668, is the biggest fort in the Arabian Peninsula with an exterior diameter of its circular structure of 150 feet, and over 115 feet high. The fort was once used as the Imam's headquarters and is a stronghold designed to withstand some of the most aggressive sieges. The traditional doors are inches deep and over the lintel of each is a hole through which boiling oil could be poured over the marauding enemies.
One of the oldest castles in Welayat Badiya. Built during the reign of Imam / A'zzan bin Qais Al Busaid ( 1285 A.H. - 1868 ) and was used in the past as a center for the Welayat. The Ministry restored it in 1989.
Located in Hamasa town in Welayat Buraimi. It was called ( Al Khandaq ) because of the ditch surrounding it . It is a square shape building with four circular towers and a main gate surrounded by high fences . The Ministry restored it in 1994.
Located opposite to the seacoast in Welayat Khasab in the north of Oman. It consists of four buildings surrounded by a wall and it was built in the sixth century A.D. The Ministry restored it in 1989.
One of Oman's most famous forts standing at the entrance to Muscat bay. Mirani, which was built before the arrival of the Portuguese, was originally shaped like a tower. Then in 1588 the Portuguese rebuilt it on the ruins of its old structure, adding emplacements, stores, living quarters for the commander and a place of worship. The building was enlarged to its present size in the reign of Imam Ahmed bin Said, the founder of the Al Busaidi state in the 18th century, and his grandson Sayyid Said bin Sultan, at the beginning of the 19th century.
Tha construction of Bayt an Naman is among the many achievements of the political and economic resistance that took place in Oman
under the Ya'aruba Imams (1623-1741 CE).Serving as a residential and a resthouse for distinguished travellers,this country stronghold continued to be used until a few decades ago.
under the Ya'aruba Imams (1623-1741 CE).Serving as a residential and a resthouse for distinguished travellers,this country stronghold continued to be used until a few decades ago.
The castle at Bilad Sur known for it's unusual tower is sorrounded by lush groves of date palm.Strategically positioned inland from the sea to protect against raiding tribes from the interior ,the fort is part of a comprehensive network of regional defense that originally comprised five fortresses and numerous watchtowers.
The 17th century bastion of Bayt ar Ridaydah is located approximately 24 kilometers from Nizwa at the beginning of Wadi Muaydin.Combining the traditional elements of defensive and vernacular archictecture ,it's thick turreted perimeter walls of mud brick belie an elegant interior featuring poly lobate arches,painted ceilings and elaborate plasterwork.
The stronghold at Ras al Hadd holds sway over a sandy spit of flat,coastal land that marks the easternmost corner of the Arabian Peninsula.As a site of early settlement and landfall for ancient seafarers ,the headland is a focus of attention for archaelogists.It is also an important nesting ground for thousands sea turtles.
Located west of Barka on the Gulf of Oman,As Suwayq Castle is distinguished by three round corner towers,the fourth corner being occupied by a square keep in the style of pre-cannon architecture.In the early 1800's the castle was famously defended by the wife of the Wali of Suwayq.
Ibri is one of the oldest inhabited areas in Oman.Ibri Castle, a remnant of the original walled city,is a robust structure built to withstand time and a harsh environment.Within it's perimeter walls is the Friday Mosque,beautifully restored,which continues to be used by townspeople to this day.
The coastal community of Qurayyat is located 80 km from the Capital Area at the terminus of a spectacular mountain drive.Just inland from the sea,Qurayyat Castle protects the town centre and sorrounding palm plantations.A unique triangular watchtower perched atop a small rocky islet,stands guard over the harbour area.
The old incense port of Mirbat is remarkable being the site of one of the last battles in the world involving conventional attack and defense of a fortress.The well -documented and fiercely fought battle at Mirbat Castle was a milestone in the Dhofar insurrection of mid-1970's,and is credited with saving both the port and the town.
Nestled at the heart of a coastal Dhofari town famed for it's pottery , silverwork and other artisanal industries, it should come as no surprise that Taqah Castle has an artistry all it's own.The castle's numerous shuttered windows are particularly distinctive, being fitted with latticed wooden screens and keyhole-shaped arches.
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