Links

oman7

مجلة نزوى

Global Treasures

Nizwa, Oman

Nizwa, the religious centre of the Omans, has a moving past.Until the 12th century it was the capital of the Desert State of Oman.

It contains a massive fortress of which the architecture is captivating, an impressive, castle-like structure that was built on the orders of Sultan, Bin Saif Al Yarooba, in 1660.

Nizwa’s picturesque markets offer a large variety of goods and the city is the centre of the country’s silver trade.In addition to shops that sell traditional crafts and general goods, many fruit and vegetable traders offer their products for sale in the restored Souk.The majority of the goods come from the surrounding oasis plantations.Close to the restored quarter, the old town has managed to retain its charm, and it’s here that time seems to stand still as the hustle and bustle of the marketplace is reminiscent of a bygone time.

From the battlements of the fortress, there’s a marvelous view across the magnificent mountain terrain of Oman’s interior and the city’s minaret.In the Sufala district, close to the monumental castle, is the Sultan Qaboos Mosque.As it towers into the sky, the shining tip of the Friday’s Mosque is a reminder of the city’s former prosperity.

The religious, economic and cultural centre of Oman, Nizwa provides a fascinating and exotic impression of the past.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations.Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage.Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Nizwa Fort

Photobucket - Video and Image HostingNizwa is definitely a must stop for all those who are travelling to Oman. Not only the city itself has a great fort and bustling souqs but the surrounding area of Nizwa is just amazing. I personally think three days are not enough. I must come here again.

Nizwa was the traditional capital of Oman. Its strategic location being the meeting point from Muscat to Dhofar and also the meeting point for the Bedouins fromthe surrounding sand makes it an ideal point of trading.

The main attraction in Nizwa is the humungus fort. It is afterall the biggest fort in the whole of Arabia Peninsula. The main tower measures at 50m in diameter. Built in the 17th century, it took 12 years to have it complete. The walls are rounded and robust, designed to withstand fierce barrages of mortar fire — a common feature of warfare in those times.

Nizwa architecture and defense strategy are fantastic. It reflects the military engineering prowess of fort-builders of a bygone time. To go up the the fort one has to access a narrow steep set of stairs which has many doors in between. 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. Those who did manage to run the gauntlet of hurdles risked being scalded by boiling oil or water that was poured through shafts (called machicolations), which opened directly above each set of doors. Date syrup, a liquid that oozed from bags of dates stored in special date cellars, also came in handy as an alternative to oil and water.

According to historians, a great deal of ingenuity went into the design of the citadel. It was built above a subterranean stream that ensured a perennial supply of water when subjected to a prolonged siege. Several water wells located within the fortified compound also ensured plentiful supplies. Underground cellars stockpiled food and munitions.

Nizwa fort was the primary seat of the imamate, serving as a combination palace, seat of government and prison and holding sway over the country's coasts. One can get a great view of this small city, nestled among date palm plantations, from the fort's tower. In the back of the fort is a garden and its falaj irrigation system, a method locally developed and used in southeast Arabia since the Iron Age, around 3000 years ago.

Welcome 2 Nizwa

Nizwa is an important area, with outstanding Islamic architecture located in the interior of Oman, some 180Kms from Muscat. A well developed city, it has a long history of scholarship and learning, housing many institutes for higher education. Nizwa is the gateway to the Sultanate's delightful interior region. The dramatic Jabal Akhdar mountain range, tiny mountain villages and impressive fortresses offer endless scope for adventures and culture-vultures alike. Nizwa itself has some surprises for those who take the time. Before we elaborate on Nizwa as one of the major cities in Oman, we will shed light on the city's position as an academic centre. Nizwa as a City of Knowledge : Omanis gave Nizwa the nickname 'Centre of Islam' because it was the historical residence for several schools of Islamic jurisprudence. Muslim scholars residing in the city were actively engaged in studying and writing on all aspects of Islam and many imminent scholars graduated from its institute.Nizwa was among the first Omanis cities to embrace Islam. Thus one finds mosques of a mixed blend of old and modernized architecture. Nizwa the city of Fortresses :- Nizwa is famous for its historic fortress which was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif (1649 – 1668 AD). The building process itself was said to take over 12years. The fortress included fortified towers with some areas for praying and administration, as well as seven potable water wells.The city has several other fortresses; Tanuf fortress, surrounded by three giant towers, is at the foot of Al-jebel Al Akdhar. Al Raaida fortress, on the other hand, has a strategic location, giving access to the valley leading towards Al-Jebel Al-Akhdar. This particular fortress was built by Immam Ahmed bin Said and his son Hilal. Other Features of Nizwa : Nizwa is famous for the manufacture of Omani halwa (local sweets). Perhaps the availability of red sugar in the city has been a catalyst in this regard. Nizwa is also renowned for its tanning and leather-work. In addition, the city has a handful of other crafts such as manufacturing gold and silver ornaments, swords and other traditional handiwork. Pots of Magic :Magic and mystery still surround the ancient walled-town of Bahla. Stories abound of people bewitched and turned into animals or enslaved. "Touch the walls of Bahla and your luck will change", an old saying goes - so you may first want to decide whether it would be for better, or for worse. Bahla is traditionally the pottery capital of Oman. Hidden in the winding back streets, beehive shaped-kilns are stacked high with clay pots ready for firing. Since Imam Mohammed bin Abi-Affan established Nizwa as a capital in 793 AD, Omani imams preffered the city over other candidates for the position of political capital of the nation. The Officials in charge thought that Nizwa was better fortified and safer as their administrative base and it thus become the seat of the Imam, who would thereafter remain in the city, only departing from it for urgent reasons. During the reign Imam Ghassan, Nizwa was locally reffered to as the ‘Centre of Islam’.

Nizwa City

The oasis city of Nizwa, the largest in the interior province, was the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries. Today it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions with its historical buildings and imposing fort built in the mid 17th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'ribi, The town's immense palm oasis stretches for eight kilometers along the course of two wadis. It is famous for its bustling souq where tourists can buy exquisite copper and silver jewellery and other craft items.

Nizwa is located in the heart of Oman about 165 km from Muscat the capital city. Driving is about an hour and a half, the road pass through many Wilayats like Bidbid, Samail, and Izki. The interior climate is cold in the winter from November until March. So many things attract Nizwa visitor ranging from ancient civilization remarks to modern entertainment facilities. Water falls of Tanuf are inspiring and the magnificent Nizwa Fort is a wonder on its own. Paved roads and facilities will take you smoothly to every single village in Nizwa. Many Taxis or local bus transportation services are also available for those who can not drive. Tours also organized by many tour operators. Nizwa Hotel and Falaj Daris hotel are affordable places for relaxation and enjoyment.

Nizwa old and new souqs (markets) provide the visitor with all his or her needs with many choices to select from, whether you are seeking an old Omani khanjar or a slice of pizza. The Rocky Mountains "Jebal alHajar" are Nizwa background, from there you get to visit Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar and Al-Misfat (>3000m above sea level), Oman most spectacular areas. Up in the mountains, calm summers provide the visitor with a unique fresh air surrounded by breathtaking stones, natural architecture and temperate-zone trees and shrubs. Besides, there are the palm oasis on Wadi (valley) Kalbouh and Al Abiadh from Birkat Almouz to Tanuf, just something you will always feel in need to visit again and again. Falaj Daris is the life maintainer of Nizwa gardens and the water supplier for all domestic purposes. Parks equiped with childern playgrounds are many in the town and outside for all levels and ages. People of Nizwa are friendly, just like all Omanis, they will guide you happily and show you everything that you feel you want to see. Take my word, It is an experience that you will never find anywhere else.

WHERE TO GO FROM NIZWA:

You may consider Tanuf. Waterfalls in Tanuf are unique to the area within the steep mountain sides and the water reservoir, you may want to spend a picnic day. All facilities are available and I am sure you will enjoy it there. From there you can go to Al-Hamra. Wilayat Al-Hamra is another tourist attractive town that you do not want to miss when you visit the interior. Towers and ancient forts are scattered in every village and farms all around with a countryside life style. Two major locations are of great interest to all Al-Hamra visitors, these are Al-Mesfah and Jabal Shams. You need a 4-Wheel drive to climb 3000m above sea level for a different type of climate and a totally new and non-spoiled regions. Al-Hamra old market worth the visit plus other parks and tourist attractions. You may also want to head to the villages of Al-Qala'a, Al-Qaryah or Al-Aredh. All neat locations that observe the Omani traditions. From Nizwa you can go to Bahla where Oman ancient potry is still alive.

You may never have a chance to meet agriculture and settled traditional type of society as the one you will experience in the Interior of Oman. Words are just not enough to describe everything, it is something you must see to believe in