Provinz Süd-Batinah

In addition to the Nakhal Fort, there is the Janah fort, which is located in the Al-Alaya area, close to the Janah Mosque. There are also a number of other castles in the villages of Al Abyad, Al Too, Halyan and Wadi Mestel. As for the forts, there is the “Al-Musawar” fort at the Al-Ghurabi area in the Wilayat of Nakhal, and the “Al-Qurain” fort in the Al-Sa’ba Al-Kubra region. The wilayat has a number of towers, the most famous of which are Akum and Al Tabtoub. There are four prominent archaeological mosques: Al-Gharad, Al-Makbar, Al-Ala and Al-Sarir. There are many tourist areas in Wadi Mestal, the most famous of which are: Al-Qura, Hadash, Al-Hajar, Al-Khadra, Al-Uqaybah and Al-Khadad. All these sites thrive on agricultural products, including: pomegranate, peach, grape, apricot, nuts and quince. Wadi Abyad is also a beautiful tourist site because of its abundance of water and natural parks on both sides of the valley.

It is one of the wilayats of the Governorate of Al Batinah South. It is bordered to the north by the Wilayat of Al-Mussanah, to the south by the Wilayat of Al-Seeb in the Governorate of Muscat, while on the east it overlooks the Sea of Oman, and to the west it is bordered by the wilayats of Nakhal and Wadi Al-Ma’awil. It is about 84 km away from the capital, Muscat. The Sawadi Islands is the symbol of the Wilayat of Barka. It has many monuments, towers, forts and fences, the most famous of which is the fortress of the wilayat called Bait Al-Fulaij and built by Al Sayyid Sultan bin Ahmed, which was the seat of rule, taking a position on the coast attached to the market In the Al-Sawadi area there is a tourist peninsula, which is characterized by the beauty of its beaches and its scenic views. The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and the Environment has provided the place with a number of umbrellas, rest houses and planted trees that added more beauty to the wonderful tourist site in the Wilayat of Barka. There are also two tourist islands belonging to the wilayat: Al-Damaniyat and Al-Joun, which are characterized by the abundance of sea birds and turtles. As for the Al Naseem Amusement Park for children, and the various playgrounds, they give the region a splendour and beauty.

The Wilayat of Al-Rustaq is considered the centre of the governorate and contains many different monuments such as the archaeological landmark Al-Huqain Fort, whose construction dates back to the year 1722 AD and is characterized by its clay construction. There are also several small forts in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq, most notably are Al-Ghaith, Al-Wasil, Al-Wusta, Al-Lamki, Al-Sharq, Al-Sabara and Al-Kasfah forts. In addition to that, there are 22 towers, the most important of which are Al-Sayeghi, Daris, Al-Hajer, Al-Aali, Huwail, Al-Majaz, Ar’ar, Al-Saidi, Al-Kahf, Sanaa, Al-Muheeb, Al-Kabil, and Al-Kasfah towers. Among the most prominent archaeological mosques is the Bayada mosque, which is located on the ground floor of Al-Rustaq fort, from which many Islamic scholars and scholars from Oman have graduated. The Wilayat of Rustaq is not only full of historical monuments and landmarks, it is also distinguished by a number of important tourist sites. An example is Ayn al-Hout, a water pool about 60 cm wide located in Wadi Bani Ouf. Another spring in the Wilayat of Rustaq is Ayn al-Khadra, a water pool located in Wadi Al-Sahtan surrounded by trees and palm trees. Another example is Ayn al-Zarqa in the Niyabat of Al Huqain. The Wilayat of Al Rustaq has also a number of waterfalls, some of which are in the Niyabat of Al Huqain and others in Wadi Al-Sahtan. Among the valleys that can be considered beautiful tourist sites in the wilayat are three: Wadi Bani Ghafir, Al-Sahtan and Wadi Bani Ouf. The number of falajs in the wilayat reaches about 200 falajs, the most prominent of which are: Al-Sayeghi, Al-Hamam, Al Ta’ni, Al Kamil, Al-Tayyar, and Abu Tha’lab falajs. There is also a group of caves in which the water runs, the most important of which is the Al-Sankaha cave. One of the most important dams in the wilayat is the dam of Wadi al-Fari.

The wilayat has a number of monuments, such as forts, towers, and historical old houses. For example, there are the forts of Al-Awabi, Al-Rutmi and Al-Salawat, the towers of Al-Sad and Al-Najour towers, and the houses of Al-Saroj, Al-Misfah, and Al-Wilaijah. Among its tourist attractions are: the “Alya” area, which is characterized by stunning landscapes of tall trees and high mountains, the “Aja” area, in which huge rocks form a number of paths and caves, with inscriptions spread over its walls, and the “Subikhah” area with its high mountains and green trees.

It is a wilayat in the Al Batinah South Governorate in the Al Batinah region in the northern part of the Sultanate of Oman and is famous for industry and agriculture. It includes within its territory several villages, the most important of which are Badi’a and Al- Mussanah (Hillat Al-Souk), Al- Mussanah (Hillat Al-Hosn), Al-Shuaiba, Shars Al-Hadadba, Shars Al-Braik, Al-Musain'a, Al-Mughasser, Abu Abali Al-Sahel, Burj Al Khamis, Al-Owaid, Wadi Al-Ais, Al-Qarat, Wudam Al-Ghaff, Wudam Al-Sahel, Al-Malada, Al-Qarihat. It is bordered to the west by the Wilayat of Suwaiq, to the east by the Wilayat of Barka, and to the south by the Wilayat of Rustaq. Al-Mussanah is a coastal town, as it has a long and beautiful beach. The ancient Omani villages are scattered on the sands. Most of the residents of these coastal villages work in fishing. It includes a number of forts, castles and fences, a total of 15, the most important of which are the Wilayat’ and Al Malada forts.

The wilayat includes a number of castles, forts, and towers, the most important of which is Al-Safala castle, located in the village of Avi, which the wilayat took as its emblem. There is another castle in the town of “Muslimat”. It has fort such as Beit Mat’ma, Al-Alaya, Al-Khandaq and Habra. It also has seven towers including Al-Hajrah, Al-Owainah, Shams, Zaher, Al-Ayoun and Al-Lajal. As for the falajs, there are 22 falajs distributed throughout the wilayat, the most important of which are Al-Hadith, Al-Washhi, Abu Halfa, Al-Zourdi in addition to Ayn al-Shelly in the town of “Avi”.

Traditional Markets

In spite of the development and progress achieved by Omani society in all aspects of life, the preservation of the Omani heritage is a fundamental pillar of the modern state and a distinctive feature of the Omani society. Heritage is an essential element in the formation of national identity. Despite the tremendous development of tools and means of production. Omani crafts include: Ship (Dhow) Building Oman's connection with the sea stretches back many centuries when Omani sailors using mast and sail, pioneered sea routes to the cities of the ancient world. Favorable factors were Oman's position at the crossroads of shipping routes which linked the Arabian Gulf to India, the Red Sea and East Africa and her knowledge of shipbuilding. Oman became the first non-European country to extend its influence to Africa where it remained for hundreds of years, due mainly to her ships/dhows. Oman was an important maritime and political power who established relations with China, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and the United States of America. Throughout its long history, Oman's navy has played a key role in the country's economic success, both in providing the instrument for internal and external trade and in underpinning fishing and pearling activities. The Omani warship "The Sultana" which anchored in New York harbour in 1840, bearing gifts from Sultan Said bin Sultan to the American President, was a symbol of the greatness of the Omani fleet at that time. In Oman two techniques are used in shipbuilding. In the first, timbers are laid side-by-side and pierced at intervals with a fine hand drill. The timbers are then bound together through these holes by means of rope made of coconut fibre and the holes covered with a mixture of fibre or raw cotton soaked in fish, coconut or sesame oil. Arab geographers such as Al Idrissi and Ibn Jubair believed that boats bound with fibres and with flat hulls were safer than those fitted together with rigid iron nails because if they ran onto rocks or came into contact with another hull, they were more flexible. In the second method, nails are used and in essence this is the same technique as used in other countries of the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea. The main type of wood used for the hull and keel is teak which is imported from India. The ribs are made from locally available woods such as qart, sidr and sarar. The tools used in a ship's construction are simple and basic such as the hammer, saw, awl, bow drill, chisel, plane and calking iron. The principal shipbuilding yards in Oman were Sur, Mutrah and Shinas. Omani ships, which can last for 60-100 years, are distinguished by their variety of types although some are no longer made. The largest type was the ocean-going cargo vessel, the baghlah with a length of 135 feet and a load capacity of 150-400 tonnes which could be distinguished by its high poop deck and quarter galleries, its transom stern being pierced by five window apertures and often elaborately carved. The ghanjail was very similar to the baghlah, and is considered by many Omanis to be the most beautiful of the large dhows.The sambuuq used to be one of the most commonly seen Arab vessels: its distinguishing features are the low, curved, scimitar-shaped stem piece and high square stern which lacks a quarter gallery. The word sambuaq used to denote the sewn boats of the Dhofari coast, and may therefore be a term of great antiquity. The government is keen to encourage the maritime tourist industry, in restoring old ships, increasing the use of large vessels/dhows for sea fishing, and also the building of small models of Omani ships for decorative purposes and for i participating in exhibitions. HALWA Omani halwa (sweet) is famous at home and abroad as a symbol of traditional Omani hospitality. It is usually served in Omani homes before drinking Arabic coffee. The main ingredients which go into the making of halwa are: starch, eggs, sugar, water, ghee, saffron, cardamom, nuts and rose water from the Jebel al Akdhar. The ingredients are mixed, in proportions and quantities known only to the skilled halwamaker, and cooked in a mirjnl (large cooking pot used especially for halwa) for a time of not less than 2 hours. The cooking can be done over a gas or electric stove, but the preferred method is over a wood fire made up of snmr wood, known for its durability, smoke and odourfree properties. After cooking, the halwa can be preserved for more than four months without losing its quality, and without the need for refrigeration or preserving agents. Halwa is usually served in a dist, a large earthenware bowl, which can vary in size and composition according to demand or type of occasion. The list can also be made of metal or plastic. Halwa is invariably served at times of joy or sorrow and, on religious occasions and festivals. It graces the tables of every Omani home. Palm leave products The Palm leave products depends on palm trees. There are Al Khaws (palm leaves), the Zawr (palm branches stripped of their leaves), the palm trunk and the fibre. For example, mats(rugs) are made of the two plants called Al Ghadf and Al Rusul which grow on the valley banks where there is an abundance of water. Governorate of Musandamis renowned for its palm leaf industries, such as utensils (Al Surood and Al Makba) which are made from palm leaves. Al Surood is a mat-shaped tray known as Sama, used with food to protect it from insects, while Al Makba fulfils the same purpose. Daggers and Swords A normal or hooked dagger is the most important component of the Omani dress. Omanis are keen to acquire daggers and appear wearing them at official events, national celebrations and weddings. Due to the succession of this social custom from one generation to another, the dagger-making industry has survived the passage of time, albeit with modern improvements. The Omani dagger is an authentic heritage the present generation is keen to pass on to their children. The dagger is also a symbol of manhood and pride among Omani men, who wear it on their leather belts over the dishdashah (long outer garment). Its front section is made of small connected silver pieces, or it may be elegantly embroidered with silver or gold threads. A dagger’s price is determined by the raw material it is made of, usually iron, silver or gold. Although silver daggers are the most common, especially for making the dagger handle, the blade case too determines a dagger’s price. There is the giraffe case, which is the most expensive because it has been banned, and cases made of buffalo skin, sandalwood, and the bitter orange tree. Silver wares The silver industry occupies a key place in the history of Oman. Omani silver jewellery is characterised by a rich sense of the aesthetic and reflects the unique taste of the country’s authentic art, deeply rooted in its history. Silver in Omani society is reflective of its rich social and religious symbols. The Omani dress, whether that of women or men, is never complete without silver jewellery that adds to its beauty, especially apparent in the Omani khanjar (dagger). The Pottery The art of pottery-making is an inherent and distinct testimony to the world’s civilisations as it reflects the extent of their development and advancement. Though pottery-making is one of the simplest forms of art because of its primitive nature, it is in fact, one of the most difficult trades because it involves a form of art. Pottery-making in Oman is considered an ancient industry. The reason it has attracted much interest can be attributed to the multitude of its uses in Omanis’ daily lives. Bahla in A'Dhahirah Governorate is the most famous town for pottery-making in Oman. Pottery is of many kinds and shapes, and its uses and manufacturing materials vary. The pots known as jihal are used for keeping water, the red pots with a thick layer known as khuroos are used for keeping water and dates, the small ones are for keeping honey and grease and the pots known as brams are used as cooking utensils. Pottery is also made as coffee pots and thermoses. Clay is the main component of Pottery and is widely available in Bahla in A'Dhahirah Governorate, where the soil is rich in clay.

Forts and Castles

Aflaj

Caves and Nature Reserves

Hotels and Resorts

Islands and Bays

Beaches

Museums