Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Al Beit Al Gharbi — a tourist and cultural destination

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AL RUSTAQ: Al Beit Al Gharbi in the village of Qasra in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq, the Governorate of South Al Batinah, is a tourist and cultural destination of the wilayat. Zakiya bint Nasser al Lamkiya, Founder of Al Beit Al Gharbi, has been able to transform her old family’s house into an ancient museum that contains many historical artifacts that were part of the tools of Oman. She has made great efforts to show case the house into a tourist and archaeological landmark in the wilayat.


She said: “The idea of creating an archaeological house came through my passion for the past, its components and details, and of my keenness to preserve the archaeological components left by our ancestors. The idea began two years back when I visited our house, abandoned several parts and some of it collapsed, including the ceilings. At that time, the idea came to my mind to turn the house into an archaeological one and fill it with old possessions. I restored the house to the best of my ability, and worked to develop archaeological holdings with the help of parents, neighbours and citizens of the wilayat to become ready to receive visitors.”


She says: “The house contains many antique collections, such as old books, coins, cooking utensils and old utensils, such as coffee cup and food utensils, handicrafts of all kinds, and tools for women’s decoration, such as perfume, incense and objects like silverware, bracelets, old mattresses, pottery, Omani Mandoos (boxes) and old bags.”

She added that Al Beit Al Gharbi has become a significant presence in exhibitions, events and tourism and cultural events held in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq and the Governorate of South Al Batinah.


Ali bin Abbas al Ajmi, Director of Tourism Department in the Governorate of South Al Batinah, says: “Al Beit Al Gharbi has become a tourist and cultural destination for visitors not only from within the Sultanate but also from abroad. It is located in the centre of the wilayat and is about two kilometres away from Al Rustaq Castle.


“The house participated in a number of tourist events organised by the Department of Tourism in South Al Batinah, and impressed all the visitors who came to the wilayat for its archaeological contents that reflect the old Omani life.” He encourages citizens of the governorate to establish such houses due to their role in preserving the heritage of Oman, especially the recently held World Tourism Conference which focused on the importance of preserving heritage. — ONA


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