Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Beauty abounds

Bandar-al-Rowdha---1-4-2009
Bandar-al-Rowdha---1-4-2009
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Muscat is reputed for its old towers, forts, markets and archaeological doors and houses.


Wilayat of Muscat, one of the oldest cities in the Arab world, overlooks Sea of Oman through a long mountainous series extending from Bander Naji that adjoins Wilayat of Muttrah from north-west.


Muscat consists of Sidab, Haramel, Al Bustan, Al Jissah, Qantab, Yeti, Yankhat, Saifat al Shaikh, Al Khairan and Al Sifah.


These villages entice many visitors who delightfully enjoy their pure and bluish waters.


Muscat, whose history dates back to pre-Islam era, is well-known for its historic and archaeological sites.


Muscat is reputed for its old towers, forts, markets and archaeological doors and houses. The old houses include Bait al Sayyid Nadir, Bait al Sayyid Abbas bin Faisal, Bait al Zawawi and Bait al Zubair.


The most known forts are Al Jalali and Al Mirani that were entirely restored during the blessed renaissance.


The Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts were built during the Portuguese colonial rule of Oman in 1507.


They are situated on either side of a palace giving a fortified appearance to Muscat harbour.


The forts are examples of traditional architecture as Al Jalali, especially, is bedecked with traditional doors, rugs and pottery.


Both Al Jalali and Al Mirani have ancient war memorabilia such as armour and weapons on display.


Their strategic position on a mountain overlooking the harbour gives tourists commanding views of the city.


Al Alam Palace is considered one of the ancient palaces in Oman.


It was named Bait Al Alam in seventies as it was considered a historic house rather than a palace.


It was rebuilt during the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.


With its funnel-like gold and blue pillars and lone flagpole extending like an antenna from its flat roof, Al Alam Palace is one of Oman’s most striking examples of contemporary Islamic architecture.


The palace, built in 1972, is set between the Mirani and Jalali forts along the coast of Muscat’s old town.


Over the years, the ceremonial palace has received a number of heads of state and has hosted a number of official functions and ceremonies.


Although the palatial buildings are closed to the public, visitors can still enjoy views of Imam Sultan bin Ahmed’s masterpiece from the surrounding palace gardens.


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