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

Down the memory lane

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The castle was said to be built before the advent of Islam in Oman, probably in the third millennium BC. It’s deeply entrenched in Oman’s history and was built for defence purposes to protect the city from any external attack  


Mazin Shaikhan Al Shukaili -


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Bahla Fort is one of the most important forts in Oman and was included in the World Heritage List of Unesco in 1987. The monument, also one of the oldest forts in the Gulf, is surrounded of palm trees, the traditional Bahla Souq, old lanes and ancient mosques. The whole castle is protected by a large wall that is 13 km long.


The castle was said to be built before the advent of Islam in Oman, probably in the third millennium BC. It’s deeply entrenched in Oman’s history and was built for defence purposes to protect the city from any external attack due to its significant location.


The fort played a great role in expulsion of the Portuguese rule during their occupation of the country.


The fort is situated in the centre of Bahla on the way to Nizwa and is easily visible for anyone travelling on that route. It is an architectural masterpiece situated at an elevated place


with the souq and traditional houses at its footsteps.


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Bahla Fort attracts tourists from all over the world and it is important for visitors who would like to keep a tab on historical monuments.

As part of its tourism promotion efforts, the government seeks to promote historical places in Oman through traditional media like the TV and in social networks.


According to Khalfan al Wardi, “Oman has lots of archaeological and historical sites, such as Bahla Fort, the oldest fort in Oman and GCC, for which we are very proud of our forefathers. We have to maintain that legacy.”


Mohammed al Shukaili feels, “Bahla was the capital of Oman in the past and that’s the reason the fort was built to protect the people who occupied the wilayat.”


The strategic location had made Oman vulnerable to occupation from the Portuguese and the Iranians, but Omani people were protected from such external incursions because of its forts sand castles like the Bahla Fort, said Salim al Abri


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