Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
clear sky
weather
OMAN
25°C / 25°C
EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Muttrah... pride of Omani trade legacy

557357
557357
minus
plus

Wilayat of Muttrah is considered amongst the most important six wilayats in Muscat Governorate, on account of its ancient historic and cultural standing.  


Wilayat of Muttrah, one of the most important six wilayats in Muscat Governorate, is the centre of trade and business, with its port and commercial district. The harbour, is now the centre of an integrated tourism project. The word Muttrah (which means a place to throw something down) comes from the presence of a natural harbour where ships can drop anchor.


Another interpretation of the name is a place to “unload or put down goods or merchandise.” The Wilayat of Muttrah is located at the north-east of the Sultanate as it overlooks the Sea of Oman. Muttrah encompasses nine wilayats which are Muttrah, Darsait, Wadi al Kabir, Al Wattayah, Ruwi, Wadi Adai, Aint, Al Qurum and Saih al Maleh.


It was Oman’s ancient trading port and from its souq goods were moved to other souqs across the Sultanate. It is said that it was once also a fertile area with date palms and other trees, watered by aflaj and wells. These sources also supplied water to citizens and foreign ships.


Muttrah Castle


Muttrah fort, known popularly as Koot Muttrah, is one of the most prominent of the 13 forts scattered throughout the wilayat. It has six towers, built under the Portuguese rule after 1578. It was the seat of government during the rule of Sultan Said bin Sultan al Busaidy as it sits on the mountain overlooking the Muttrah coast. Amongst the other forts are: Al Rouja, Mattirah Al Fanateef, Jebel Kalbou, Luzum, Hukum, Al Reeh, Sanjouri, Al Gharifa, Bahwar, Beit Falaj and Shaji’aia.


Ancient walls


The most notable walls in this wilayat runs from the southern to the northern mountain. It is regarded as Muscat’s first gate from the northern side.


It was built to regulate access to the capital. Sur Al Lawati, Sur Muttrah Al Qadim (Old Muttrah), and Sur Jabarou are other walls.


Souq


Muttrah souq is one of the oldest markets. similar to heritage markets in Iran, Morocco and Turkey. The souq offers different commodities and traditional handicrafts and ornaments made of silver and gold.


The Muttrah Sea Road which winds its way to 200-year-old Al Ilam Palace, attracts tourists and residents.


It is an amazing place for walking, riding, cycling and a perfect spot for fishing for fun. At the end of the Sea Road, one can find National Museum and the Al Ilam palace. The palace was built by Imam Sultan bin Ahmed. The existing palace, which has a facade of gold and blue, was rebuilt as a royal residence in 1972. Visitors are not allowed inside the palace, though they are permitted to stop near the gates and take photographs. Al Ilam Palace is surrounded by the Mirani and Jalali Forts built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. The Palace is used for official functions and receiving heads of state.


National Museum


The National Museum of Oman, established in 2013, is the Sultanate’s flagship cultural institution, showcasing the nation’s heritage from the earliest human settlement in the Oman Peninsula some two million years ago through to the present day. It is the first museum in the Middle East to adopt Arabic Braille script for the blind. It also houses the region’s first open-plan museum storage concept, where visitors can learn about the various processes that artifacts go through before they are put on display.


SHARE ARTICLE
arrow up
home icon