Wadi bani Habib is an architectural wonder
Published: 11:02 AM,Feb 15,2022 | EDITED : 10:02 AM,Feb 15,2022
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Architectural patterns express the cultural details of a country and society. Omani lanes (Harat) that were built centuries ago hold importance for their distinguished way of making. These lanes are built of mud, stones and plaster, and the designs of their doors and windows vary in bright colours that make them exceptionally aesthetic.
This architectural distinction has contributed to making the lanes a destination for tourists and those interested in discovering the secrets of the Omani architectural heritage.
The village of Wadi Bani Habib, located on the slopes of Jabal Al Akhdar, is an example of the Omani architectural style. A visitor to this mountain village can discover the skills of the Omanis in architectural design. The main entrances, rooms, halls and kitchens have a natural ventilation system. Overall it proves the originality of the Omani designs and observance of climatic conditions and the prevailing social and cultural settings of the time.
Although these lanes are now quiet, one can benefit from such creative designs by merging the old style with the modern style.
"Among the things that must be observed while visiting these archaeological sites is to look at the designs of wooden doors and windows. They still retain the carvings and decorations, as the doors have a special place in the Omani culture.
The doors of some educated families were adorned with Quranic verses, literary and poetic expressions.
According to official statistics, these structures are more than one thousand years old and found mainly in the wilayats of Nizwa and Al Hamra.
"This is an indicator that the competent authorities must support in order to enrich eco-tourism in the Sultanate of Oman and revitalise the tourism economy at the same time," an Omani investor told the Observer.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY YAHYA ALSALMANI
This architectural distinction has contributed to making the lanes a destination for tourists and those interested in discovering the secrets of the Omani architectural heritage.
The village of Wadi Bani Habib, located on the slopes of Jabal Al Akhdar, is an example of the Omani architectural style. A visitor to this mountain village can discover the skills of the Omanis in architectural design. The main entrances, rooms, halls and kitchens have a natural ventilation system. Overall it proves the originality of the Omani designs and observance of climatic conditions and the prevailing social and cultural settings of the time.
Although these lanes are now quiet, one can benefit from such creative designs by merging the old style with the modern style.
"Among the things that must be observed while visiting these archaeological sites is to look at the designs of wooden doors and windows. They still retain the carvings and decorations, as the doors have a special place in the Omani culture.
The doors of some educated families were adorned with Quranic verses, literary and poetic expressions.
According to official statistics, these structures are more than one thousand years old and found mainly in the wilayats of Nizwa and Al Hamra.
"This is an indicator that the competent authorities must support in order to enrich eco-tourism in the Sultanate of Oman and revitalise the tourism economy at the same time," an Omani investor told the Observer.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY YAHYA ALSALMANI