Samayil in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is dotted with historically important sites. Having played a The wilayat which dates back to the pre-Islamic era, has more than its fair share of stories to tell from its glorious past.
Among the many notable attractions are Bait Al Sarooj, which is located in the village of Al Khubar (4 km from the centre of the Wilayat) on a mountainous plateau overlooking Wadi Samayil. It is surrounded by an agricultural oasis that includes various local trees. The construction of this building was begun by Shaikh Ali bin Jaber al Jabri. After his departure to Zanzibar, his son Shaikh Saud bin Ali al Jabri completed its construction in 1694. Due to the heritage and historical importance of these monuments, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism restored it in 1990. Bait Al Sarooj was also called Bait al Khubar and Bait al Jabri. The building got its present name from the red clay with which it was made of.
Bail Al Sarooj consists of two defensive towers. It includes 15 rooms and there are also several hoardings like in ancient forts and castles, which had slats or slots to allow defenders to drop hot liquids and projectiles on besiegers.
The building also has a well, storerooms for keeping food, gunpowder and watchtowers. Bait Al Sarooj contains two large doors that were imported from Zanzibar. On the top of each of them, there are slots for pouring hot liquids on invaders. The house also includes corridors, large arches and a strategic tower in the western corner overlooking the wadi of Samayil.
This historic site attracts a lot of tourists who are eager to discover Omani history and the ancient architecture of the Sultanate.
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