Muscat: Calls are being made to restore old houses in Al Hamra, and there are significant efforts being made by locals and community organisations to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the country.
This commitment to safeguard heritage and promote cultural tourism is evident in the initiatives taken by individuals and homeowners in the old neighbourhoods. These individuals understand the importance of preserving their cultural identity and the historical value of their homes, leading them to invest their own resources, time and effort into restoring and maintaining these properties.
Hamad al Abri, a homeowner in the Western Harat of Al Hamra, shared his experience.
He owns three houses in the area, and when these houses started to deteriorate, he realised the need to take action before they collapsed. Due to financial constraints, he could only afford to restore one of the houses at the moment. He plans to save more money to restore the other two, as the restoration process can be costly.
Al Abri emphasised that individuals restoring their own homes in the absence of government attention demonstrates a strong sense of personal responsibility and pride in their heritage. Their actions contribute to the overall preservation of the neighbourhood and serve as an inspiration for others to do the same.
He expressed his concern about the deteriorating condition of houses in the old Harat, stating that it not only creates an unpleasant view, but also represents a loss of an important cultural element in the country. However, tourists visiting the area are amazed by the efforts made by some locals to transform their homes into masterpieces that blend traditionality and modernity.
Converting houses into cafés or hotels has also become a trend in Al Hamra, as many individuals see investment potential in these historic properties.
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