Al Suwaiq: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has completed the maintenance of “Sur Al Hilal” boundary wall in the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq, Governorate of North Al Batinah.
The project, which also included the restoration of the adjoining defensive towers and internal corridors, was carried out in pursuance of the Ministry’s programme to preserve historical sites in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
Khalifa Al Wahaibi, Head of the Section of Restoration and Maintenance—Directorate General of Antiquities, said that “Sur Al Hilal” wall constitutes a prominent historical landmark in the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq.
He added that the fortification wall’s construction dates back to about 1845. The project cost RO186,822, he explained.
For her part, Eng Khalsa Khalifa al Salmia, Director of the Department of Restoration and Maintenance, said that the Ministry Heritage and Tourism accords great attention to archaeological sites in the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
She added that “Sur Al Hilal” wall serves as one of the projects that aim to highlight the cultural and historical value of heritage landmarks and support the development of sustainable tourism in the area.
“Sur Al Hilal” offers testimony to the deep-rooted history of the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq and embodies the Wilayat’s commercial role in the early twentieth century. The facility was once a centre for the exchange of local goods and products. It still maintains its unique architectural stature as a symbol of defence that also reflects the skill of traditional Omani builders.
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