BAHLA: The historic Bahla Heritage Market has regained its traditional character following the completion of a major development and restoration project costing more than RO 477,000, aimed at preserving its architectural identity while strengthening its role as a commercial and tourism destination.
The project, implemented by Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, included the rehabilitation of 62 shops, upgrading infrastructure and improving facilities and services across the market.
The redevelopment is intended to revive the historic market, support traditional crafts and small businesses, and create a more attractive environment for residents and visitors while safeguarding its heritage character.
Eng Mohammed bin Ali al Wardi, Director of the Projects Department at Al Dakhiliyah Municipality, said the project focused on rehabilitating the market while preserving its heritage elements and upgrading the infrastructure and services needed by shop owners and visitors.
The work included restoring shops and improving their facades, upgrading walkways and internal passages, enhancing facilities and services, and addressing circulation and movement within the market.
Infrastructure improvements included upgrading electricity and water networks, improving drainage, constructing a 150-metre-long falaj, developing parking areas and paving pedestrian walkways. Overhead power lines were also transferred underground.
The project also introduced shaded pedestrian paths, modern lighting designed to complement the market’s traditional character, restrooms, seating areas, and improved ventilation and shading to enhance the comfort and experience of visitors.
Ali bin Said al Adawi, acting director of the Bahla Fort site, said the rehabilitation of the historic market represented an important step in reviving one of the key cultural and economic components of the Bahla Oasis, which is inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List.
He said the market was not only a centre of trade but also a living record of the traditional architectural style, social life and oral heritage of the region, reflected in its traditional crafts, shops, passageways and courtyards.
According to Al Adawi, the layout of the market preserves features of historic urban planning, including the distribution of shops according to activities, specialisations and community needs.
He said the development sought to strike a balance between preserving the market’s historical identity and transforming it into a vibrant and sustainable destination. The restoration is expected to strengthen its economic and tourism role while giving younger generations an opportunity to experience Oman’s heritage first-hand.
Al Adawi also stressed the importance of cooperation among government authorities, the municipal council and the local community in safeguarding historic landmarks and passing their cultural value on to future generations.
Hilal bin Mohammed al Qasabi, a trader in antiques and silverware at Bahla market, welcomed the restoration work, saying it had given the market a more distinctive aesthetic and architectural character.
He said the improvements could make the market more attractive to citizens and tourists, boosting commercial activity and contributing to the local economy.
Al Qasabi also called for continued efforts to activate the market and encourage young Omanis to engage in its commercial and traditional craft activities, while supporting existing shop owners and facilitating business procedures.
Located within the Bahla Oasis, the market contains shops selling traditional Omani products and handicrafts, including pottery, silverware and herbs. Its proximity to Bahla Fort and other historic and tourism attractions offers opportunities to connect the market with wider cultural and tourism routes across the wilayat.
The completed project is expected to support small businesses and artisans, stimulate cultural and heritage tourism, improve visitor services and preserve the architectural character of one of Bahla’s historic commercial landmarks. – ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
