Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Mirbat: An ancient breeding and trading centre for Arabian horses

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MIRBAT: The Wilayat of Mirbat, which is about 74 kilometres from the Wilayat of Salalah, is one of the important historic cities in the Governorate of Dhofar, located on the plain of Jabal Samhan overlooking the Arabian Sea coast.


It was named Mirbat after the horse stall. It was famous in the ninth century AD for breeding horses and exporting them to many Arab and Islamic ports and cities, in addition to the trade of frankincense and various craft products.


The Wilayat of Mirbat has many natural tourist sites, historical monuments and buildings of ancient architecture, most notably Mirbat Castle, which is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites. It overlooks the coast of the ancient port of Mirbat and dates back to the ninth century AD.


The Ministry of Tourism reopened Mirbat Castle after restoration and maintenance work for tourists wishing to see the cultural and historical monuments that the Sultanate is proud of.


The House of Sidov is one of the most important archaeological and historical landmarks of the unique architectural structure that embodies the traditional Arab architecture and dates back to about 200 years. It was built of stone, clay and wood. The house is also known as “Nizwa”. The Ministry of Heritage and Culture is currently implementing a project to convert the house into a cultural centre.


The old market of Mirbat, located near the castle, is one of the oldest historical markets for the sale of goods imported from India, East Africa, Basra and Aden, such as dates, leather, fabrics and various local products that were arriving through the port of Mirbat, in addition to the Omani frankincense, which was the main commodity in this market.


Mirbat is also famous for the beautiful beaches and bays, which are considered to be the most important tourist attractions because of its beauty and rare marine resources. There is an active tourist movement throughout the year, especially during weekends to enjoy fishing and seeing the coral reefs.


In Mirbat, there are many rare marine fisheries, the most famous of which are Abalone and Lobster, which are considered one of the richest marine fisheries. Abalone can be found in the beaches between Mirbat and the Niyabat of Sharbathat in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Halaniyat Islands.

The port of Mirbat is one of the sites frequented by tourists and visitors. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has set a plan to develop and expand the port and the establishment of facilities for fishermen and visitors.


Jabal Samhan “Samhan Mountain” is a tourist destination as it is one of the most important mountain ranges in the Governorate of Dhofar with a maximum height of 2,100 metres. There are various types of plants with some Acacia tortilis and frankincense trees. Samhan is known for having a number of wild animals.


Hiyour Cave is located at the top of Jabal Samhan. It is considered as one of the most important tourist places because of its mountainous location overlooking the Wilayat of Mirbat. The Ministry of Tourism plans to develop the cave by providing places to sit inside the cave, in addition to walkways.


The second stage of the development includes the construction of additional walkways and umbrellas around the site, the expansion of parking spaces and lighting, as well as the establishment of a camping area and platforms with a telescope for wildlife viewing in Wadi Samhan.


Tawi Ateer Sinkhole, known as “Birds Well”, is a natural tourist attraction in Mirbat. It is about 112 metres deep. It is one of the largest sinkholes in the world. It is located within walking distance of the north of the administrative centre.


Teeq Cave is also located in the same area. It is 170,000 square metres in size and is the second largest cave in the world. The cave is about 14 kilometres from the Niyabat of Tawi Ateer. There is a paved road to the surrounding area as well as parking lots.


The Gravity Area in the Niyabat of Tawi Ateer is one of the tourist sites that attracts visitors due to a strange and rare phenomenon, where cars go up instead of down. The area is located at the beginning of “Hshir Aqaba” on the off-road from the main road leading to the Wilayat of Mirbat.— ONA


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