Al-Batinah:
The Batinah Coast region runs from Khatma al Malaha in the north,
to Ras al Hamra in the Governorate of Muscat. The coastal plain
is approximately 25km wide and lies at the foot of the Western
Hajar Mountains. After Muscat, it is the most densely inhabited
area in Oman. The Batinah has been cultivated for many years
with a variety of food crops. The area has a history of maritime
and industrial activity. Sohar, the main city of trade centuries
ago, has a new port under construction, being built at a cost
of RO120million. The city is renowned for its copper
deposits, and archaeological evidence points to copper extraction
being carried out 5000 years ago. There are still three copper
mines in operation in Sohar with over 18 million tons of copper
deposits. It is an attractive region for tourists due to its
clean, safe beaches and the plethora of archaeological features.
One of the first references to 'Sohar' is in the work of historian,
Yaqut al Hamawi who implies that the city took its name in the
6th century AH from a descendent of Noah: Sohar bin Adam bin
Sam bin Noah. When the Palestinian Arab scholar Muqadisi visited
the city in 10th century AH he described it as a "flourishing
city with a large number of people living there. It is a beautiful
city with a comfortable life, …and its mosque overlooks
the sea…the Mihrab (indicator of the direction for prayers)
changes colour because it is covered in copper…".
The Sohar Fort is one of the most prominent features in the
city and was built between the 13th and 14th century AD by the
'Emirs of Hormuz'. An escape tunnel runs from inside the fort
to the wilayat of Buraimi, 10km to the west. It was used as
a route to obtain reinforcements and supplies during sieges.
Sohar has many wadis with running water, such as Wadi Hibi,
Wadi Ahin and Wadi al Jizzi, and beautiful public parks. It
is an area that is under tourist development and a number of
deluxe hotels have now been built.
The wilayat of Rustaq is in the Western Hajar, at the south
of the Batinah. Rustaq was once the capital of Oman, during
the era of Imam Nasir bin Murshid al Ya'arubi. Rustaq fort,
built four centuries prior to the dawn of Islam in Oman, is
an imposing structure built on three levels, containing separate
houses, an armoury, a mosque and four towers. The tallest tower
stands over 18.5m high and has a diameter of 6m. Hazm Fort is
an outstanding example of Omani Islamic architecture and was
built in 1711AD. The fort's roof is built on columns, and contains
no wooden supports. Its walls can withstand great impact, being
no less than 3m thick.
Rustaq is an area of healing, warm springs, the most notable
being Ain al Kasafa. Its water runs at 45degC and is regarded
as a cure for rheumatism and skin diseases due to its sulphur
content. There are three popular wadis to visit: Wadi Bani Ghafar;
Wadi al Sahtan and Wadi Bani Auf. In addition, the mountains
are pitted with caves such as Al Sanaqha Cave with its own subterranean
springs. One of the main occupations in Rustaq is beekeeping.
Pure Omani honey is a most sought-after commodity and is of
the highest quality. Fruits such as pomegranates, apricots,
plums and grapes are grown on the foothills of Jebel al Akhdar
and brought to Rustaq for sale.
Wilayat Shinas is the town furthest north in the Batinah region.
It has a number of castles and forts, such as Shinas fort and
Rasa al Malah castle. Shinas Park is notable for its forest
of mangrove (qurum) trees and the wadis of al Ghaliliya and
al Aswad have been developed into tourist locations. Many fruits
and vegetables are grown in Shinas, such as bananas, mangoes,
tomatoes and lemons.
Wilayat Liwa lies north of Sohar and has a lively market place
where local produce and fresh fish are sold. The fortress of
Awla Ya'rab, built of white clay, is located on the beach in
the Harmul area. The area also has a number of rural features
such as springs, falaj and caves: Ain al Azam cave faces the
creek and is surrounded by mangrove trees, while Jebel Abu Kahif
is home to some of the largest caves in the wilayat.
Saham is located between the coast and the Hajar Mountains and
the wilayat has plenty of fresh running water and spectacular
mountain scenery. It is perhaps most famous for the area known
as Seih al Taybat, which is where His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos
holds one of his royal camps whilst on his annual inspection
of the regions. The camps provide an opportunity for the residents
of the region to discuss their concerns for their towns and
villages with the Sultan and listen to his advice and directives.
Saham is also famous for camel and horse racing, which are popular
holiday and weekend sports.
Wilayat al Khaboura is a mountainous region, which is honeycombed
with caves, too numerous to name. It has a number of towers,
forts and castles, the most imposing being Bu Said castle. Sugar
cane, wheat, dates and cotton are grown in the wilayat and the
main occupations of the inhabitants include leather tanning,
weaving and boat building.
The wilayat of Suwaiq is characterised by its widespread agriculture.
There are numerous plantations across the area where herbs,
bananas, mangoes and citrus fruits are grown. It is an area
famous for bull fighting. Suwaiq has its own forts and castles
and four springs, the most scenic being located in the area
of Wadi al Jahawar.
Nakhl is located in the south of the Batinah, at the foot of
Jebel al Akhdar in the Western Hajar Mountains. Upon entry to
Nakhl, the most prominent feature is the fort, which is built
on a 200m high craggy outcrop. The fort has been extended over
the centuries and in 1990, was restored by Sultan Qaboos. There
are a number of hot springs in Nakhl, one of which is situated
close to the fort: Thuara spring is a very popular location
with locals and visitors alike. It is a highly important source
of water to the residents of Nakhl, as it irrigates around 90%
of the land. Wadi Abyad is in the wilayat and contains deep,
warm 'blue pools', so coloured due to the mineral deposits in
the water.
The main industry in the wilayat of Wadi Ma'awal is pottery,
which is still handcrafted. Safala fort is located in the town
of Afi and the wilayat has used it as its emblem. Other handicrafts
in the area include palm weaving, the most notable items made
being fans.
Wilayat Awabi is a place of eminent learning and has been home
to many Omani scholars, poets and the literati. The Aliya region
has stunning natural scenery with towering mountains and deep
valleys. The Aja region is dotted with caves and secret passageways
through the rocks, where ancient rock art and writing is carved
into the walls. Precious metals are still worked into exquisite
designs in Awabi; gold and silver jewellery is made in the traditional
way, which is popular with locals and tourists alike.
The wilayat of Masn'a is located on the rich fertile plain of
the Batinah Coast. It was once a popular market town and supplied
many of the neighbouring wilayats with various commodities.
Due to its many sana (industries), Masn'a received its name.
Today, one of the main industries is cloth dying, using the
indigo plant. Other industries include making red sugar, ship
and boat building and sword making. Masn'a is one of the few
wilayats which does not have any springs or afalaj - except
the remains of an ancient one which was dug in the era of Imam
Sultan bin Saif al Yar'ubi.
Barka is one of the historic cities on the coast of Oman which
flourished during the Ya'aruba and the Bu Said dynasties. It
was an area of export and received produce from the neighbouring
wilayats to ship to India, Basra and East Africa. Reminders
of the prosperity of these times include Al Na'man Fort, built
by the Imam Saif bin Sultan al Ya'rubi (Qid al Ard), who planted
30,000 palm and coconut trees around its walls. Al Sayid Sultan
bin Ahmad built the garrison headquarters of Bait al Falaj in
the 19th century AD which is now the Armed Forces Museum.
The Sawadi region is home to some of the most beautiful long,
white beaches in the north of the Sultanate and off this peninsula
are the Dimaaniyat and Jun Islands, which host many migratory
birds and breeding turtles. In breeding seasons, the islands
are prohibited to the public to avoid disturbing the creatures.
Naseem Park is located on the outskirts of the wilayat and is
adored by children for its playground, theme gardens, privet
maze and model railway.
