Muscat
The Capital area extends from the Seeb in the north to the fishing
port of Quriyat in the south. The capital area is a prime example
of intelligent and aesthetic development, blending the ancient
and modern. The shining prosperous city of today has amongst
its successes: a major port, Mina Qaboos; Seeb International
Airport and international airline Oman Air; its own stock market,
the Muscat Securities Market; a TV and radio network, Oman TV
and Radio; state-of-the-art hospitals; and superior educational
establishments.
With its commercial centers, industrial areas, Government offices,
foreign embassies and hotels, the Governorate of Muscat is the
most densely populated and developed part of Oman. Muscat is
divided into six wilayats and is Oman's financial and trade
center.
Muscat was known as the 'Governorate of the Capital' from 1960
- 1970. Under Royal Decree 30/1988, it came to be known as the
'Governorate of Muscat' and the wilayats of Muttrah, Seeb, Bausher,
Al Amerat and Quriyat united to form the Muscat region. The
wilayat of Muscat runs along the Gulf of Oman across a mountain
range stretching from Bandar Najih to the village of Sifa on
the borders of Quriyat. Muscat city was built at the outset
of Arab migrations and the destruction of the Maa'rib Dam. According
to Omani historian Ulema Nureddin al Salemi, Muscat was populated
by Arab Omanis who were originally from Yemen.
Years ago, Muscat was walled in. However, the wall is now replaced
by a stone moat, which the Omanis call al hosn or the fortification.
Parts of the original wall still remain in which are located
the three main access gates to the city: Bab al Matha'eeb, the
Greater Gate and the Lesser Gate. There are a number of beautiful
beaches in the Muscat area, at Al Jissah, Al Khayran and Al
Sifa. Fishing is one of the traditional occupations in Muscat
along with sewing fishing nets, basket weaving, tree felling,
herding and folk medicine, in particular, bone setting. Famous
sites include His Majesty's colourful and elegant Al Alam Palace
and Al Bustan Palace Hotel, a building of great eminence throughout
the Arabian Peninsula.
The wilayat of Seeb occupies a narrow strip of coastline along
the Gulf of Oman for a distance of 50km. Seeb has a number of
ancient monuments, but is perhaps distinguished by its modern
landmarks situated on the large highway roundabouts, and the
Seeb International Airport. The wilayat is famous for its bullfighting,
which is a bloodless sport and does not involve injury to the
animals. Spectators assemble at a venue outside the town and
form a 'human chain'. Competitors race two bulls, the sport
being umpired by one known as the 'Colonel'. The bull winning
the race is feted throughout the wilayat and will often fetch
a better price at market.
Muttrah is home to Oman's ancient trading port and its modern
counterpart, Mina Qaboos. The Muttrah Souq was originally the
principal source of many diverse goods transported to the other
markets in the country. The wilayat was once a particularly
fertile spot, planted with date palms and watered by the afalaj
(aqueducts) and sweet water wells. The crops were harvested
to supply the visiting ships and the local population. Muttrah
Fort is one of the most prominent of the 13 forts scattered
about the area. It has six towers built by the Portuguese during
their occupation and was the seat of government under the rule
of Sultan Said bin Sultan al Busaidi. Sur Ruwi, one of the surrounding
walls contains a gate within, which is believed to be Muscat's
first access gate on the northern interior side.
Muttrah has many public gardens and picnic areas, one of the
most popular being Riyam Park, which is distinguished by its
huge incense burner viewpoint, located at the top of a cliff.
It also has three museums: the National Museum, Bait al Zubair
and Bait al Falaj (the Armed Forces Museum). Traditional industries
include: perfumery, weaving, textiles, silver and gold crafting
and fishing. The area has a number of hotels, some of which
are managed by international chains, such as Intercontinental
and Sheraton.
The wilayat of Bausher is situated between the sea and the mountains,
southwest of Muttrah. Archaeological evidence indicates that
Bausher has a history which dates back to 2000BC. The Battle
of the Two Wastelands was fought here, when its army defeated
that of the Omani Azd. The name Bausher seems to come from abu
sharr meaning the 'iniquitous one', a direct reference to the
great unrest which was witnessed here centuries ago. One of
the most famous places in Bausher is the Bait Al Kebir (the
Great House) which was owned by Thuria bint Mohammed bin Azan,
a wonderful lady who was known throughout the area for her kind
and generous deeds. It is now open to the public since restoration
in 1992. Other tourist sites include the Ain Ghala spring, Sultan
Qaboos Sports Complex, Qurum Natural Park, Qurum beach, the
Natural History Museum and the Children's Museum. Agriculture
is Bausher's main livelihood and utilises the warm waters of
the 43 afalaj in the area to irrigate the citrus fruit groves
and date palm plantations. There are several 5-star hotels in
the district, including the Intercontinental, Radisson SAS and
Holiday Inn.
Quriyat occupies a narrow strip of coastline along the Arabian
Gulf. Its name comes from qariyat meaning 'villages'. The first
settlers arrived in Quriyat before the emergence of Islam in
Oman. Many of its inhabitants retain traditional customs, and
pursue ancient crafts such as blacksmithing, saddlework, boat
building, camel rearing and repairing firearms. The wilayat
has extremely dramatic terrain, through which modern roads have
been cut, with somewhat intimidating hairpin bends. Some villages
are high up in the mountains and are completely inaccessible,
except by plane. There are three strongholds in the area: Quriyat
Fort, built around 200 years ago; Al Sahel fort on the coast;
and Dagh Fort built during the Portuguese occupation. There
are many natural beauty spots, both on the coast and inland.
Wadi Daykah is a tranquil valley with fresh, clear running water,
a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike. Bimma, Fans
and Dhabbab are some of the pristine beaches to visit. Every
variety of date palm grown in the Sultanate is found in the
Quriyat district, together with groves of mango, citrus fruits,
papayas, guavas, mulberries and lotus fruits.
The wilayat of Al Amerat is situated south of Muttrah and southwest
of Quriyat. In the past, it has been known as Al Fatah and Al
Mutahadamat. There are a number of tourist sites here, such
as Wadi Sireen Nature Reserve, Wadi al Meeh, Ghar Hadhadha Cave,
Jebel Saqif and the Safah al Bab well at the foot of the mountain.
Date plantations and mango groves are grown here and watered
by the 61 afalaj. Local livelihoods include goat herding, weaving
and red ochre quarrying.
