Across
the centuries, silent sentinels have stood guard over the landscape
of Oman. They have  watched
history unfold, playing host to political disputes, religious
happenings and the hub-bub of community gatherings. They have
echoed with the crack of guns, the laughter of children, and the
click-click of tourist cameras. They are the forts of Oman, proud
witnesses of a glorious past
Over a thousand forts, castles and watchtowers protected Oman
and its people across the years. They were built to shield entire
communities against attacking warlords. It is not surprising then,
that many of the forts have walls that are 6-7 feet thick. Gun
towers were strengthened to stand< against the battering of enemy
cannons, and bear the weight of their own massive firearms. Outer
gates were thick and tough, and had spikes on the outside to impale
the attackers. Housing secret passages, tunnels, stairways, dungeons,
cosy meeting rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, lively souks and mosques,
the forts are often bigger on the inside than they seem on the
outside.
1976 heralded the starting point of a massive fort restoration
drive by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman. So far, more
than 60 forts have been painstakingly and lovingly restored. They
provide visitors with a unique opportunity to take a glimpse of
history.
 NIZWA
FORT
The Nizwa Fort was built by Iman Sultan bin Saif bin Malik Al
Ya’arubi and is today a magnificent historical site. Standing
proud in the heart of Nizwa, it is connected to the Nizwa Castle.
Adjoining the fort and castle area is a
bustling souk. The massive circular tower characterizing the Nizwa
Fort is unique in Oman. Designed to ward off the most violent
attacks, its traditional doors are inches deep with holes through
which boiling oil was poured on enemies. In 1990, the Ministry
restored and furnished the fort, and visitors here can see handicrafts
and artefacts unique to Oman. A tour through Nizwa Souk leaves
visitors enchanted with the vast variety of souvenir shopping
- mud pots, silver coffee pots, incense burners, finely worked
silver amulets, anklets, bangles and khanjars on display.
SOHAR FORT
The Sohar Fort is located in Harat Al Hajara, the oldest part
of Sohar town. The fort is unique with its square shape. Magnificently
white-washed, it has been beautifully restored in 1985, and used
as a museum in 1993. The architecture of the fort is similar to
the mud brick tower houses of the Hadramaut region. High, pointed
arches add a distinguished quality to the central hall of this
fort. They open on to a side majlis. A souk with a cluster of
small shops, and a corniche bordered by the sea, keep company
with the fort.
NAKHAL FORT
Crowning a 200 metre high rocky prominence, the 350 year old Nakhal
Fort lies in the Al Batinah region. The 17th C fortress overlooks
palm plantations and beautiful countryside. The gate, fence and
towers of the fort were built during the reign of Imam Said bin
Sultan. While visiting the fort be sure to stop by the famous
mineralladen hot springs flowing from the mountain rocks, all
year round.
RUSTAQ FORT
To visit the Rustaq Fort head for the edge of the Batinah plain,
to the foothills of Al Jabal Al Akhdar. It was carefully built
with stones fixed together with mortar and mud bricks. The fort
has four towers and contains several wells. It also houses many
buildings like habitation and storage constructions, a mosque,
weapon’s room, prison, and a reception area.
JIBREEN CASTLE
This Castle has the distinction of being one of the most impressive
forts of Oman. It has been embellished with sophisticated artistry
such as beautiful carvings in the rooms, elaborate balconies,
and ceilings bedecked with finely painted flowers and symbols.
The Castle was built by Bil’arab bin Sultan, an Imam of the
Ya’aruba dynasty. It is now a resting place for his tomb.
BAHLA FORT
The fort is one of the oldest remaining forts in Oman, and this
fact puts it in a position of great historical importance. The
UNESCO has listed it among its World Heritage Sites. The Bahla
Fort has a walled building in a triangular shape. It has a 12
km city wall and 132 watchtowers complete with guardrooms. The
Ministry of Heritage and Culture undertook the renovation, and
work is still in progress at the site.
FORTS OF MUSCAT
Looking down from prominent positions in the cliffs of Muscat
bay are the Al Mirani Fort, Al Jalali Fort and the Muscat Fort.
All have vantage views of the area around, perfect for keeping
watch on incoming visitors and approaching enemies in the days
of old. Today they give the modern skyline a touch of history
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