FORTS AND CASTALE IN OMAN

Forts and Castles are Oman's most striking cultural landmarks and, together with its towers and city walls, they have historically been used as defensive bastions or look-out points. Forts were often the seats of administrative and judicial authority. There are over 500 forts, castles and towers in Oman which has a coastline of 1,700 kms, so they were needed to protect it from potential invaders. The architectural styles vary, being determined by the architects who built them or the periods in which they were built.

Jalali and Mirani
Which are among Oman's most famous forts stand at the entrance to Muscat bay. Mirani, which was built before the arrival of the Portuguese, was originally shaped like a tower. Then in 1588 the Portuguese rebuilt it on the ruins of its old structure, adding emplacements, stores, living quarters for the commander and a place of worship. The building was enlarged to its present size in the reign of Imam Ahmed bin Said, the founder of the Al Busaidi state in the 18th century, and his grandson Sayyid Said bin Sultan, at the beginning of the 19th century.
The forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani are the capital's most prominent landmarks and were built in the 16th century AD. The Portuguese completed their construction of Jalali Fort in 1587. Its present-day form dates from the reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan, and this Fort was restored and converted into a museum in the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Rustaq Fort
Is amongst the oldest, is the tallest, and is surrounded by watch towers. (Al Batinah) originally known as Qalat Al Kisra, was built in the 13th century. It has four towers: Al Burj Al Ahmar; Al Burj Al Hadeeth; Al Burj Al Reeh; and Al Burj Ashiateen (which means, ominously, the devil's tower). A falaj ran through the fort to supply water to its inhabitants. Should this become contaminated, the inhabitants were able to rely on a well. There are many rooms to this fort and it also boasts a mosque, weapons' room, prison, and reception area.

Bahla Fort
Main feature is its 7-mile long walls which were patrolled by sentries night and day. The Fort's internal staircases and walls were built of mud, coated with gypsum and sarooj (a traditional type of mortar) which are as hard and solid as present-day cement. UNESCO has approved Bahla Fort and Wall for inclusion in its World Heritage List.

Nizwa Fort
Nizwa Fort, (A'Dakhliyah) built by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Ya'arubi in 1668, is the biggest fort in the Arabian Peninsula with an exterior diameter of its circular structure of 150 feet, and over 115 feet high. The fort was once used as the Imam's headquarters and is a stronghold designed to withstand some of the most aggressive sieges. The traditional doors are inches deep and over the lintel of each is a hole through which boiling oil could be poured over the marauding enemies.

Jabrin Fort
Jabrin Fort was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya'arubi in 1670 as a defensive stronghold and as living accommodation for the Imam. It has rooms and ceilings decorated with fine carvings. It has two huge towers with walls two metres thick.it was built by Bil'arab bin Sultan, an Imam of the Ya'aruba dynasty during the 17th century. It is one of the most impressive forts in the Sultanate and the details and carvings in the rooms and balconies are most elaborate. Finely painted flowers and symbols are found on the ceilings in the 'living' rooms. The tomb of Imam Bil'arab remains within the fort.



Nakhl Fort
Nakhl Fort (Al Batinah) is within an hour's drive of Muscat and provides a morning of sight-seeing. The fort is 350 years old and is set in a gorge, surrounded by a mountain enclave. In 1990, sympathetic restoration work began, using traditional building materials and period furnishings. The carved master gate is believed to date back to the 1830's during the reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan.

Al Hazm Castle
Located in Al Hazm town in Welayat Rustaq. It was built by Imam Sultan bin Seif (the 2nd.) in ( 1123 A.H.–1711 A.D.) when he established Al Hazm town as a capital of Oman instead of Rustaq. The Castle is distinctive from other Omani Castle and forts by its magnificent shape and massive building. It contains the tomb of its builder / Imam Sultan bin Seif (the 2nd.). It was restored by the Ministry in ( 1416 A.H. - 1996 A.D. ).

Sohar Fort
Located in Harat Al Hajara in Sohar town. Dated back to 179 A.H., It was renovated, to its present shape, in the (Eighth - Ninth century A.H.) (14th A.H. - 15th A.D.). During the reign of Imam / Nasser bin Murshid Al Ya'arubi, he was able to conquer and expel the Portuguese from this castle. Sohar castle remained as administration Centre for the ruling Al Busaid dynasty. The Ministry restored the Fort in 1985 and used it as a museum in 1993.

Mirbat Castle
Dated back to the 19th. century or earlier than that and located in the Welayat of Mirbat in Dhofar Governorate. This castle played defensive and administrative roles throughout history. It was restored by the Ministry in 1991 and was officially opened in 1996 on the occasion of the Year of Heritage. It was furnished and equipped with handicrafts from Dhofar Governorate and from the other Regions of Oman.

Khassab Castle
Located opposite to the seacoast in Welayat Khasab in the north of Oman. It consists of four buildings surrounded by a wall and it was built in the sixth century A.D. The Ministry restored it in 1989.

Al Mintrib Castle
One of the oldest castles in Welayat Badiya. Built during the reign of Imam / A'zzan bin Qais Al Busaid ( 1285 A.H. - 1868 ) and was used in the past as a center for the Welayat. The Ministry restored it in 1989.
Al Khandaq Castle
Located in Hamasa town in Welayat Buraimi. It was called ( Al Khandaq ) because of the ditch surrounding it . It is a square shape building with four circular towers and a main gate surrounded by high fences . The Ministry restored it in 1994.

Albuquerque
Albuquerque in 1507 described Sohar Fort as "a fortress of square shape, with six towers round it, having also over the gate two very large towers". The fort was so large that it then required over 1,000 men for its defence.

HIS MAJESTY SULTAN QABOOS

Sultan Qaboos bin Said was born in Salalah in Dhofar on 18th November, 1940. He is the only son of the late Sultan Said bin Taimur and is eighth in the direct line of the Al Busaidy dynasty, which was founded in 1744 by Imam Ahmad bin Said, who was a leader of outstanding ability and came to power after a period of civil war, bringing peace and stability to the land. His Majesty spent his youth in Salalah where he was educated. At the age of 16, his father sent him to a private educational establishment in England. In 1960, he entered the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst as an officer cadet. Having passed out of Sandhurst he joined a British infantry battalion on operational duty in Germany for one year and also held a staff appointment with the British Army. After his military service His Majesty studied local government in England and went on a world tour before returning home. The next 6 years were spent in Salalah studying Islam and the history of his country and people. On the abdication of his father and his own accession on 23rd July 1970, His Majesty arrived in Muscat to begin the task for which he had been destined. On the 9th August Sultan Qaboos made the first of many speeches setting out his vision for the people and the country. He declared that the country would have a new flag and that it would no longer be called 'Muscat and Oman' but unified with Dhofar as the Sultanate of Oman. Restrictions on freedom of movement were lifted and Omanis who had left the country were invited to return to take part in the challenge that lay ahead. Extract from the speech by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to his people on the day of his Accession 23rd July, 1970.

International Relations

In 1970, Oman had been isolated from the rest of the world for far too long and it was now essential to open up the country and develop proper international relations which had been almost non-existent. From the time of his accession, His Majesty's foreign policy has always been to extend the hand of friendship to all countries on the basis of non-interference in each other's internal affairs, mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness.

Meeting the People

His Majesty attaches great importance to meeting his people and, every year, he makes a point of travelling to a particular area of the country to see for himself what must be done and what the needs of his people are, who thus have direct access to their Sultan and can discuss their problems personally with him. There is always a massive turnout of people whenever His Majesty is due to visit a particular town or area. People of all age grouped and walks of life spontaneously celebrate with music and dance their joy and happiness at his arrival. Over the past 25 years His Majesty has extended great personal care to his people and to humanitarian causes. He has given financial assistance to worthy causes both outside and within Oman. It was His Majesty who made the first contribution to the Omani Organisation for Charitable Works. He has always shown particular concern for those in society who are disadvantaged. In 1995 His Majesty made a personal donation of RO. 1.5 million to 42,047 families on social security, and to coincide with National Day he donated a kidney stone dispersal machine to the Ministry of Health. His Majesty has greatly helped young people to lead a happy and fruitful life.

Royal Amnesty

In early November 1995 His Majesty ordered an amnesty for all those prisoners who had been convicted of involvement in illegal activities and organisations. Pardon was also granted to the members of such groups who had remained abroad in exile. This was a magnanimous gesture, particularly to the families of those concerned, which was well received and is typical of the way in which His Majesty has won the hearts of his people by showing tolerance and forgiveness. Many world leaders and statesmen have praised the qualities of His Majesty; his dedication to his country and to his people; his commitment and unswerving determination to achieve progress and development; his role on the world stage and his patriotic and humanitarian feelings.

Celebrations in honour of His Majesty were held both spontaneously and officially throughout the country during November 1995 with all kinds of festivities, illuminations, decorations, programmes and parades too numerous to mention. The 26th National Day is being held at Sur which will be the focus for major industrial and commercial expansion in the years to come.

Historic Speech

His Majesty delivered a landmark speech on the 25th National Day, praising the contribution made by his countrymen in building the nation and urging them to greater achievements in the years to come.
"Countrymen,
You have all played your part in the making of this new chapter in Oman history. Everyone has made his own contribution, according to his ability, in building this structure for our future.' Referring to the new era of Oman's development, His Majesty said:- "This phase will be full of the highest expectations, but contain great challenges which will require from you unflagging determination, strong arms and clear minds. This phase will call for intensive work, effort and sacrifice for your country".His Majesty stressed the importance of economic diversification and the role of the private sector, calling upon all citizens to save, invest, pursue business, develop tourism, industry and agriculture. In his speech, His Majesty placed great emphasis on the development of human resources as the way forward for the Omani people, stressing, in particular, the importance of general and technological education.His Majesty's Speech on the 26th National Day of the country

Domestic & International

PoliciesWith introduction of the new Five-Year Plan, His Majesty reiterated the need for concerted effort by all concerned to plan and implement a new phase in the country's development. During the conference on Oman's economy to the year 2020 in June 1995, His Majesty had urged the private sector to play an active role in the diversification of the economy in order to create new wealth and jobs for the Omani people. His Majesty has encouraged the democratic process through the Majlis al-Shura and given great emphasis to the advancement of women in all spheres of the country's life. His Majesty has successfully maintained a delicate balance between preserving the traditions and religion of his country and introducing the modernisation needed to keep pace with the changes taking place in the rest of the world.

Peace in the Middle East

His Majesty has spoken out strongly against terrorism and fanatism. He has stressed his belief that international disputes must be settled through negotiation and not conflict. His mediation, when invited to do so, has earned him the respect of the world community. His Majesty was the only Arab leader who supported the late President Anwar Sadat's mission to Israel, which led to the Camp David peace accord, and has consistently urged forward the peace process in the Middle East. His Majesty regards the achievement of a comprehensive and lasting peace in the region as being of the highest priority, and has worked tirelessly to this end.

FRINDSHIPS

Who are Friends?
Friends are often an important part of our lives. Our friends are usually people we trust and respect. Like any relationship, friendships generally require work and making changes to the friendship is not uncommon.
It may not be easy to maintain friendships and sometimes friends disappoint you. This can make it difficult to work out who your friends are. Listing what makes a good friend may help you do this. Sometimes trusting your gut feeling about something may also help answer the questions you have. Check out the fact sheet on maintaining happy relationships for more information on helping to keep a strong friendship.

Managing Arguments:
Sharing ideas and opinions with each other is part of having a friendship. Holding different ideas is normal and these differences may lead to arguments. You may feel hurt, disappointed, angry, sad or lonely when you disagree with a friend. These feelings may make it difficult to manage the argument.
Working through a disagreement may make the friendship stronger. Some suggestions for helping to resolve an argument and disagreement with friends may include:
Wanting to Stay Friends - Wanting to understand and accept the differences gives you a place to start. Doing this still allows you both to have to different opinions, however through understanding each other you may be able to agree to disagree.
Speak to Your Friend - Letting your friend know how you feel may be helpful. Keeping stuff to yourself may make you more angry. It is a good idea to speak to them when you both feel calm. It may help to write down your thoughts before talking, this may help you to be clear about what you want to say. Talking to someone else you trust can also help you to work out how you are going to approach your friend. People you could talk to may include another friend, a family member or youth worker. If you decide to talk to someone, try focusing on how you feel rather than what the friend has done or said.
Listen to your Friend - Allowing your friend to tell their side of the story and really listening to them may be helpful in managing the argument. It may be tempting to interrupt, but instead, try and wait until they have finished.
Try to Avoid Blame - When you are hurt and angry it can be normal to want to blame someone. Laying blame may make a situation harder. To avoid laying blame it may be helpful to stay focused on how you feel.
Ending a Friendship - Over time your interests may change, which can mean you have less in common with your friend and ending the friendship may be the best thing for you. When a friendship ends it may involve several people and it may be difficult to stay part of a group. This may be lonely and it can take time to move on. Talking to someone you trust like another friend, family member, youth worker or counsellor may be helpful.

MY TOWN "RUSTAQ"

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.

Industries Industries have prospered over years because of the elementary needs of people Al Rustaq and and some other states and regions in Sultanate of Oman could create some kind of self-sufficiency for their some society. There were Industry of fabric, food industries that depend on agriculture and other industries like industry of Daggers, swords, guns, blacksmithing, carpentry and others. There are many evidence and people assure that there were fabric industry in Al Hawajri region in the north of Al Rustaq suq.

Omani Halwa is also produced in Rustaq with high quality.People came from many places in the time of Eid and other occasions to buy Halwa. Rustaqi Khanjar production is also done in Rustaq from a very long time. Old men spend hours and hours in making these awesome Omani codes. From olden days, Rustaq people were known for their care of palm trees and its dates. They have made use of its brunches and leaves for the purpose of building shelter and basket making. Leather tanning is also one of the industries in Rustaq. People use leather to save water and food, and for making shoes.
Traditional crafts Beekeeping: Rustaq people like beekeebing and many of them own more than 1000 cell.

Tabseel: it means boiling dates of a specific type "Mabseli" in a particular session.

Sheep grazing: many people graze animals especially those who live in Wadies and far away from the down town.

Renewal of guns: Some artisans work in renewal and amendments to the traditional rifles. They upgrade them and add more modifications to improve their functionality.

Traditional arts Mashia: it is an introduction to Razhaa. Razhaa: art for the men, which started competing in raising the swords. Razfa: known localy as Hebiah Azi: comes in the form of song. Al Tareq: This is usually art at the Bedouin living in the north of the state. Alhmpel: This is usually when the Bedouin art and residents east of the state said when moving from one place to another via camels.

Agricultural products: The state is famous for the cultivation of different types of palm including: Khalas, Zabad and Hilali and Almabsli Obo Soih and Almeznaj and Subaa Al Aroos and Jabri ... Known also as the cultivation of citrus and quince, lemon, Albalnj Alchkak and Nadan, as well as Almstafl and olives (guava), mango (Alamba), bananas and papaya and clover, in addition to seasonal crops such as maize, barley, Algeljlan, onions and garlic.

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