Nizwa - former centre of Oman

Nizwa was and to a certain extent still is the religious centre of Oman. For the inhabitants of the surrounding mountains, the weekly market is still an important supply center. Nizwa fort is a unique monument, an architectural witness to the economic and military success of the early Yaruba dynasty.

Nizwa was and to a certain extent still is the religious centre of Oman. It is here that Mohammed’s envoy is said to have delivered his letter to the Julanda kings and here that the new teachings of Islam immediately fell on fertile soil. The first imam of the Ibadhi was selected here.

For the inhabitants of the surrounding mountains, the weekly market is still an important supplying center. Every day fruits vegetables and meats are sold. Friday is a particularly busy time when cattleand other livestock are paraded around an open market to be sold.

The oasis at Nizwa served the various territories of several tribes. Nizwa fort is a unique monument, an architectural witness to the economic and military success of the early Yaruba dynasty. It was built around 1660 under Imam Sultan ibn Saif and was twelve years in construction.

Nizwa is famous for its silvercraft, including traditional daggers called khanjars, as well as other jewellery such as rings, bracelets and amulets.

➤ more pictures of the western Hajar Mountains

➤Overnight in the Western Hajars