Travel Blog 44: Exploring The Historic Gem of Middle East, Nizwa Fort, Oman
When you travel to Oman, you'll probably be told to visit the river valleys, the pristine beaches or try to be as close as to the nature as possible. While I don't deny that that's a must to do and to see in Oman but, the best way to learn about the culture and the history of Oman is best by familiarizing the past.
Being of the oldest independent country in the Middle East, Oman possesses a strong and rich history that you could ever imagine. In Oman, you'll find a few fortresses in every little town or cities. From what I know, these historic fortresses were built as a safeguard to defend their territories during the turbulence period and it's used to consolidate a peacetime within the country.
There are more than five hundred of forts and lighthouses were built in Oman. Some of the buildings remained to function with its original purposes. While, some of them had restored and transformed into historic monuments, museums, and tourist attractions. Regardless of its functionality or purpose, we all have to agree that these buildings are visually spectacular and the architecture is utmost impressive.
Nizwa fort is one of the popular fortresses to be visited after the renowned Al Jalali Fort and Bahla Fort. After standing still for more than three centuries, Nizwa fort underwent an intense restoration was reopened for visitors. The distinct part of this fort is that it's located within the modern Nizawa city; unlike the others which are commonly found at an outskirt or a more isolated place throughout Oman.
Once we exited our car, we can already smell a strong lamb barbecue scent in the air. Not knowing where it came from, we were more than surprised that it's nothing like other forts that we've been. It's way more happening and busier compared to the other fort that we mostly found isolated on a mountain. Nizwa is one of the busiest city in Oman due to its landscape and the population. It's busy as it's located at the trading center where the souq is located just a few blocks away, followed by a goat market in the morning. Thus, that totally makes sense for where the barbecue smells are from. Here at Nizwa, please don't be surprised that you'll see vendors are shouting and bargaining action goes on and on at every corner.
Here, you'll find brown dusty colored buildings everywhere. In Oman, buildings and forts were built with similar structure and architecture where common materials were used; especially different sizes of mountain rocks and plastered with muds. These buildings paint a unique vibe and atmosphere around the city of Oman.
After paying 5 OMR per person for the entrance, we head directly to the fort. Be mindful that forts in Oman generally has a lot of stairs. It was built with the purpose to delay the progress of enemies and to slow down the attack. If you notice, most of the fort doesn't have any lights or holes for light to penetrate, as this is a strategy for soldiers to set up different traps as a defensive system. As we proceed on the narrow flights of stairs, we had to widen our eyes and sometimes even lit on our phone's flashlight even though it's bright and sunny outside in order to continue.
As we were climbing the stairs, we realized that the 'look up' signs are seen repetitively hanged everywhere on the wall and out of curiousity, we did as it says.
At first, I was wondered what does a hole doing up there? Also, what's so special about a hole that I have to pay so much attention to it. However, after reaching the top, we noticed that there is an information card placed next to the hole. We came to know and understand that these tiny holes are actually a trap and also a secret defense weapon used during the invasion.
We all know that Oman is famous for their dates due to the perfect condition for dates growing. With the unlimited resources of dates found in Oman, they transformed the dates into a deadly tool by melting it in an extremely high temperature until it's sticky and gooey. It is then poured onto the enemy through the holes unnoticed.
Just when I thought that's deadly enough, there are so many booby traps set up everywhere along the staircase. Honestly, I thought it was a broken staircase that needed a glass for replacement not until I had a very close look over the glass that is filled with water vapor. This deep hole is filled with different sharp spears, and it's another trap that is used to attack enemies when it's pitch-black.
After a while, we arrived at the open top in a spherical shape drum-like tower is at least 30 metres high above the ground. It is the peak of the tower where you can have a spectacular view of the castle and the neighborhood with the magnificent view of the rocky mountains in the background. At the sides, you'll see a few cannons were placed there as a decoration but it is believed to be a real cannon that is left there since the last war.
Although there is nothing much to do here at this open space. But, it definitely has a great view of the surroundings. We didn't spend much time here at the roof but only to take a few photographs. The scorching hot sun is literally burning our skin and we escaped quickly to the indoor museum.
One of the best things to be here in Nizwa fort is that they had transformed this ordinary fort into a space where everyone can learn all about the history of this fort. You can find the traditional weapons, armors and know more about war through the photos, descriptions and the video. Although the museum is not the biggest, but it definitely gives you some inputs. Little do we know that there's actually something which is called the 'dates store' in Oman's culture. It's a basic room to be found in forts or castle. It is used to store the separated quality of dates and store it for consumption or for defending purposes. We did not take much of photographs as the crowd is slowly flooding in and we try to keep our cameras down to respect their culture.
Before leaving this fort, we went to the open courtyard for a cup of Omani's coffee and a juice to cool down from the blazing heat. I should say that it's definitely a worth-to-visit fort if you're at Nizwa area. It's informative and definitely interesting but, the price is a little steep. For 5 OMR without a guide, I wasn't so sure if it's worth for its price.
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WOW!!!! What an extraordinary place to explore!!!!
This pic, would make such an amazing painting!!!
Thanks, Jaynie :) I really love Oman, especially their unique culture. To be able to learn about their rich history is such an honor. Honestly, every corner is literally a perfect spot for Instagram photos. Unfortunately, Oman still pretty conservative about it. Especially not taking any photos of the locals. So, we tried to avoid taking photos when there are people.
I can understand that, and you know what @explorernations - in a way that is a really good thing, because it forces you to be fully present in the moment!
So beautiful and I love all of these different traps!
Thank you :) I really like the forts in Oman, the culture, architecture and the rich history never fails to amaze me. Thanks for dropping by :)
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Thank you for featuring! :D
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