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Ad-Dakhiliah
Region
Overview
Ad-Dakhliyah Region forms the strategic
interior depth of the Sultanate,
hence, interchangably reffered to
as The Interior.
The Region occupies the central
plateau, which descends from the
foots of Western Hajar mountains
in the North towards the desert
in the South.Mountains in this area
are distinct with the high slopes
and temperate weather, even in summer
the temperature is always below
30 degrees. It is a major station
on the route to other Regions, bordering
Muscat to the North, Ash-Sharqiyah
to the East, Al-Wusta to the South
and Adh-Dhahirah to the West.
Eight Wilayats are forming Ad-Dakhliyah
Region, contributing to 11.3% of
the total population in Oman, with
Nizwa being the Region's Centre.
Ad-Dakhliyah played a great role
in Oman history, particularly in
spreading Islam. In the heart of
the Region lies Nizwa; Pearl of
Islam and Oman's early Capital,
which was for decades a sanctuary
for scholars, intellectuals and
jurists, and a stronghold for powerful
leaders. At close proximity is Samail,
home of Mazin bin Ghaduba; first
Omani to embrace Islam, and his
famous mosque; the first to establish
in Oman.
Ad-Dakhiliyah had also contibuted
in linking the coast with interior
through crucial caravan routes and
vital transit stations.
It is not surprising therefore to
find Ad-Dhakiliyah featuring a broad
array of forts, castles, watchtowers,
and mosques, the most prominent
of which are the Castles of Nizwa
and Bahla, Jibrin Fort and the Mosques
of A'Shawathinah and Al-Medhmar.
For the visitor, mountains, wadis,
handicrafts and historical sites
ensure good sights and pleasant
experience. Comfortable hotels and
rest houses are located against
a backdrop of mountains.
Ad-Dhakiliyah is one of the major
agricultural areas in Oman where
dates, lime, mango and cotton are
cultivated. It is also famous for
its pottery industry in Bahla and
rose water extraction in Al-Jabal
Al-Akhdar.
Nizwa
In the heat of the Wilayat rests
the oasis city of Nizwa some 140
Km from Muscat, the largest in the
interior province.
Nizwa was the capital of Oman in
the 6th and 7th centuries AH. Today,
it is a diverse prosperous place,
with numerous agricultural, historical
and recreational aspects. The imposing
structure of Nizwa Castle stands
high and proud in the town proper.
With its deep connection to the
root of Islam, Nizwa possesses a
number of renowned mosques, such
as Nizwa Mosque; a Friday mosque
heralded as a 'Beacon of Science',
So'al Mosque; built in the 2nd century
AH, Ash-Shawathinah Mosque in Uqr,
Ash-Sharja Mosque, Al-Ain Mosque,
Ash-Sheikh Mosque and Shuraij Mosque
in Tanuf, built in 377 AH, and Beit
Al-Radidah fort at Birkat Al-Moz,
Al-Khatmeen Falaj as well as the
old village and neighborhood in
Nizwa such as Harat Al-Saybani in
Birkat Almoz, Al-Aqar in Nizwa old
bazaar Al-Mundhara and falaj Daras.
The mention of Nizwa invariably
brings to mind its traditional Souq
next to the Castle, which was renovated
in the 1990's.
The design of the souq compliments
the Castle in every way, and has
been constructed using same traditional
materials. In 1993, Nizwa won the
award of 'Organisation of Arab Cities'.
Around 90 aflaj do exist in the
area, the most important being Falaj
Daris; the life maintainer of Nizwa
gardens and the water supplier for
all domestic purposes. It also boasts
Wadi Tanuf with its falaj, waterfalls
and natural springs, which form
the main source of mineral water
in the country. The construction
of Tanuf Dam added an air of grace
to the area.
Farming is widely practiced in the
Wilayat, and its people are masters
in Khanjar making, recognised for
its distinctive style and patterns.
Also in paractice are hide tanning,
date and red sugar processing, and
rose water extraction, particularly
in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, and agricultural
produce including pomegranate, apricot,
peach and walnut..
Bidbid
Bidbid is the closest Wilayat of
Ad-Dakhiyah Regoin to Muscat, lying
only 80 Km from the Capital Area.
The most notable feature in Bidbid
is Wadi Fanja, with its frequent
running water and extensive palm
groves; a pleasant picnic spot.
Other sites include Qu’aid spring,
and aflaj of Ar-Ruha and Hamamiyat.
Pottery and mats are main handcrafts
here, the latter being woven from
palm tree leaves and fronds.
Samail
Situated 89 Km from Muscat, Samail
was home to Mazin bin Ghadhuba,
the first Omani to embrace Islam.
He built the first mosque in Samail
in 9th century AH.
the Wilayat boasts many wadis, some
of which constitute the natural
'Samail Wadi' that divides Hajar
Mountains into Western and Eastern
Hajar ranges.
As-Samdi falaj among 190 aflaj meander
around green oases and date groves.
Some of the best dates in Oman come
from Samail, such as Naghal, Fardh,
Khanizi, Mabsali, and Khasab.
The ruins of Samail are testimony
to the Wilayat's glorious history.
Of the most prominent sites are
Samail Fort, the Castle of Ash-Shahbaa
and roughly 300 Mosques, of which
the Mosques of Mazin bin Ghadhuba
(Masjid Al-Midhmar) and Al-Queblatayn
are the most significant.
Izki
The Wilayat of Izki, 280 Km from
Muscat, was a busy transit point
for trade caravans, around which
markets flourished.
One of the oldest cities of Oman,
the City of Izki was called Jarnan
prior to Islam, before acquiring
its current name referring to Zakat.
Izki is well-known for its clustered
ancient houses of historical value,
such as Harat Al-Yaman, Harat Al-Nizar,
and Harat Al-Sawadi, on top of tombs
dating back to the Third Millennium
BC in Zukeit, 3 forts and some 142
towers.
Falaj Al-Malki and the Cave of Jarnan
in the village of Al-Nizar are the
most popular natural attractions
of Izki.
Manah
The Wilayat of Manah nestles to
the Northwest of Nizwa, some 260
Km from Muscat.
Manah is thought to be the first
resting place of Malik bin Fahim
Al-Azdi before the Arabs entered
Oman following the collapse of Maa'rib
Dam in Yemen. A falaj in Manah still
bears his name. In the old town,
there are many caves which were
said to shelter women and children
during war.
The Wilayat encompasses many ancient
sites of interest, such as Harat
Al-Bilad Al-Qadimah, the Castles
of Al-Feiqeen and Al-Bilad, an old
fort in the town of Al-Ma’rah, the
Old Mosque and Ash-Sharat Mosque.
Manah also features some ntural
springs such as Al-Bilad and Al-Ma’a,
in addition to more than 13 aflaj.
Bahla
About 30 Km west of Nizwa, on the
road to Ibri, rests the charming
and ancient Wilayat of Bahla. Traditional
in every respect even today, Bahla
and its lush environs have many
to tell. It is a must-visit on the
itinerary of every tourist who wants
to feel the distinct flavour of
Oman.
Across the road, rises the great
Castle of Bahla, with its attractive
balconies, towers, and impessive
17-gates wall. The Castle has retained
much of its authenticity as an extraordinary
illustration of this fortification
style. At close proximity sits the
imposing Fort of Jabrin.
However, the pride of place in Bahla
is occupied by the potters and their
exceptional art. Bahla potters,
they say throughout the country,
have magic in their fingers and
their creations adorn the best of
homes. traditionally-made pots of
Bahla are found in homes throughout
the Sultanate and are a favourite
souvenir with tourists. Intricate
designs, some of which have been
passed on through the generations
and have local significance, are
etched into the necks and bodies
of these pots.
Al-Hamra
Wilayat Al-Hamra is located in the
northwest part of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar
to the West of Nizwa.
The Wilayat is probably well characterised
by its mountainous village of Misfat
Al-Abriyeen resting at more than
3,000 feet above sea level, which
seemingly hewn out of rocks, surrounded
by steep mountain slopes set amidst
greenery and date plantations.
Al-Hmara is also home to the marvellous
Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain), which
rises to dizzying heights. The Wilayat
features other stunning natural
wonders including Wadi Goul; homeland
of many carpet weavers and the gateway
to Jabal Shams, Wadi Al-Melh and
renowned Al-Hootah Cave, in addition
to a number of aflaj and wells.
The Wilayat also boasts several
historical sites, including Bait
As-Safa, Beit An-Ne'mah, Al-Aridh
Mosque, built in 4th century AH
to accommodate 1000 worshipers and
Al-Qariah Mosque.
Adam
Adam is roughly 295 Km from Muscat
and is the Southern gate to Ad-Dakhiyah.
It is thought that the Wilayat derived
its name from Adim Al-Ardh, meaning
'surface of the earth', or 'fertile
land in the desert'.
Adam is noted for its old Harat;
typical Omani communal-style settlements,
where homes are built in a tight
huddle.
A labyrinth of narrow pathways connects
these homes, with old-world appeal
lies in its cluster of stone-and-mud
dwellings laid out like steps along
the slope of rocky hills.
Examples of said Harat include Harat
Al-Busaid; the birthplace of Imam
Ahmad bin Said—the founder of Al-Bu
Said daynisty, Harat Beni Shaiban;
a critical station on the route
of camel caravans before Islam,
Harat Al-Hawashim and Harat Al-Ain.
Famous leaders like Mohalab bin
Abi Sofrah and Saif Al-Shibani were
born in these Harat.
On top of that, the Wilayat is rich
with old mosques, such as the Mosques
of Al-Mahlabiyah, Al-Rahbah and
Al-Rawghah, in addition to the forts
of Adam, Falaj Al-Ain and Falaj
Al-Maleh and some 30 towers.
Natuarally, Adam comprises a number
of interesting sites like Jabal
Salakh, Wadi Halfain, springs of
Ar-Rakheem, Al-Jandali and Namah,
and four aflaj.
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