Roland Lefevre
These old buildings add charm to Oman. Not only forts but castles too, draw tourist attention to Oman. Step in and breathe in a 'history' that was once alive and kicking in this hamlet-like country.
This fort was originally the residence of Portuguese governor Wali. And today it has been converted into an ethnographic museum where you can get detailed information about the history of the fort as well as the place. In the museum, you will also get to see Omanese wildlife and culture.
It was the Portuguese who built this fort in Oman during the 17th Century. In the courtyard, you will come across tiny boats, reminiscent of Oman's distant history of fishing. The remains of that history are still to be seen with the boats kept here and there.
If any traveler were to visit a fort, they would first make it to Nizwa fort. This fort played a crucial role throughout centuries. Even now it remains a main tourist attraction in Nizwa. Hotel accommodation could also be easily arranged in the vicinity due to the growing tourist influx. The fort was quite useful when outer forces wanted to destroy Nizwa in order to grab its natural wealth.
The architecture of the fort offers ample evidence to Oman's advanced architecture over the centuries. They were architecturally strong to face the military adversaries, it seems. For instance, you will doors which are inches deep while walls are built in such a way to stand any type of mortar fire. In the vicinity, the eateries offer Arabic delicacies.
When you are travelling southward from Khasab, you well gradually get to this hamlet called Bukha. Although small in size, Bukha is home to two forts. Al Qala's Fort hardly offers anything to be seen. It is completely in tatters. But still, you can get to the central tower from where you will get to see the whole region. As you reach the coastal highway, the other Bukha Fort could be found. The fort is easy to recognize with its unique central watchtower. Bukha Fort is easy to reach if you stay somewhere like Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort or other nearby lodging. Most resorts in Oman have handy information about forts and castles. Or simply approach any local, and they would willingly provide you the necessary information. Most forts have interesting stories behind them as well. The local villagers as well as scholars are the best source to study them.
People call this fort Ash Sharqiya Fort. You are not supposed to go inside. But it stands out majestically even if you look at it from the outside. If you happen to be in Muscat harbor, this fort is clearly visible to anyone staying there. Like other forts, this fort too was built to provide protection to Oman's coastline. Al Jalali fort is said to have been set up in the 16th century. After the Portuguese stronghold, the fort came under the control of the Persians. All that history is now available in the private museum of the fort. That too is only open for VIPs.
