|
|
Nizwa is an important area, with outstanding Islamic architecture
located in the interior of Oman, some 180Kms from Muscat. A well
developed city, it has a long history of scholarship and learning,
housing many institutes for higher education. Nizwa is the gateway to the Sultanate's delightful
interior region. The dramatic Jabal Akhdar mountain range, tiny
mountain villages and impressive fortresses offer endless scope for
adventures and culture-vultures alike. Nizwa itself has some surprises for those who take the time.
Before we elaborate on Nizwa as one of the major cities in Oman, we
will shed light on the city's position as an academic
centre. |
|
|
Nizwa as a City of
Knowledge :
Omanis gave Nizwa the
nickname 'Centre of Islam' because it was the historical residence
for several schools of Islamic jurisprudence. Muslim scholars
residing in the city were actively engaged in studying and writing
on all aspects of Islam and many imminent scholars graduated from
its institute.Nizwa was among the first Omanis cities to embrace
Islam. Thus one finds mosques of a mixed blend of old and modernized
architecture. |
 |
Nizwa the city of Fortresses
:- Nizwa is famous for its historic fortress which was
built by Imam Sultan bin Saif (1649 – 1668 AD). The building process
itself was said to take over 12years. The fortress included
fortified towers with some areas for praying and administration, as
well as seven potable water wells.The city has several other
fortresses; Tanuf fortress, surrounded by three giant towers, is at
the foot of Al-jebel Al Akdhar. Al Raaida fortress, on the other
hand, has a strategic location, giving access to the valley leading
towards Al-Jebel Al-Akhdar. This particular fortress was built by
Immam Ahmed bin Said and his son
Hilal. |
|
|
Other Features of Nizwa : Nizwa is
famous for the manufacture of Omani halwa (local sweets). Perhaps
the availability of red sugar in the city has been a catalyst in
this regard. Nizwa is also
renowned for its tanning and leather-work. In addition, the city has
a handful of other crafts such as manufacturing gold and silver
ornaments, swords and other traditional
handiwork. |
|
|
Pots of Magic :Magic and mystery still surround
the ancient walled-town of Bahla. Stories
abound of people bewitched and turned into animals or enslaved.
"Touch the walls of Bahla and your luck will change", an old saying
goes - so you may first want to decide whether it would be for
better, or for worse. Bahla is
traditionally the pottery capital of Oman. Hidden in the winding
back streets, beehive shaped-kilns are stacked high with clay pots
ready for firing. |
Since Imam Mohammed bin
Abi-Affan established Nizwa as a capital in 793 AD, Omani imams preffered
the city over other candidates for the position of political capital of
the nation. The Officials in charge thought that Nizwa was better
fortified and safer as their administrative base and it thus become the
seat of the Imam, who would thereafter remain in the city, only departing
from it for urgent reasons. During the reign Imam Ghassan, Nizwa was
locally reffered to as the ‘Centre
of Islam’.
|
