The Journey to Nizwa
We headed out of the desert towards Nizwa; another arduous journey on some rough roads, but with some interesting sights along the way.
Bahla Fort
This fort is believed to have been built between the 12th and 15th century using traditional methods of bricks made with mud and straw. Signficant restoration works were undertaken fairly recently so it appears in pretty good shape today and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There was some kind of special festival going on in the fortress when we arrived which afforded us a glimpse of traditional music and rituals.
On our way out of the fort, we passed a small door above which was a sign indicating its use.
I found the use of the phrase “and stuff” to be refreshingly honest. Usually museums and the like use high falutin language or tedious explanations. “Stuff” was all I really needed to know.
Harat Al Sabani
We headed off from the fort towards an old village which proved to be yet another spectacular sight especially viewed from the drone.
This settlement is over 400 years old and lies at the foot of the Jabal Akhdar Mountains in Birkat AL Mouz. It is now abandoned, but appears to be well preserved..
We did not get an opportunity to walk round the streets, but I think it would have been a fascinating experience to wander amongst the ancient mud brick buildings.
It reminded me of a childhood memory I have of visiting house-building sites with my father who was a Chartered Surveyor, and hence interested in such things.
In the days before everything had to be locked up to prevent theft, as well as for health and safety reasons, it was possible to wander into building sites and climb inside half-built houses and imagine what they would be like when they were finished and occupied. I think the same kind of imagination would come into play exploring an abandoned settlement.
Below is a drone panning shot showing the mountain range into which the village is set.
Close to our drone take-off and landing point was an old water tower, at least I assume that is what it was. A couple of young children were around, climbing up the ladder and standing on the top. Again, the sort of thing I would have enjoyed doing as a boy. I simply cannot imagine that happening these days in the safety-first UK!
