Architecture in Oman

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Oman's traditional architecture is characterised by the few natural building materials available and formal simplicity. The display of wealth and power is considered unseemly in Ibadhi.

The Omanis did not have many raw materials available for building. The coastal population and the inhabitants of the Wahibaw steppe erected airy huts made of palm leaves, barasti, to utilise the sea breeze for cooling.

The houses in the mountainous regions, on the other hand, stood on a stone foundation to protect them from rainwater run-off, while the walls were made of dried mud bricks. Only the massive walls of thefortresses and mosques, which were several metres thick, were reinforced with stone. A mixture of clay, sand and lime, sarooj, was used as plaster.

In modern architecture, an independent postmodern Arabic architecture has developed in the country over the last 40 years, which attempts to preserve typical stylistic elements of traditional Omani house construction.