Nizwa was and to some extent still is the religious centre of Oman. The town was one of the first cities whose population converted to Islam, here the Ibadhis elected the country's first imam. The weekly market is still an important event for the inhabitants of the surrounding mountains. Every Friday there is an animal auction, where mainly cattle, goats and sheep change hands, as well as a general weekly market with vegetables, dates and fish, but also used cars, household goods and toys. The town and the traditional souq for spices, horse products, date confectionery and Regeion handicrafts are also well worth a visit beyond the weekly market.
Both the fortress and the souq (market) were extensively restored in the 1990s. The silversmiths, for whom Nizwa is famous, were given new workshops. There, they continue to produce the typical curved daggers, khandjar, as well as jewellery such as rings, bracelets and amulets.
The fortress of Nizwa (main building from the 17th century AD) with its striking large round tower, the adjacent mosque and the souq complex form the appealing, enclosed cityscape of the city centre located on the Wadi Abyad. The fortress houses an informative museum with many descriptive information boards. Due to the weekly market, the town is particularly lively towards the end of the week. In the fortress, which is now privately run, freshly baked Omani bread is offered on Fridays and traditional dances are performed.
Many historic buildings in the old mud-house neighbourhood directly adjacent to the fortress and souq, known as Al Aqr, are currently being renovated and converted into inns, hotels, cafés, restaurants and shops. The dusty alleyways have been paved and the old city wall (currently 1 OMR entrance fee), where you can take a leisurely stroll with a view of the neighbouring palm gardens, has been restored. The ruins that fell into disrepair just a few years ago have now been transformed into an atmospheric crowd-puller that enjoys great popularity, and rightly so.
If you are travelling by car, it is highly recommended that you park a little outside the old town and walk a short distance.
➤ More pictures of the western Hajar mountain region
Your contacts for travelling with Arabia Felix:
Maria Popp and Karin Nowack
Phone: +49 (0)89 / 30 77 92 00
info@oman.de
ARABIA FELIX Synform GmbH
Treffauerstraße 18
81373 München
Germany
Tel: +49 89/30779200
E-Mail: info@oman.de
VAT-ID: DE201885274
