One who travels to Wadi Al Sahtan will be awestruck by the farms that are scattered on both sides of the mountain road, forming beautiful panoramic views that we rarely find in other places.
Amq village is one of these green patches, which embraces dozens of species of plants, trees and wildlife.
Omanis grew up in this village plowing and cultivating the land, and they still practice agriculture alongside other traditional crafts such as making daggers, palm fronds and weaving textiles in their traditional form.
Whoever visits this village will feel from the first sight the antiquity of this site, as the mud houses that were built on the mountain slopes are still steadfast and survive elements. These houses add another aesthetic touch to this peaceful village. These houses, which were built in the Omani architectural style, are adorned with the Arabic drawings. It is like other mud houses that were built in the mountainous heights of the interior and eastern governorates.
Some of these houses retain their beautiful artistic lustre, and the drawings and inscriptions in these houses are in red and green. These drawings and writings that include Holy Quranic texts and quotes from Arabic literature indicate the literary knowledge of the residents of this village.
"Most of these houses collapsed due to heavy rains and exposure to moisture for long periods. The owners of these houses left them decades ago and today they are in a deplorable state. But some of these remain, which any visitor can see before their complete collapse," villagers said.
Some of the old houses' doors are locked, its windows are closed, and its walls are corroded, and it may pose a danger to those who live next to it.
"These mud buildings may collapse at any moment and this may cause injuries. These houses have become a refuge for insects, rodents and reptiles, which risks everyone's safety."
The recent rains have filled the aflaj and hearts of the villagers. Agriculture of this village is heavily dependent on rain and the citizens are optimistic about an exceptional crop yield this year. This falaj has been well maintained by the residents of the village as it is used to irrigate all crops in the village.
TEXT& PHOTOS BY YAHYA AL SALMANI
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
