NIZWA: People in Nizwa celebrate Ramadhan in style so are the decorations on the roads and villages with lanterns, lamps, and other attractive and traditional things.
As soon as the month approached, residents raced to decorate their homes and shops with lights and unique Ramadhan decorations. Shops have come up with various forms of Ramadhan decorations as a way of expressing joy at the start of this month.
The old Al Aqr neighbourhood is lit up with bright and striking colours that radiate life and joy.
The place has become popular for visitors from all over the world to see and enjoy the picturesque scenery. In the evening, many pedestrians flock here after Iftar to walk and refresh.
Suleiman al Sulaimani, responsible for running Al Aqr Lane, said that he seeks to create a Ramadhan atmosphere that reflects what our parents experienced in their childhood, as everything around recalls the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month. He is also keen to celebrate ancient Omani traditions such as Tahlulah and Qaranqasho in the middle of the month.
Al Aqr neighbourhood in Nizwa, in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, is suitable for creating a Ramadhan atmosphere. It is one of the ancient lanes, where the mud houses lined up along the stretch and are interconnected between its rails and passages in north, south, east, and west.
It has historical mosques, the oldest being Al Shawathna Mosque, built in the eighth year of Hijra. Next to it are Al Fard Mosque and Al Mazra’a Mosque. Al Aqr neighbourhood history dates back 4,000 years.
Some four years ago, the Al Aqr neighbourhood was completely deserted. However, some enthusiastic youths took up the task of reviving the place. Due to their efforts, life is back. A group of young people has set up various projects including heritage inns and cafes by renovating dilapidated houses into hotel rooms with traditional touch. The cafes and restaurants give a traditional feeling.
In response to the active movement of people across the lanes, lane entry for vehicles has been diverted to a single lane from the start point of Nizwa Castle roundabout till the exit of the southern side after Al Mazra’a Mosque. The new traffic arrangement has eased vehicle movement. Similarly, it is easy for visitors and tourists to move freely in the lanes, which have become a model of ancient lanes full of life and activity. It has all the details of the ancient past and the bright present.
PHOTOS BY SAMI AL HINAI & AMAL AL RIYAMI
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