Muscat: The ancient port city in the eastern part of Oman, Sur, is in the spotlight as it is the Arab Tourism Capital of 2024.
A two hour drive from Muscat, Sur lies on the Sea of Oman coast. The shore of this city, once upon a time, saw launching of traditional Omani wooden dhows and arrival of sailors after anchoring across its Khor.
Sur’s wooden dhows and doors speak volumes of the craftsmanship of shipbuilders and carpenters. The songs and stories of Sur narrate the rich heritage of the land and sings of ship captains, sailors and traders.
The city’s Sunaysilah Fort marks its strategic position, Al Ayjah Lighthouse symbolises the journey of sailing to distant coasts and lands and Al Ayjah hanging bridge represents the modern Sur.
The seafaring history was renewed with the onset of Oman LNG. At the same time, Qalhat continues to take one back into world history as its archaeological findings have thrown light on the trade between the Indus Valley civilisation and Qalhat.
According to Sur University College, 'By the sixth century, Sur was an established centre for trade with East Africa. In the 16th century, it was under Portuguese rule but was liberated by the Omani Imam Nassir bin Murshid al Yaarubi and underwent an economic revival, as a trade centre with India and East Africa. Before the Suez Canal, Sur was the hub for trade and was an important destination for international sailors.”
For many years, one could see the point of sweet water collection where the sailors would come down their anchored ships to collect fresh water.
Today the shipyard reminds everyone about Sur’s past and a place to relive the glory is the Sur maritime history.
For tourists today, Sur has the elements of cultural, heritage, adventure and eco tourism as in the case of Ras Al Had and Ras Al Jinz.
AL AYJAH LIGHTHOUSE
It is also known as Sur lighthouse and is located on Ras Ayqah, which is considered to be the highest east side point in Sur Harbour Square. The three storied, 18 metre tower has a story. The lighthouse was made in 1996 commemorating His Majesty Sultan Qaboos visit to Sur.
The location of the lighthouse is highly significant, said Khalid al Mukhaini, retired naval officer from Sur who has been authoring books on Sur’s maritime history.
“In the ancient days, there was no lighthouse at this spot but rather cannons and mast flag because this was the place that controlled the Khor which was the entrance to the Sur Bay," he said.
He explained that this was where the wooden ships from India, East Africa and North of the Gulf used to come during the monsoon season.
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