The mystery of Bait al Maqham in Bousher

Residing gracefully beside a serene falaj canal, within the historic quarters of Bousher, stand proudly the 300-year-old 'al bait Al-Aoud'—translated as the grand house. Adjacent to it is an exquisite mosque and around it, verdant farms are planted with palm and lemon trees, their branches cascading over the weathered walls encircling the majestic edifice.

Steeped in rich history, its former inhabitant, Thuraya bint Mohammed bin Azan Al Busaidiya, whose lineage traces back to Sayyed Ahmed bin Said, the founder of the Busaidi state, was a beloved character who imparted knowledge and religious teachings to the women and children of the village.

The Grand House is a beautiful spectacle for those who love history and architecture. Passing by this imposing house, one can't help but wonder about the amazing stories that have happened there. Over time, the house has gone through a lot of challenges, from experiencing the wrath of Cyclone Gonu to the modern renovations and building of a proper falaj that goes around the property.

One mystery that seems to confuse a lot of people is how this storied house eventually became Bait al Maqham. While there's no debate over the Grand House being called Bait Al-Aoud, old inhabitants felt that something is lost in history, as Bait al Maqham actually points to a different house that is now lost in history.

Sulaiman Al Shamsi, born and raised in the sixties and living in one of the houses of this ancient neighbourhood, reminisced, "Our family was originally from the wilayat of Fanja but my grandfather, Sheikh Issa bin Salim bin Fraish al Shamsi, who was appointed as a judge in Bousher, moved to this side of Bousher and this is where eventually our family settled down."

"Bait al Al Aoud, everyone knew who it belonged to. What is lost to history is that Bait al Maqham, the name, used to belong to the house of Said Bin Nasser al Kindi, whose family used to gather and pray in the small Al Maqham mosque," Sulaiman said.

"Unfortunately, the old and original Al Maqham house owned by Nasser al Kindi disappeared with time and the heirs didn't rebuild the house," Sulaiman added.

Sulaiman also shared that, as time passed, eventually, a new sheikh judge was appointed.

"When Sheikh Judge Salim AlSiyabi, who was born in Ghala, a nearby area, came, he was asked and said that Al Maqham's house is Bait Al Aoud. The sheikh said that since the house is adjacent to the Al Maqham Mosque, then the honourary name just follows."

The Grand House spans three floors, featuring four rooms on both the first and second floors, while the upper floor boasts a solitary chamber reputedly belonging to Sayyidah Thuraya, overlooking the canal and valley to the east, the quaint Al Maqham Mosque to the south, and a verdant farm adorned with palm trees to the west. Adjacent to the room, an open area extends towards the staircase.

Majid Al Hasani, the house guide, said, "One of the rooms in the house contains a secret hiding place whose length and destination are unknown. Stories say that its length reaches kilometres, but this information is not accurate, as someone tried to enter but the path was blocked."

Most rooms were furnished with colourful rugs and cushions, reflecting Omanis' love for colours and life. The rooms were adorned with 'Rawazin,' openings within the walls for placing Chinese vases, symbolizing Oman's trade relationship with China. These shelves were also used as bookshelves for placing books and Qurans, and sometimes for perfumes and incense. The rooms were full of windows, which Al Hasani believed were abundant due to the lack of electricity at that time and essential for light and ventilation.

Sulaiman al Shamsi recalled, "In my childhood, there were camels and cows inside the uneven courtyard of the house, which were used for transportation and carrying goods. I witnessed a well in the middle of the house, and the house was not as you see it now."

He added, "There used to be a medium-sized platform to the left of the house, which no longer exists, replaced by the recently constructed theatre. The canal used to pass through the house, and the swimming pools were also inside."

Al Hasani shared, “The house has undergone restoration twice, first in 1992 and then in 2010, after it was damaged during the climatic conditions of Cyclone Gonu. The restoration was carried out by the efforts of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to ensure the continuity of the house as a historical and cultural landmark in the Muscat Governorate.”

Al Hasani mentioned, "The ministry received the house without any furniture, and we lack details regarding any prior furnishings or their whereabouts."

The historic house, which has stood the test of time, maintains its Omani identity in construction and charm, attracting visitors of all ages, with the presence of artefacts that could further enhance its allure.

Al Hasani said, "The place receives approximately 80 to 90 visitors, which is very few compared to what it deserves." He attributed this to the narrow street leading to the place, as some hesitate to park their cars at the beginning of the alley and walk the distance to reach it.

He also said that a lot of artists and photographers come to visit as the house is a good backdrop for photography.

Al Hasani said, "We organized two events in the house to revitalize and promote it. Last year, a draw was held by the Bousher Club here, in the presence of the wali, and this year we organized the 'Tahloula' event, which included various activities such as chants and prayers involving children, as well as entertainment competitions designed for them."

Addressing the farms, Al Hasani said, "The farm originally belonged to the house, but it is currently being offered for investment, and its management has been handed over to an investor."