Volunteers revive ancient route in Sadah

By Mohammed bin Said al Mashaikhi

Sadah: The Kharsh Afidhuq route in the Wilayat of Sadah was used by frankincense caravans in the Dhofar Governorate in a bygone era. It connects the ports of Sadah and Mirbat with the frankincense production sites in the Hawjar area and other production areas located behind the Samhan Mountain range in the north.

Cutting through rugged terrain, the Kharsh Afidhuq route provides evidence of the perils that surround frankincense transportation. Frankincense traders had to face all sorts of dangers travelling along this route to access the Frankincense production sites paths to collect frankincense, the unique aromatic substance that was in high demand in all markets of ancient civilizations.

Jumaan bin Mohammed al Mishkhi, a resident of Sadah said that the Kharsh Afidhuq route has recently experienced rock falls caused by extreme weather hampering the passage of people, livestock and goods and prompting the residents to seek the assistance of the Sawaed Al Khair volunteering team to rehabilitate and restore this vital route. The route which was once a major artery for transporting frankincense is now used by mountain trekkers, military battalions during military training as well as some residents of the area who move the western side of Jabal Samhan during the fall season.