AL BURAIMI: Preservation of the cultural heritage is an Omani feature rooted in the Omanis, thanks to the citizen’s deep belief in the importance of preserving the cultural and historical heritage of this country, passed down from one generation to another. Perhaps the forts, castles and popular markets in the Wilayat of Al Buraimi are evidence of the citizen’s adherence to this legacy.
The Wilayat of Al Buraimi is located on the north-western border of the Sultanate, bordered from the eastern side by the Wilayat of Suhar and from the south by the wilayats of Ibri and Dhank, and from the northern side by the Wilayat of Mahdha. It is characterised by the diversity of natural terrains of plains, mountains, sand dunes and valleys, and was formerly called “Ardh Al Jaw” or “Tawam”.
The Wilayat of Al Buraimi is one of the most important and largest wilayats in the Governorate of Al Buraimi. It is known for its old and modern trade. It is considered a centre for commercial convoys. It is also a tourist attraction due to its various tourism and commercial elements. Ahmed bin Faris al Azani, member of the Municipal Council in the Governorate of Al Buraimi told the Oman News Agency (ONA), “The Wilayat of Al Buraimi, like other wilayats in the Sultanate, maintains its famous history, where the castles and forts are evidences of the historic glory of the wilaya”.
Among the most prominent forts in the Wilayat of Al Buraimi is Al Hilla Fort located in the Souq neighbourhood. It was built on an area of about 4,200 metres. The wilaya also has the Al Khandaq Fort located in the Hammasa area. It is surrounded by a 7.5-metre trench and a depth of About 3 metres and known as Al Khandaq after the trench that surrounds it.
Al Azani added that the Wilayat of Al Buraimi witnessed during the glorious era of the Blessed Renaissance a great development in various fields, which strengthened its position and commercial importance, as it became famous for its markets and the diversity of commercial goods. One of the most important markets in the wilayat is vegetables and fruits market, which is located next to the Al Hisn roundabout in the centre of the city. It has 148 shops where visitors can shop for vegetables, fruits, Omani honey, sweets and other local products.
The city also has the antiquities market located next to the municipal market. It is like a museum that reflects the heritage of parents and grandparents. The visitor can buy many Omani souvenirs here.
The wilayat is famous for traditional industries, the most important of which are date palm frond industries, where fronds are used in the production of many daily use items, such as mats, food covers, date-keeping bags.
It is also famous for making copper tools for various agricultural use, in addition to the textile industry, where some women in the wilaya produce embroidered clothing called “Al Tali,” which is a cotton thread used for hand-decorated clothes.
Al Azani also referred to the traditional arts in the wilaya locally called “Al Ayala,” as well as “Al Razha”. — ONA
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