Oman - Ancient City of Qalhat

"The site, which is located on the east coast of the Sultanate of Oman, includes the ancient city of Qalhat, surrounded by inner and outer walls, as well as areas beyond the ramparts where necropolises are located. The city developed as a major port on the east coast of Arabia between the 11th and 15th centuries CE, during the reign of the Hormuz princes. Today it bears unique archaeological testimony to the trade links between the east coast of Arabia, East Africa, India, China and South-east Asia."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage 

View of Bibi Mariyam Tomb of Qalhat - Galhat, Oman. Thanks to Nathalie of France who sent from Oman. This is a new UNESCO World Heritage inscribed in 2018.

Oman - Land of Frankincense

The frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah and the remains of the caravan oasis of Shisr/Wubar and the affiliated ports of Khor Rori and Al-Baleed vividly illustrate the trade in frankincense that flourished in this region for many centuries, as one of the most important trading activities of the ancient and medieval world." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1
Frankincense trees produced aromatic resins for perfumes and incense. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France who visited Oman.

Postcard 2

The incense tree. This postcard bought in Oman by Claus of Germany. Thanks Claus.

Oman - Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman

"The property includes five aflaj irrigation systems and is representative of some 3,000 such systems still in use in Oman. The origins of this system of irrigation may date back to AD 500, but archaeological evidence suggests that irrigation systems existed in this extremely arid area as early as 2500 BC. Using gravity, water is channelled from underground sources or springs to support agriculture and domestic use. The fair and effective management and sharing of water in villages and towns is still underpinned by mutual dependence and communal values and guided by astronomical observations. Numerous watchtowers built to defend the water systems form part of the site reflecting the historic dependence of communities on the aflaj system. Threatened by falling level of the underground water table, the aflaj represent an exceptionally well-preserved form of land use.” 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1
Falaj irrigation system in Oman. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France who visited Oman.

Postcard 2

Fajal Daris of Oman. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France.

Postcard 3

Daris falaj is the biggest falaj in Oman. Thanks to Claus of Germany who bought this postcard when in Oman.

Oman - Bahla Fort

"The oasis of Bahla owes its prosperity to the Banu Nebhan, the dominant tribe in the area from the 12th to the end of the 15th century. The ruins of the immense fort, with its walls and towers of unbaked brick and its stone foundations, is a remarkable example of this type of fortification and attests to the power of the Banu Nebhan." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Bahla fort was built before Islam. Thanks to Nathalie of France who was visiting Oman.

Oman - Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn

"The protohistoric site of Bat lies near a palm grove in the interior of the Sultanate of Oman. Together with the neighbouring sites, it forms the most complete collection of settlements and necropolises from the 3rd millennium B.C. in the world." ” Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Fieldstone tombs of Bat beneath Jebel Misch, Oman were constructed four thousand years ago. Thanks Nathalie of France who was visiting Oman.