Friday 19 / April / 2024
Wadi Al Ma’awel: Dozens of archaeological towers and several old fortresses, castles and mosques testify to the depth of history and originality of the Wilayat of Wadi Al Ma’awel in the Governorate of South Al Batinah.
The historical status of this ancient wilayat and the political, historical, social and cultural events that it has passed through are reflected in these monuments. The Wilayat of Wadi Al Ma’awel had played a noble role in the history of the Sultanate; its scholars, books, poets have been mentioned in many works.
Sheikh Saleh bin Saud Al Ma’awali said the Wilayat of Wadi al-Ma’awel is full of a number of old towers and fortresses, houses, mosques and archaeological castles that are of significant historical importance.
The Sultanate’s government, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, is making great efforts to restore and preserve many of these monuments.
He added that one of the oldest and most important historical landmarks in the wilayat is the fortress of “Safala” in the centre of Afi village in the Wilayat of Wadi Al Ma’awel and defensive fortifications that the castle famous for.
Al-Ma’awali also pointed out that one of the most important monuments in the wilayat is the Sheikh’s room in Afi village. It is rectangular and surrounded by a group of palm trees. He added that Bait Matma’ is also located in the village, on a cliff. Close to the Bait, there are modern houses and these were used for protection and were built of mud and gravel.
He referred to Bait Al Ghasham in Al Shali village, which is one of the old houses that have a high status. It is located in a group of houses and farms. The house has been restored to host a range of social, tourist, religious, cultural and intellectual activities. It contains a library and theatre visited by tourists throughout the year.
Al-Ma’awali also highlighted the Al Mutla’ fortress, saying it has four towers with openings for fire. The fortress is located in the center of the Afi village.
He also talked about Bait Al Khilaiwa, which is one of the old houses and can be seen by visitors or passersby’s from the main road linking the Wilayat of Barka and the Wilayat of Wadi Al Ma’awel.
There is also Burj Al Areeq that has a circular shape and is located inside the old neighbourhood. It consists of one floor and one entrance. Close to the Burj is a water well that was used for protection. There is also the Al Hujra Tower in the center of the village of Habra, and there are a number of new houses located near the tower.
There is also Burj Al Za’ema in the same village overlooking the road linking the Wilayat of Barka and the Wilayat of Wadi Al Ma’awel. Burj Al Shamsi consists of one floor and has a square shape. Next to it, there is a Falaj “ancient irrigation system or water channel.” The Burj is located on a flat ground in the village of Habra.
Talking about Burj Al Wasit in Al Wasit village, Al-Ma’awali said: “It is semi-existent and its shape is circular and consists of one floor and has one entrance. There is a new house adjacent to the tower.”
As for the Al Hujra Castle in Al Lajal village in the east of the wilayat, Sheikh al-Ma’awali said: “The castle stands on the top of a mountain. It has a number of rooms.”
The Al Hadria Burj neighbourhood is a semi-circular structure, overlooking a group of date palm trees and a group of mud houses.
He also touched on the monuments in a Masalmat village. He said: “In the old Al Hujra neighbourhood, Burj Al Hujra is located on a hill surrounded by a group of date palm trees and new houses. It has a water well and fire openings. It consists of two floors and has one entrance. Burj Al Fori is surrounded by a group of date palm farms and new houses.”
Sheikh al-Ma’awali referred to the archaeological sites in a number of villages in Wadi Mestal in the Wilayat of Wadi Al Ma’awel in the Governorate of South Al Batinah, including Al Ghubrah village, where Burj Al Ghubrah is located.
