We Love Oman: Al Minzifah, abandoned town of mud-brick mansions

The ruins of Al Minzifah, located a short distance from Ibra, the regional capital, provide indication of what life in Oman was like for some in the early 18th century.

“On the western side of the shallow Wadi Ibra, which runs through the town of Ibra, is an abandoned town of mud-brick mansions, Al Minzifah,” says the Ministry of Tourism. “Though only 1,300 metres south of Ibra’s souq, the area of Al Minzifah is rural in character.

“Fields surround these old houses, and originally provided one of Oman’s key crops, dates,” adds the ministry. “The houses, many of which date from the period of prosperity, are of two or occasionally three stories, built from local stone, cemented and plastered with local juss. Care should be taken not to move the structures of these fragile buildings.”