UPAD’s Architectural Guide of Anonymous Monuments in Oman
content Abandoned building in North Al-Hail ‑ 3 Al Jalali Fort ‑ 4 Al Khor Mosque ‑ 5 Al Khor Mosque ‑ 6 Al Oud House ‑ 7 Al Qala’a Souk for Trading and Traditional Crafts ‑ 8 Al Qurm Mosque ‑ 9 Al Seeb International School ‑ 10 Al Sulaif Fort Souq ‑ 11 Bait Alghasham Museum ‑ 12 Bait Al Jabal ‑ 13 Bait Al-Nomman ‑ 14 Bait Ibn Said ‑ 15 Bank Muscat Head Office ‑ 16 Bawabt El Husan ‑ 17 Bayt Al Sheikh ‑ 18 Birkat AL-Mouz ‑ 19 Building in Bahla ‑ 20 Children’s Museum ‑ 21 Harat Al Aqar ‑ 22 Historical place in the village of Muraysi ‑ 23 House in Jabal Shams ‑ 24 Majan Electricity Company in Oman ‑ 25 Majan Electricity Company ‑ 26 Manah ‑ 27 Mathaib Gate ‑ 28 Men Hall in Siyaa, Quriyat Region ‑ 29 Millennium Resort ‑ 30 Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs ‑ 31 Mohammed Al Amin Mousqe ‑ 32 Mumtaz Mahal ‑ 33 Muscat Riyam Monument – incense burner ‑ 34 Mutrah Harbour ‑ 35 Nakhal Fort ‑ 36 Private House ‑ 37 Private house of the Prince of Qatar ‑ 38 Sohar Court ‑ 39 Sohar Gate ‑ 40 Star Cinema ‑ 41 Taiba Pharma Group Headquarter ‑ 42 The Gate of Muscat ‑ 43 The National Museum ‑ 44 Wadi Bani Habib ‑ 45
Abandoned building in North Al-Hail Adress/Location
Seeb North Al-Hail, near Oman Oil Petrol station Usage
Unknown Date of completion
Unknown Architect
Unknown Building Materials
Mud bricks Location on Map
Project Description
This unknown abandoned building might be a part that remained of a bigger building, perhaps a house? where generations lived together under the same roof? Or it can also be a single room that was used for multi-purpose reasons? Such as gathering place where men used to spend their free time? This unknown building should be considered as a small monument for the area bringing character and certain charm to the neighborhood; easily identifiable amonge the other buildings, teaches us about the history that happened before we were born, shares the very spaces and environments in which the generations before us lived and promotes the respect for those who lived in different times and different societies. Where most of the new generations are not familiar with. The building also cultivates pride of our past and heritage making us unique in the world, differentiating us from the neighboring countries. It can also encourage new architects to start and build buildings using the same materials and the same way.
author
Ohayla Al-Bahri
3
Al Jalali Fort Adress/Location
Old Muscat, Next to Al Alam Palace Usage
Prison/Fort Date of completion
1586 Architect
The Porteguese Empire Building Materials
Rammed Earth, Timber and stone Location on Map
Project Description
When the portuguese invaded Muscat, they needed forts to protect the old harbour of Muscat, as a result they built 2 new forts, each on one side of the harbour, the big one was called Al Jalali fort and the second one was called Al Mirani Fort, these forts would then also be used by the Omani empire in the same functional way and later would also become a prison for political people who spoke against the regime. After the renissance it was closed down and was used only for private uses that are only known by specific people. The building was also used in WWII by the british air denfense system to protect the british ships that were harboured in the port. The architecture of the building is relevant to Oman and is built using rammed earth and stone supported by timber. It has 5 towers and is oriented towards the city, meaning that the biggest facade with cannons faces the harbour. In my opinion, i see that this fort is really interesting because it shows Oman’s old face and also displays the strength of how Oman stood in the face of colinisim and didn’t fall, although the fort is porteguese in Origin, the Omani sultans improved it alot and added to it many towers and additions to it to make it stronger and hold its position bettter. Also the buidling is typical to Oman because it was one of the other 2 forts built by non-Omani’s in Oman, so it is a real masterpiece how the Porteguese were able to duplicate the Omani forts and how they integrated their own print to create this building. This building should be open for the public to visit and should be utilized into its full potential because it will attract many segments of the Omani society and also different people from around the world.
author
Marwan Al-Mahrouqi
4
Al Khor Mosque Adress/Location
Matrah, next to Al Alam Palace Usage
Mosque Date of completion
1976 Architect
Unkown Building Materials
wood, tiles, glass, plaster, stone Location on Map
Project Description
Al khor mosque was reconstructed in 1975-1976 A.D, its name is derived from Arabic, which means the passage for water during tides, and however it did have another name it was known by, masjid al shuhadaa, The original mosque had a lot of history especially during the attempt of Portuguese invasion, which explains the other name it is known by. Today the mosque is still used for prayers and it known as the “ family mosque� as members of the royal family are known to pray in it. The mosque has several small domes above it and a minaret that stands beside it, some of the elements combined to reconstruct the mosque are: wood, stone and plaster, it is based on Islamic architecture. It is unique by its use of tinted glass, which is complimented by the white, blue and brown titles. The mosque should be visited due to its unique history and style and as bounce to visiting the mosque the area is surrounded with many historical facts and monuments that represent the history and architecture of Oman.
author
Jana Sobhi
5
Al Khor Mosque Adress/Location
Muscat, next to Al Alam Palace Usage
Religious, Mosque Date of completion
Renewed1856-1866, Rebuilt 1976-1975 Architect
Unknown Building Materials
plaster, stones and canadile wood Location on Map
Project Description
Al Khor Mosque is located in Muscat, on the the south side there is Al Alam Palace, the historical castle Al Mirani is on the east side of the mosque, Bab Al Muttabeej to the north, and Al Jazeera House to the west. Al Khor Mosque which means in Arabic “The Bay Mosque”, and it was called by this name because of the location of it. It was built in the era of Sayyid Hilal bin Ahmed bin Saif Al-Busaidi, and was renewed in the era of Sayyid Thawaini bin Said bin Sultan Al-Said. Al Khor Mosque was rebuilt again at the high expense of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1976-1975 and was inaugurated on January 16. Al Khor Mosque was also used for learning Quran and more about Islam. The teaching at the Al-Khor Mosque began in the era of Sultan Turki bin Said in 1871-1888. The first to teach in Al Khor Mosque was the imam of the mosque Sheikh Suleiman bin Mohammed Al-Kindi, where he taught the Holy Quran and the fundamentals of religion and the sciences of the Arabic language. Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al-Khalili, the Grand Mufti of the Sultanate, was among those who worked at the school after returning from Zanzibar. The Mosque was built with plaster, stones and canadile wood which was imported from Africa. The construction of Al Khor Mosque was built in the Islamic architectural style, and Islamic inscriptions and writing verses from the Holy Quran throughout this great historical mosque, it has a beautiful mihrab, decorated with mosaics, rich in Islamic motifs and inscriptions, and some verses of the Holy Quran were written on it. Al Khor Mosque is interesting because it is a historical building, and it was not only used for religious uses, it was also used as an educational place. It is important because foreigners can see that Oman is rich with history and it has interesting architects throughout history.
https://om77.net/forums/thread/486592-ﺩﺝﺱﻡ-ﺭﻭﺥﻝﺍ-ﺭﺍﺏﺥﺃ-ﺓﺏﻱﺏﺵﻝﺍ/ http://www.atheer.om/archives/7319/1-ﻱﺽﺍﻡ-ﻡﻱﻝﻉﺕﻝﺍ-ﻱﻑ-ﻥﺍﻡﻉ/
author
Aisha Alkindi
6
Al Oud House Adress/Location
Al Rajea Village, Al Amerat Usage
House Date of completion
over 100 years old Architect
Sheikh Isaac bin Yahya al - Kindi Building Materials
Wood, clay, ropes, stone and plaster Location on Map
Project Description
Hue to Sheikh Isaac bin Yahya Al-Kindi. He is over 100 years old. The British for the Green Mountain Revolution were thinking of a headquarters for weapons. The house is two floors. The second floor is 3 rooms and the ground is about 3 rooms and a hall of monsters and an outside kitchen with a big tree, never a house or a house more than 100 years old. For now it is deserted and the myths say that this house has a buried treasure and there are swords of gold in the walls and anyone trying to take them will die. There is no interest from the government and the competent bodies of the historic house. Although tourists visit the area, they have to pass from the side of the house to take pictures of the house, an original architectural house built by Oman.
I asked people living in the same area
author
Sara Al Marshoudi
7
Al Qala’a Souk for Trading and Traditional Crafts Adress/Location
Sohar, Al Batinah Sultanate of Oman Usage
Market Date of completion
Unknown Architect
Unknown Building Materials
Mud bricks, Mud, Glass Windows Location on Map
Project Description
Al Qala’a Souq for Trading and Traditional Crafts in Sohar is considered as one of the most important destinations for people who care about traditional crafts where they can find variety of hand crafts which can people decorate their homes with it also the Omani silverware and jewelleries for women or men as Khanjer. This Souq is very similar to local forts which Oman characterized by it and its special architecture. It is also similar to old traditional cubic Omani houses. The architectural design of Al Qala’a Souq combines between cubs and cylinder (as picture shows). The Souq is surrounded by wall which have two small towers and the gate in the meddle. There is also a courtyard with different types of trees that cool the air before it goes to the shops. In the back of the building there is a big round tower with arcade in the underneath. In addition, there are many arcades which connect the corners of the fort together. I think that such building must be known by local people or the tourist because it reflect the Omani culture as it is a souq that offers different beautiful things which the visitors would like to have.
author
Fatma Al Nabhani
8
Al Qurm Mosque Adress/Location
Qurm, near Al Shatti street Usage
Worship Date of completion
Unknown Architect
Unknown Building Materials
marble, concrete, stone, Location on Map
Project Description
Al Qurm Mosque, is a mosque located in Qurm Muscat. The main function is for prayer worship and the call for prayer. It consist of iconic yellow towers called Minarets which are used as a call to prayer. These gilded towers attached to them are loudspeakers to project the call of the muezzin (the person who calls for prayer). The mosque is fairly new however the architectural detail and Islamic references makes it aesthetically pleasing. The mosque is located near qurm beach and acts as a focal point that allows people to navigate themselves within the city. Al qurm Mosque is interesting for expats because it has a flamboyant dome, open courtyard and different style arches of varying architectural styles. The 2 Minarets of the mosque are tall and slender and the yellow color is reflective in the sun which lights up the mosque creating a shining light which makes it attractive
author
Anotidaishe Mavazhe
9
Al Seeb International School Adress/Location
Al Khoudh Next to AL-Salam roundabout Usage
School Date of completion
2012 Architect
Unknown Building Materials
concrete, stone, glass,steel Location on Map
Project Description
AL-Seeb International School is for student from kindergarten, primary and secondary it is now running from six years it cover different languages to ensure the development and the growth of students toward the society. For the design it have different character that represent architect theme, within the building courtyard that work as an open space to be used by the student surrounding it classrooms, the building is covered with one wall forming as a front elevation extending from the start till the end of the structure, the wall symbolize somehow the Islamic features it have different crafting writings like the Arabic letters, Islamic patterns and drawing of a fort also it have the word study. So this one wall with balance of the gray, white and gray colors shows different aspect which will be interesting for the observer/visitor to see from it understanding that the building belongs to educational authority and what is the society about.
author
Umaima Al-Bulushi
10
Al Sulaif Fort Souq Adress/Location
Al Sulais - Ibri Usage
Souq Date of completion
1718 Architect
Imam Sultan bin Saif Al - Yaraibi Building Materials
Clay, chalk, stone, plaster and wood Location on Map
Project Description
The souq of Al Sulaif Fort was built in 1711-1718. However, the souq was built in the same time period to build the Fort and it was during the reign of Imam Sultan bin Saif Al YARAIBI. It was one of the successful leaders who managed to preserve their countriy and expel the enery. The souq is pant of fort which was the center or the main construction in Al Dahera governorate. In addition, the fort is far from Muscat by 279 km. Unforunately, these heritag landmarks will dis appear over time because no-one take care a bout it and the ministry of heritag does not realize that they will gut benefits from these landmarks in form to tourism and economy of our country.
http://alyarobi.blogspot.com/2011/03/blog-post.html
author
Sumaia Al Farsi
11
Bait Alghasham Museum Adress/Location
Bait Alghasham Museum Usage
cultural Date of completion
renovated 2014 Architect
old house Building Materials
Mud, Sarooj, Natural stone, wood Location on Map
Project Description
Bait Al Ghasham is an old house was built more than 200 years ago, It is located in Afi village in wadi Al Maawel in South Al Batinah. this house was owned by Sayyed Mohammad Bin Ahmad bin Naser Al Ghasham Al Busaeedi who was Governer of Mutrah during the era of the previous Sultan Seeed Bin Taimoor. The house represent the typical architecure of Omani old houses. It was built by using local sustainable materials such as Mud blocks, wadi stones, plam fronds and local wood. Recently the house has been renovated by the owner (Sayyed Ali Al Busaidi) under the supervision of the Ministry of Heratage and Culture and transformed to a museum. It hosts differernt culutural and social events during the year. It is yet to be one of the tourists attraction in the region.
author
Mohammad Al Qasimi
12
Bait Al Jabal Adress/Location
Miskin, Ibri Usage
residential Date of completion
1984 Architect
unknown Building Materials
concrete Location on Map
Project Description
Named by the locals in the village, this house is a library of memories. It is built on the edge of a small hill opposite of the village. It was built in a time when my father was still in the Royal Oman Police, which is why this house was influenced strongly by the police architecture. It has four main suites on the upper floor with two rooms and a pantry each, two other rooms on the ground level, two living rooms, two dining rooms, a small library and an exterior guest house. The main four suite have different extraordinary views of the mountains. The foyer has double height wooden doors. It was built as a family house for my father and his siblings. the house is usually full on the weekends, Ramadan and special events when the whole family gets together. What is interesting about this house is how it was built. The brown rough texture also gives it a very aesthetic feeling. The functionality of this building is extraordinary. despite it’s appearance as a fort, Its similarity to hotel is very interesting. occasionally, foreigners stop by and ask if it’s possible to see the “museum”, but unfortunately, the current residents consider this house very private.
author
Salim Al Kalbani
13
Bait Al-Nomman Adress/Location
Barka Usage
hospitality house Date of completion
1741 Architect
Saif bin Sultan Al-Yarubi Building Materials
wood, clay, bricks, stone Location on Map
Project Description
Bait Al-Nomman is located in Barka which is town near to the coast of Oman sea. And it is far from the capital Muscat about 86 km, Bait Al-Nomman built in this town because of the hard trip for the Yarub family between Muscat and Al-rustaq on The appearance of camels and horses. At the middle of the way between Muscat and Al-rustaq Saif bin Sultan Al-Yarubi construct Bait Al-Nomman as a hospitality house for Al-Yarubi family.The building consists of three floors and has a high body due to its height, protected by a wall with openings with a single entrance through a heavy wooden door. The entrance to the fortress passes through a wooden gate carved under a convex arch in an open rectangle of ornate plaster, leading a wide hall to five rooms with a vaulted ceiling. The ground floor rooms receive lighting from windows located on top of the walls.The ground floor of the fort contained equipment and services for the daily needs of the inhabitants of the fortress and places to prepare food, household work, and there are stores of dates and extract honey to the jars in the gaps in the ground of the fort. On the road to the first floor there is an estimated 100-year-old Mendos, believed to have been used in the maintenance of luxury clothes, arms, blankets, carpets and coins. The reception hall and guest rooms, called the “Royal Corridor”, are located on the first floor, where they can be easily accessed by a high and narrow staircase. They are decorated with French carpets, silk pillows and a complex restaurant accent. And rare silver jewelery, and these treasures are currently displayed in a beautiful museum style. There is a large room in the fort that looks like a main hall but it was used for prayer. The presence of the small mihrab in this room is proof of this. The prayer hall is an important architectural element in the fortress of Beit al-Nu’man. The entrance and roads are not open to mislead the invaders and the escape routes of the inhabitants of the fort. In the Imam’s room there is a small hole in the ground beneath which is a dark room in the south-east tower. This room conceals a safe passage to the ground. At the far end of the fortress, there is a unique building, a small room for relaxation and meditation, in keeping with the nature of the rural resort. This room is accessible only through the stairs, which overlooks vast areas of palm trees and is open to the sea breeze.
http://wejhatt.com
author
Shaima Al Balushi
14
Bait Ibn Said Adress/Location
Ibri, Al Aynayn, Oman Usage
Residential Date of completion
16\5\1985 Architect
Salim saied AL-abri Building Materials
concrete walls, wooden doors, Irone windows Location on Map
Project Description
This building in located in Ibri, ALAynayn.This building is residential its a family house.it consist of big leaving room and two rooms for women guests and man guests and outside kitchen and huge courtyard and it’s the important parts. It took around 6 months to get fully constructed. They started to built it in January and it finished in 15/may/1985. This building is very important to me because it remained me with our grandparents and the way they lived in past. Moreover this house refers to old traditional Omani houses for example the sizes of the opening of the windows, they use to live it not that big to have privacy enough in the house. Also the purpose of using the wooden doors because they use to export it from South Africa, which was very close to Oman and it was cheep material to use in construction. In addition there is in every old houses small opening in the highest parts of the way this openings are very important for bringing air inside the building so its for cooling. So when tourists comes to Oman they always want to now about the culture of the country so the houses represent a huge part of the Omani architecture and culture.
author
Noha Al-Abri
15
Bank Muscat Head OďŹƒce Adress/Location
Airport Heights - Seeb- next to Hormuz Hotel and Mood Cafe Usage
financial Date of completion
20111 Architect
Atkins, MACE Building Materials
concrete and glass Location on Map
Project Description
The new bank was designed to merge the culture with the modern and to create a place that reflects Omani culture and preserves its disappearance with the use of advanced materials and we can see that in the façade where it is integrated between the Mashrabiyah, which symbolizes the Islamic culture in the old buildings and glass which, symbolizes urbanization and to create an integrated picture between the two elements together. Some may see it as just a place or a building to work and make transactions, but when we look at it from another angle, we can see the beautiful design that draws the passers before the employees, in addition to that place contains cafes and shaded places to sit and restrooms can be enjoyed by the visitor.
http://www.bankmuscat.com author
Majda Al-Habsi
16
Bawabt El Husan Adress/Location
Wadi Al Kabir, The way to the Parliment Building Usage
Monument, Road Gate Date of completion
2000 Architect
Vincentaa Sculpture Building Materials
Marbe, Gold Paper Location on Map
Project Description
Bawabt El Husan, which translates to the Horse’s Gate is a gate that was built in the year 2000 to commamorate the 30 years rule of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed and the renissance. The gate like many other gates world wide is mostly symbolistic more than functional, in the case of this gate, it represents and symbolizes the power of the Omani crown and the acheivments of His Majesty in the past 30 years of his Reign. Once you pass with your car between the horses from both sides of the road you would feel that you are entering a new quarter of the city, which is matter of fact is a realtiy, becuase now you are moving from the district of wadi al kabir which is a new district, into an old distrcit which is the municipality of muscat, through this road you would also go to the Parlimant buidling and Al Bustan Palace and the building of the Governer, also you would be going into old muscat and the Palace area. The building was built from marble and then the horses were polished with gold paper to give the strong impression of wealth and power, this idea has been seen in many other places for example in Europe were kings used to sculpt themselves with gold as a strong impression of power. But because its forbidden in Islam to represent a human figure in Sculpting the symbolisim of Horses was used, but the question would be, why horses? This was the choice of the famous Vincentaa firm, who after a long research decides to chose the symbol of horses because of the known love of HM to horses and also the strong relationship of the Omani people with horses, also knows that worldwide horses represen chivilry and courage. In my Opinion this monument needs to be emphasized more by having places to sit near by and also making it a strong sitting area with beautiful scenery and lighting effect at night to attract visitors. Also the tourists would be interested in seeing the artisitc side of Oman and would change their impression about how arab people view sculpting and art. Because at the end art is the language of civilizations.
author
Yussuf Al-Ibrahim
17
Bayt Al Sheikh Adress/Location
AL Laujah Al Awabi, Al Batinah North Governorate Usage
Residential Date of completion
1920 Architect
unknowing Building Materials
Mud, Bricks, Wooden windows & doors Location on Map
Project Description
This house is located in an old area in Al- Awabi It was for a famous family Al sheikh house. It Consists of two floors. The ground floor is for Majles and guests rooms, and the uber rooms are all bedrooms. There were more than 8 bedrooms in this house because as most of the Omani families they are big and they all lived in one house. The shape of this house is square, with the courtyard in the middle. The materials they were used are stones, mud bricks, palm trees, baked bricks, mangrove poles and lime who is mainly applied for plaster and mortar. Furthermore, they used the palm wood for the doors, windows and also as a beam for the roof. The traditional houses in Oman take care of the weather more than anythings ales in the construction. That’s why this house is oriented to the south, which helps to decreases the solar gain in summer and catches more breeze from the valley by the small windows in the top of each floor, which designed to make air movement much easier inside the house. And the walls has made also of thick mud because it works well for the heat insulation. There is some Islamic decoration in the frame of the door and windows to appear that this house is for a family with a high position in the society. This type of houses attracts many tourists to my region, because they found it interesting to see how Omani people used to live in the past, and how they built their houses.
author
Zainab Alkharusi
18
Birkat Al-Mouz Adress/Location
Nizwa / Oman Usage
old residential buildings Date of completion
before the renaissance Architect
local omanis Building Materials
mud, stones, wood, sarooj Location on Map
Project Description
Birkat al-Mouz is located in Nizwa and near by Aljabal Alakhdar it is an old neighborhood that was build very long time ago it is one of the most interesting places in oman. You’ll be able to see what local omanis used to build their own houses with it is entirely build out of mud blocks and stones, the houses are located on the mountain and just below it an old souq that is built from the same materials is located. You’ll learn more a lot more about how it used to be back then. Birkat Almouz means banana pond and its named Birkat Amouz because it used to be a rainy area and because of that it had lots of lakes or ponds and its been said that the first plant that was planted there was the banana tree. It is a good place to go to if you would like to learn more about Omans heritage and its culture.
author
Maryam Al-Zadjali
19
Building in Bahla Adress/Location
Oman, Bahla, Bladsate Usage
Residential Building Date of completion
1965 Architect
Unknown Building Materials
Stone, clay, wood and palm trunks Location on Map
Project Description
This building is located in bladsate in bahla. It is belongs to one of the old dignitaries in this place. Which is located at the entrance of the neighborhood. I like this building because every time I go to this neighborhood where my father was born, I see this building in the front and I attracted by the way it is built and raised as well as how it is constant until today. However, the most important thing that this building is went through an old aggressive invasion and that’s reflect the old architectural design. Where it contains high holes for shooting and watching the attackers at that time. The construction process is dependes on clay, which is good nature of the region and because it is strong and bear the heat, coldness and rain as well as it is available and easy to use. It is also a beautiful formation on the facade of the walls.In general, in this building they were using clay, wood, straw and palm fronds were used as materials available at hand and easy to use. The roof consisted of logs, palm trees and seder trees. I like the As design of the building,it consists of Al-Liwan in the ground floor and the rooms at the top. It also has a natural cooling system. In my opinion, mud houses are in fact an integral part of our original heritage, a symbol of civilization and the originality of the ancient past. They have existed for decades, while others still defy time and resist conditions, despite the simplicity of construction and its available components such as mud, stones.
author
Qatr Al-Nada Abdul Al-Rahman Al-Hinai
20
Children’s Museum Adress/Location
Shatti Al Qurm next to Sultan Qaboos Street, Muscat Oman Usage
Museum Date of completion
1990 Architect
Unknown Building Materials
Concrete, glass, white and blue tiles Location on Map
Project Description
Children museum in Oman, it was opened on 14th of November 1990 on the 20th national day celebration for the majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said. It was established by the ministry of natural heritage and culture. It locates in Sarooj Shatti Al-Qurm next to the Sultan Qaboos high way. It was the first modern educational science museum in Oman. It’s known for its hands on science display. The design of the museum is two domes, big and small. The big dome is the where the museum and exhibitions are and the small dome is where the administration is. The dome is surrounded by arched openings. the dome of the museum looks like dome of a mosque and the total area is 930 meter square. The museum shows the scientific ways of human life and exhibition is divided into three parts the human life, physics and progress of science through ages. It’s one of the tourist places in Oman and a lot of schools take the students to visit the museum especially under age 15 and annually 50000 visitors visit the museum to see the architects of the building and the exhibitions.
author
Sundus Al Saadi
21
Harat Al Aqar Adress/Location
Sultant Of Oman,Nizwa Usage
Residential Date of completion
Before 7 hijri Architect
The residence of the area Building Materials
Mud, Stones, Palm trees, Wood, Sarooj Location on Map
Project Description
Harat Al Aqar or the old Nizwa is an old Omani neighborhoods which is located in Nizwa, it’s one of the oldest areas in Nizwa. About 22 people lives there. What is special about this neighborhood is it’s in the middle of the city, it’s near the souq and Nizwa fort. This knighthood famous of the mosques and the old houses, the knighthood surrounded by wall for more protection. What is special in this knighthood is its build by Omani people in the old days in the time of his prophet. The houses contain two to three floors all the material which have been used in this knighthood are from the environment of the city which are mud mixed with stones and the palm fronds and some wood which been used for the roof structure. The narrow alleys and the small opening in the buildings which used for ventilation all this explains how geniuses was the Omanis at the old days. The opening in the buildings contain decoration of Islamic arts and it can be seeing in the doors and the windows. The most famous mosque in the neighborhood is jamaa al shawthnaa this mosque where the people pray and also it’s a place where the people get knowledge about Islam and other things also they give class about Quran. Tourist when the visit the fort they also visit this neighborhood because it’s near the fort and also it’s like an improvement about the Omani people and how they lived in the old days and how the mange their way of living using the surrounded materials .also this neighborhood reminds the people of the old days that why lot of people visit it.
author
Maisaa Al-sharji
22
Historical place in the village of Muraysi Adress/Location
Barka Muraysi, near Barka Zoo Usage
Multi Functional Date of completion
Unknown Architect
Unknown Building Materials
Rammed earth and timber wood Location on Map
Project Description
I decided to choose this building which is a historical place in the village of Muraysi in the suburbs of Muscat. The house is really old dating back to the 1700s during the Portuguese invasion of the coast of Oman, it was proven that they used it as means of supply and grain storage. The building also served as a residence of the local governor later on. But unfortunately after the renaissance it was abandoned and no one used it anymore and moreover the sad thing was that the ministry of tourism or of culture didn’t look after it and make it a really good touristic destination This is why I want to make it a nice touristic destination and emphasize the period of which Oman was ruled by the Portuguese and the re-use of Omani people to the building. The building is built from Rammed earth and timber wood. When I visited the site, there was a local man who told us that the wood they used was relevant to India, using also cedar wood and red earth, According to legend. Majelan who is a famous Portuguese sailor also said to have lived here and married a women from the local peopl, who later ran away with him and settled in Lisbon. This rich history should not be wasted this is why I decided to put the building as a monument and a witness to the great history it has and also to the extensive relations between Oman and the European countries since the 1400s and this building which is in the 1700s to today the 2000s.
author
Afra Suliman
23
House in Jabal Shams Adress/Location
Jabal Shams Usage
Residential Date of completion
1800’s Architect
Unknown Locals Building Materials
Stone Location on Map
Project Description
While hiking along the mountains in Jabal Shams, I came across an amazing architectural space. It was quiet obvious that it was a residential building that is placed in the middle of the mountain. Looking further into the building and room sizes I could tell the basic rooms such as the kitchen, toilet and living rooms. The houses location where specifically picked.Where there is shade from the mountain which makes it safe and more protective for the residence to live in the old days. And it is close to a wadi where they get their water from. The materials that were used is purely just stone, that was stacked up on each other. With no motor joint or any mud, in fact smaller pieces of stone were inserted in these small openings. As for the window openings a wooden lintel was used for support or the arch method. I really was amazed with how the buildings were built back in the old days, how they are still standing. And how it is integrated with the mountain and goes along with the topography. I think that its very interesting for people to see such beautiful architecture coming together with nature. And for foreigners to see how the local materials are used to build with. As the old men from the villages say people used to live there around 1900’s to 1950’s.
author
Mawada Al Ismaili
24
Majan Electricity Company in Oman Adress/Location
Sohar, next Sohar breig Usage
Office and store (commercial) Date of completion
2013 Architect
non Building Materials
concrete, steel, glass Location on Map
Project Description
The Green Building is the building of the Majan Electricity Company, which is called the Green Building, which uses solar panels to produce energy. The shape of the building is the shape of the transformer. The building consists of 5 floors of the ground floor consisting of reception hall, head office reception and accounting department. The first floor of the technical offices is a fully open floor. The second floor consists of administrative offices specialized in marketing. The third floor consists of the office of the general manager and the offices of the other central districts. On the fourth floor it is a very large control room. On the roof of this building, the solar panels produce the electrical power of the building only. As these panels feed the building with clean electricity and are not expensive. The building is located next to the main eastern side of the main city of Sohar, covering an area of 3000 square meters. There is a large warehouse and offices on an area of 1500 square meters. Positions are located outside the boundary of the piece from the south side. The main building area is (2000) square meters and consists of (5) floors. The facade of the building is 80% glass and the rest is concrete. The total area of the piece (5500) square meters. We notice the afforestation in the south side of the site and the damage to give an aesthetic picture of the place and hid the food and stores.
author
Abdullah Al-Issai
25
Majan Electricity Company Adress/Location
Sohar, next to badr al sama polyclinic Usage
Electricity company Date of completion
5th of May 2013 Architect
Unknown Building Materials
Concrete, glass Location on Map
Project Description
The building is Majan Electricity Company located in Sohar. The building is designed in Roman and Islamic style, it has 5 floors and it looks like an electrical adapter from the 5th floor. People who worked on it call it the green building because it is a good model for rationalizing electricity and water consumption. Also, it is environmental friendly building and it has a lot of features that make it the first of its kind in Oman. The walls of the building has thermal insulator, the windows has double glazed glass that isolates some infrared light and also the roof is isolated by 3 layers, one of them is the solar panels that cover most of the roof. Many people don’t know about that building and it has advanced technology thats why I think it is a good example for architecture students and also for some engineer students to study and learn from it.
author
Sara Al-Shuaili
26
Manah Adress/Location
Ad Dakhiliyah, Oman Usage
Residential/ Commercial (perviously) Date of completion
unknown Architect
unknown Building Materials
Mud bricks, stones, sarooj Location on Map
Project Description
Manah is a great example of the history of architecture in Oman. Since many years back there weren’t any concrete, people were building their homes using natural materials that were found in the site that they live in. The common materials were mud bricks, wood, sarooj and stones. The area in Manah as shown in the photo is the mosque area which people perform Wudu* and it is just one part of the complete neighborhood which consists of houses and a souq. Currently, no one lives in this neighborhood since it is very old. However, the place is very interesting since in shows how people used to live in the past and how the details of the buildings were built. The place is surrounded by beautiful landscape and it only gets more interesting when you walk around because it looks nothing like the neighborhoods in Oman today. *Wudu : Washing some parts of the body before praying
author
Safa AlBusaidi
27
Mathaib Gate Adress/Location
Matrah, next to Al Alam Palace Usage
Gate Date of completion
1974 Architect
Unknown Building Materials
wood, natural stone, plaster Location on Map
Project Description
The Mathaib gate was rebuilt on the 20th of December 1974, under the ruling of his majesty Sultan Qaboos. It was built as a representation to replace the old mathaib gate and is used as a symbol to remember the history behind the original gate and what that gate stood for. The gate is currently used as a passage for cars and people, however it does not have many visitors because it is not well known by tourist or even some of the people who live here. The design of the new gate is based on the on the design of the old gate, especially when it comes to the pointed arches, the Islamic Omani architecture and the components that are used to build the gate, for example classic stone that is typically found in Oman was used instead of new age concrete to represent it monumentally and historically. It is important for people to visit the gate so that they can understand the history and see how the new gate represents the old one, also not only is the gate the only monument in the location but it is located within a near walking distance of other historical places which helps give anyone visiting a better historical understanding and visit experience. .
author
Abeer Al Hinai
28
Men Hall in Siyaa, Quriyat Region Adress/Location
Siyaa, Quriyat region Muscat Usage
A meeting place for men Date of completion
unknown Architect
unknown Building Materials
Mud, stone and wooden windows Location on Map
Muscat
Siyaa Project Description
Siya village is located in the west of Al-Quriyat region in Muscat. Siyaa is approximately 55Km away from Muscat. It is a mountainous area that is rich of water, fresh air, greenery and pleasant scenery. I have seen the majority of Siya’s buildings but I was most fascinated by one building and it is a men hall (Majlis) that goes back to ancient times. I would describe the building as; brilliant. The men hall or majlis is surrounded by palm trees and elevated from the ground level. It can be reached by a staircase, which is made out of stone collected from the area. Pure cool water, form the mountain, runs under the building and continue flowing throughout the village, it is paradise! It has many windows and ventilation openings placed on top of windows. The tip of windows are engraved with fine plant decorations. The roof and wall, next to windows, has a metal hanger to hold mud bowls that carry drinking water. As these mud bowls get breeze from outside, through the windows and ventilation openings, the water gets cool and refreshing to drink. Finally, the main reason behind choosing this building is how sustainable and comforting the design is. It is sustainable because of the materials used that even if it will fell down it wouldn’t hurt the environment. And it is comforting because it is in a middle of palm trees and water. It should be noted, that some of the building’s materials and elements has been replaced or renovated.
author
Juhaina Al-Salmi
29
Millennium Resort Adress/Location
Wudham Al Sahil, Mussanah, Muscat Usage
Resort Date of completion
2011 Architect
Omran Company Building Materials
concrete, glass Location on Map
Project Description
Millennium Resort in Mussanah is located besides the beach, it is designed to offer a suitable environment for relaxation and luxury, very well equipped place to spend holidays with the family. It offers a variety of activities including water sports, such as sailing, snorkeling and jet skiing. In addition, it has mini-golf and tennis courts. It also possesses a spa and five swimming pools distributed for families as well as women. The building is designed in a very broad way that gives the opportunity for most of the rooms and suits in the building to have a full view of the sea. The design also appears to be trying to offer as much privacy as possible to the guests staying at the resort. What attract me to this building, is having the curve shape to maximize the see view and having simple design but functional. As most of the hotels doesn’t take the privacy into account this hotel does! Each room has its private view and balcony. Moreover, I like how the design works to connect between outside and inside everything is well connected.
https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/muscat/millennium-resort-mussanah/
author
Ibtihaj AL-Afifi
30
Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs Adress/Location
next to 18th November St., Al Khuwair, Muscat, Oman Usage
Government Office Date of completion
unknown Architect
Huckle and Partners Building Materials
Concrete, Turkish tiles, glass, stained glass Location on Map
Project Description
The building of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stands on the sands of AL-Khuwair, Muscat alongside other ministry and government office buildings. The white building with the rich polished blue and gold domes can be seen while passing the Sultan Qaboos main St. The main gate opens to a courtyard that serves the purpose of visitors parking. There are two similar looking domed cube buildings on both sides of the parking. The one on the right is a staff dining hall. The one on the left is a mosque and its structure differs from the other building by having a minaret. The front facade of the main building contains religious texts and a heavy entrance that is a large glazed opening under a pointed arch decorated with Turkish tiles. This entrance leads to a domed atrium which further opens to the office rooms and two smaller planted courtyards. There is another entrance from the backside of the building for the staff. The main building is three storied while the two cubical buildings in the front are only one storied. There are several small arched windows made of stained glass all around the building and the openings are partially shaded by mashrabiyyah screens. This design of the building was the result of an open competition held in the 1990s for a new building to house the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. Huckle and partners, the well known architecture company in Oman won the competition. Their intention was to clearly bring an Islamic touch to the look of the building. The resultant architecture can be said to be more like generalized Islamic style than traditional and typical Omani style. But the building would be interesting for foreigners in Oman as it seems to be a less restrained one. This also could be interpreted as a representation of how less restrained the religious and cultural affairs are in Oman than most of the Arab countires. To me it appears worth mentioning because growing up in this place, this building along with some other buildings was one that caught my attention and it always rose curiosity in me to know more about it. And even though it represents authority and power, the design is such that it somehow does not fail to maintain a humble attitude and a simple and elegant character.
http://huckle-oman.com/Downloads/ArchictectureInIslamicEnvironment/ArchictectureInIslamicEnvironment.pdf
author
Shifa Majeed
31
Mohammed Al Amin Mousqe Adress/Location
Bawsher, next to Southern Expressway Usage
Mousqe Date of completion
June 2014 Architect
Unknown Building Materials
concrete, marble, stone, wood and steel Location on Map
Project Description
The mosque covers an estimated total area around 29,300 square meters and can accommodate almost 2,100 people. There is also a chapel for women with an area of ​​458 square meters and accommodates 570 people. Also there is an area with in the mosque for the guest with total area of 198 square meters and can accommodate around 60 people. In addition, there is a library distributed on two floors can accommodate 12 thousand volumes, with the possibility of adding 7,000 folder. The outside wall of the mosque is covered by white marble marble covered with bright white marble, and the mosque is characterized by two high and two glittering lights in the same color as the golden domes, and also includes 3 golden domes of equal size and different in height. The interior of the mosque is decorated with Islamic decoration and inscriptions and contains a number of large chandeliers. In the inner courtyard of the mosque, there is an open courtyard that is used for Friday prayers or times of crowds and occasions. This mosque shall be visited because of its beautiful geometric designs. The mosque of Mohammed al-Ameen is distinguished by the Islamic eye, especially at night time, where the domes and minarets shine in gold and through illumination, the inscriptions of the domes and the ears are revealed at night time. The mosque is seen from a distance from Sultan Qaboos Street to a high place.
author
Fahad Al Farsi
32
Mumtaz Mahal Adress/Location
Qurum, next to the Sultan Qaboos Highway Usage
Restaurant Date of completion
1998 Architect
Kimji’s .Co Building Materials
concrete, wood and glass Location on Map
Project Description
Mumtaz Mahal is a restaurant that is built in a hill of the Qurum Park near the Sultan Qaboos Highway. The building is formed in a hexagonal shape and it includes two floors of a bar/restaurant on the ground floor and a food restaurant on the first floor. With a large setback platform that leads you to the big wide window glass with a wooden large door that leads you to the main entrance of the ground level. As well as back terrace, outdoor seating on the same level. Before the main entrance of the bar restaurant a stair that leads to the first level of the terrace and second restaurant. In addition, the building contains services on both floors, and three vertical outdoor accesses, stairs at the front side, another one in back side of the building, and a small elevator. Mumtaz Mahal is not very popular or known. Mainly is due to the one access of the service road. On the other hand, the atmosphere of The Bank is an evening and nightlife experience. With a panoramic view of the Qurum park, Qurum Beach, Madinat Qaboos, Love Street, the Sultan Qaboos Highway and the Mangrove Lagoon.
author
Sarah Al Ismaily
33
Muscat Riyam Monument – Incense Burner Adress/Location
Muttrah, Muscat Usage
Monument, landmark Date of completion
1991 Architect
unknown Building Materials
concrete Location on Map
Project Description
The Monument is located in the Al-Riyam Park at a height of 30 meters, and the height of the incense burner is 25 meters. It is also connected to the famous historical market in Muttrah, and the market from Muttrah towards Muscat. The citizen, resident and visitor of the Oman can identify the status of this architectural masterpiece upon arrival at the port of the Muttrah Sea or passing through its picturesque corniche or visiting the public Riyam Park which overlooks the sea and is designed on several levels of elevation. This gives the beauty and the distinctive dimension of the park. The first thing that captures his eyes is the splendor of Riam, represented by these incense. This tower, which takes the form of a censer burner, is one of the landmarks that characterizes the Riam Park. It overlooks Sultan Qaboos Harbor and has telescopes to approximate the vision. It is a symbol of the traditional Omani civilization and reflects the Omani heritage. And what this memorial reminds of the Omani identity and trying to preserve it for future generations, which symbolizes the frequent use of frankincense in Oman.
author
Majda Al-Habsi
34
Mutrah Harbour Adress/Location
Old Muscat, On top of the Mountain Usage
Fort Date of completion
1588 Architect
Porteguese Empire Building Materials
Rammed Earth, Timber Location on Map
Project Description
Situated in a natural harbour near the Oman capital Muscat, tha city of Matrah (Matara). The Portuguese built a fort in Matrah in 1588, the fort was part of the defenses of the city of Muscat. The Portuguese controlled the fort between 1588 and 1648. The fort at Matrah was a square fort with four bastions at the corners. The fort, which was restored and maintained in 1981, is a tourist landmark frequented by visitors from inside and outside the Sultanate. It is a historic and prominent bridge within the living evidence that Muscat enjoys through its ancient roots. Located on top of a rocky, narrow hill, Mutrah Fort stands tall facing the harbor and the waters of the Gulf of Oman. The fort was originally constructed by the Portuguese in the 1580’s and ultimately captured by the Omanis around 1654 AD. It consists of three circular towers: a huge one sitting on the summit, a smaller one located at the first point in the West, and another smaller tower which still houses one of the old cannons to the North of the fort near the large tower. Mutrah Fort can only be visited from the outside as it is currently undergoing renovation. One can however scale the flank of the fort using a narrow staircase bringing you to the outside walls and a great view of the ocean. I chose Mutrah Castle as a tourist landmark being located in the heart of Muscat. It is the beginning of an attraction for all visitors and tourists as well as being a historical landmark with a great story. It is also the meaning of Omani architecture. The original was not devoid of time for hundreds of years.
author
Sara Al-Hinai
35
Nakhal Fort Adress/Location
Al Batinah,Welayet Nakhal Usage
Castel, Tourist attraction Date of completion
3rd and 10th centuries AH Architect
Omani people Building Materials
Clay, plaster, gravel and wood Location on Map
Project Description
Nakhal fort it is far from Muscat with 120 km.Named by this name because of spread the palm in the state.It has another name known as Al Heem.In the 3rd and 10th centuries AH, 6th and 9th centuries AD, Nakhal fort was renovated during ruling era of Bani Kharus and Al Yaarebah. The castle wall, tower and outer door were built in 1830 AD during the regin of the Imam Saeed bin Sultan.It’s huge building and structure that contains several towers and most famous where the east,west and the one in the middle.The cylindrical towers are connected to the main building of the castle used for guard and watch the enemies. There are 20 towers outside the castle distributed to the state is considered as the first defense.It’s includes many entries and openings for guns and cannons which located on the top of the roof.It’s with two floors,the ground floor includes mosque, store for keeping dates, well and rooms.The first floor is usually in the past is for the governor and his familey which contains room for boys, girls, living room, guest room and women’s majles for privacy.The castle stand on the foothills of the Hajer mountains up to 200 feet high.The museum of traditional Omani weapons was added in 2001, completely in the centrer tower, that includes the Omani guns and it opened in 2002.
http://www.albayan.ae/five-senses/travel/2011-02-16-1.1386205 author
Samahram Al-Hashli
36
Private House Adress/Location
Oman, saham, sur alshiadi Usage
House Date of completion
Unknown Architect
Unknown Building Materials
concrete Location on Map
Project Description
There are several stories behind this house. It’s a residential house and old one, built by concrete. This house is a private house owned by alshik Abdullah Mohammed AlSidi, he is an old man dead in unknown date. After he died the municipality decided to demolish the houses in the area (sur alshiadi) and they started to do this. However, there is only one building that no one can demolish it. Some of people said it has strong construction that cant broken. The majority said that the aljin not allowed to demolish it because unknown reasons means the house is haunted; other said that the machine that demolishes the house broken but nothing happened to the house. Also I heard that the owner was a really good man but I don’t know why aljin wants the house, it’s for good reason because he was a good person or for bad reason because he did something no one knows about it. What is more, while I’m talking with someone live near of this house, I notes that they hear some voices in mid night and they smell nice smell comes out. I really like this house and I want to discover it I want to know the real story by myself but I don’t have enough courage to be inside it. I present this house to you because I’m interesting to it and I know that many of you when you see just the picture you will want to know more about it and also Oman has many stories as this so this nothing according to others. Especially in Nizwa and Bahla you will find a lot of which called horror stories or realistic. I wrote which I know it about it if you want more visit it you have the right location. It’s my hometown and my family knows about this house.
author
Maryam AlGhamlasi
37
Private house of the Prince of Qatar Adress/Location
Azaiba, next to 18th November street Usage
private house Date of completion
2016 Architect
unknown Building Materials
concrete, natural stone, wood, Location on Map
Project Description
The building is a private house that is owned by the prince of Qatar.The building is located in Azaiba ,facing the 18th November street and that’s how you enter the house. There are several things that are in azaiba near to the house ,like the beach and azaiba park and some of the private clubs that belongs to the governments. It is worth mentioning that this house has several observation towers the same system that are used in forts and castles not that only but also the materials of this house reflects the true Omani culture .The building is brand new ,it was established in 2016 and because it’s a new building and does not have a lot of information I would like to talk about it and let the people know about it. The building is designed in Omani style and resembles castles in the exterior. This house have some special quality like the control mechanism, doors and exterior walls of the building in terms of color and design. From the aerial view we see that a number of buildings are placed directly from the main entrance, which may be for the guards and guests and then the existence of a garden between the corridors ,the back of the house is facing the sea. Unfortunately, there is not enough information about this building but it defiantly draws my attention in terms of design, especially lighting, which gives the building an attractive view in the evening time.
author
Al-Yaqdhan Al-Hasni
38
Sohar Court Adress/Location
Sohar, center of Sohar Usage
Public Date of completion
1995 Architect
non Building Materials
concrete, steel, marble Location on Map
Project Description
The court is a symbol of punitive power in the state. For you, these courts were built to represent the size of power. Today we are talking about the Court of Appeal in Sohar, which is one of the most prominent landmarks in the country. It is located in the government plan and is located in Plot 1. The plot area is 2500 square meters. The street between the commercial center of Sohar and the densely populated residential area is located on the street. The area of the court building is about 1800 square meters. This building consists of two floors. So that the entrance from the first floor consists of a large reception hall and the number of two courtrooms. The ground floor consists of a number of administrative offices, the office of the President of the Court, the offices of the judges and a small prison. This building was built in 1995. The building is covered from the outside with natural white marble. The large staircase at the entrance to the building is the strength and grandeur of the building. This system was used in the Roman era, where they built high temples on earth until the power and greatness of spiritual construction. Also note columns in the entrance built on the Roman system and shows behind the wooden gate carved strong and beautiful large. The exterior building is hexagonal. The parking spaces lie behind the building. The remaining area within the boundaries of the plant was planted mango trees and the reason for planting this tree because it is a symbol of strength, where the trunk width of about 1.5 meters and a height of about 6 meters.
author
Fahad Al Balushi
39
Sohar Gate Adress/Location
Sohar, south of Sohar Usage
Public Date of completion
2006 Architect
non Building Materials
concrete, steel, sandblasted Location on Map
Project Description
Sohar Gate is the southern entrance to the state of Sohar, which is the border between the state of Sohar and the state of Sahem. This gate was built to be a symbol to welcome those coming to and from Sohar, and this is the opposite of what other portals symbolize. It is also the most prominent landmarks in Sohar after the castle and the old market. The portal is designed to be a symbol of state code for you designed as a castle. As we know about the castles, it is composed of several towers with a large number of arches in all directions. It consists of an inner courtyard in the shape of a square. A square is located on one of its four corners. It is surrounded by two sides decorated with contracts. Without the use of synthetic dyes where sandstone has been used, which can be decorated and refined in Islamic geometric shapes to dig the Quranic verses of significance and meanings that are compatible with this portal and its location. The main structure and location of the gate were constructed of concrete and iron and the structure was sandblasted in all its aspects. The trees surrounding this gate provide a beautiful view.
author
Ahmed Al Shaaibi
40
Star Cinema Adress/Location
Ruwi, next to Bait Al Falaj Street Usage
Commercial Building Date of completion
1997 Architect
Unknown Building Materials
concrete, steel, aluminum windows and glass Location on Map
Project Description
Star cinema is a commercial building that is located in the center of Ruwi, which is close to the central bank district area. The architecture of the building is formed in a circular shape, with its roof of a hut on top of the building, the hut extends an offset to create a shade on top of the shop, as well as shaping parapet walls on top of the hut to shape a separation to each shop. In addition, the shops are accessed from the exterior, which allows the building to face every angle of the surrounding area. The core of the building contains 2 cinema theaters, and other services. But the interesting fact about this building is that the history of its existence tells a story of a small community that lives nearby and meet together around the building shop throughout the day, as well as experience the social interactions mostly, and enjoy the theater by the end of the day.
author
Suleiman Al Naamani
41
Taiba Pharma Group Headquarter Adress/Location
Rusayl, Rusayl Industrial Estate, Seeb 124, Oman Usage
Pharmaceutical Company Date of completion
2016 Architect
Unknown Building Materials
concrete, glass Location on Map
Project Description
It’s a company building called Taiba, which is well known, at the regional level in marketing and distributor of niche and rare disease medications. It’s a fie storey building and the front façade of the building is mainly glass and large window openings which makes the offices receive large amount of sunlight just from the front elevation of the building and anyone inside will get the view of the highway and the mountains. The window glasses are tinted blue and it suits the building theme since it has different shades of blue. The building is kind of modular, since not all the sides are in the same shape, the fourth and the fifth floor of the building is cantilevered from the left side of the building and each roof of the building are cantilevered three meters more and shaped in triangular way to create a tarries. The right side of the building is different which has no glass façade. Just small windows in the fifth floor and have blue and grey tiles. As you can see in the picture there are columns to support the building which are visible from the glass façade in the front. And the name of the company in the front side of the building one the last parapet of the building. What I really like about this building is the way the color and the architectural shape of the building with the name of the company blends in together to create a different shades of blue theme which makes the building attractive.
http://taibahealthcare.com/en/index.aspx author
Hanin Hilal Al Hasani
42
The Gate of Muscat Adress/Location
Al Saidiya Street, Muscat, Oman Usage
Public Historical Museum Date of completion
1995 Architect
Unknown Building Materials
Marble, wooden windows + doors, concrete, stone Location on Map
Project Description
From a distance you will never notice this gorgeous building monument, but if noticed, its appearance from a distance resembles a fort, and as you get closer the details of its remarkable architecture and red/brown marble tiles seem to catch your eye. The building’s architecture contains a clash of so many designs, such as the niches in mosques, wooden doors and arches, halls, and more. In the old days, His majesty’s father had a rule out that muscat’s residents had to come back into town during a certain time, where they would lock their gates with no one to enter or leave the small city, where this lasted up until the late 1970’s where this gate was built as a historical memory monument to represent that time and that gate. It is not very famous as if you go there the place is always empty and is only used as a connection between the two sides of the roads, and should be used for other reasons such as a tourist attraction for its historical background. It is interesting for foreigners as by visiting this building they could understand about the history of Oman and have a beautiful view of the seafront by Muttrah and Old Muscat by the mountains.
author
Rimaaz Riyami
43
The National Museum Adress/Location
The heart of Muscat Usage
Cultural Date of completion
2016 Architect
Jasper Jacob Associates Building Materials
Concrete, wood, glass Location on Map
Project Description
The national museum of Oman is located in the heart of Muscat. The location itself is pretty special because it is very near to Al Alam Palace. The design of the building follows Islamic architecture from the arches and the fort like structure. The interior of the museum is very clean and sphisticated. When you first enter after you pay for the tickets, a guide welcomes you and gives you a brief explanation of what the museum is about then you can wonder around by yourself and explore the different facilities. It has 3 floors and in each floor there are 14 Galleries. The Galleries are The Land and the People, Maritime History , Arms and Armour, Civilization in the Making, Aflaj, Currency, Time-line, Bat, al-Khutm and alAyn, Land of Frankincense, Prehistory and Ancient History, Splendors of Islam, Oman and the World, The Renaissance and Intangible Heritage. -I got the names from wikipedia because I forgot the exact names- All these galleries are about the culture and heritage of Oman since the beginning until today. The place is supplied with high tech equipments for example when you enter the Gallery of Land of frankincense there is a button the you press and you get to smell the fragrance of Frankincense. And there is also a small cinema theatre that plays a short movie about Oman in both Arabic and English. I think that this place is worth a visit as you will learn so many things about Oman in a fun and interesting way.
author
Shatha Al Siyabi
44
Wadi Bani Habib Adress/Location
Oman, Nizwa, Al Jabal Al Akdar Usage
Residential Buildings Date of completion
unknown Architect
unknown Building Materials
mud briks, wood Location on Map
Project Description
They are residential houses located in Al Jabal Al Akdar. It is an abandoned village no one lives there anymore. You can only hike to reach the abandoned village walking in the shaded wadi that is surrounded by large trees and next to you will be the Falaj that has running water all year. The village is located in a high hill. What is spectacular about the village is the abandoned houses where you can see old Omani architecture and construction elements used in the old days. From the top of the village looking down to the farms and fields where you can find pomegranate trees, banana trees, palm trees and other trees that grow only in that area in Oman.
author
Nujood Al-Habsi
45