In the Middle East, amidst the deserts there are many interesting finds that one would come across. Forts are relatively common among these attractions, but none are alike. All the fortresses that you come across the Middle East have their own unique features to distinguish one from the other.
Jabrin Fort is one of those one of a kind settings. Standing tall in its brown-reddish glory, one can almost go back in time and see how it must have been long time ago. It is situated approximately 200 Kilometres southwest of Muscat. It is also about 40 Kilometres from Nizwa. The fortress is believed to have been built by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya’arubi in as far back as 1670.
At first it is said to have been a castle. However, two towers have been added to the original set up thus turning it into a fortress and Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya’arubi had moved the capital of his rule to this town from Nizwa.
There are many chambers and antechambers, which have been used by the wives of the Imam and later by the soldiers. There is also a stable, and a storage area, probably to store the date harvest. There is even a school area where religious studies are believed to have been conducted and also a mosque to conduct prayers. A courtyard is also found amidst all these. The massive kitchen may indicate that large crowds that had to be fed during that time. Tourists who take a walk around this place would realize that the defence tactics used long ago are still in place. There have been covered areas from which soldiers could shoot outsiders. There are even places from where it had been possible to pour hot oil on intruders who trespass. There had even been a prison inside the citadel.
One can also find out that there had been its own water supply and irrigation channel, which is quite impressive considering that it was built centuries ago when most of the present day technology was not available. There are fine works or intricate and delicate carvings on the ceilings, rooms and balconies. There are also fine paintings in the living areas.
Tourists holidaying at many of the Oman hotels, and looking for places to explore, this is a must visit because it is indeed one of the best attractions in the region. For those who are staying at a Hotel in Muscat, such as Ruwi Hotel Muscat, this place is easily accessible and a must visit on your trip to Oman.
