Although not as popular as Abu Dhabi or Dubai, the Middle Eastern nation of Oman is one of the region’s most fascinating tourist destinations. With a rich heritage and culture and a thriving economy, Oman is one of the most developed Middle Eastern nations, and is home to fascinating attractions such as the Muscat Royal Opera House, the Al Ain Oasis, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. An Oman resort that is known for its luxury accommodation and wide range of services and amenities is the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort.
The city of Nizwa, located about 140km away from Muscat, is considered to be one of Oman’s most historic cities. One of the best places to visit in order to witness the heritage, culture, handicrafts, and trading is the bustling Nizwa Souq. The Nizwa Souq is believed to be one of the earliest souqs in Oman, some even believe it is the oldest, and provides a retail experience that you will rarely ever encounter anywhere else.
Nizwa Souq is large and extensive, and is home to many hundreds of stalls. Although the souq is now housed in newer buildings, many of the traders here have been in the industry of trade for generations, making the market the perfect embodiment of Omani trade. The souq is best known for its fresh produce, meat and fish, since they constitute the most widely available goods. However, if you look around you will also see that Nizwa Soup has designated areas for handicrafts and metal works. The handicrafts at the souq are made specifically for passing tourists, while the metal works are crafted by many Indians and Pakistanis who have followed Omani craftsmanship. The signature item of the Nizwa Souq is, however, the silver khanjar; a silver dagger of immense workmanship that has garnered the interest of both tourists and locals. Nizwa Souq even has a livestock market on Fridays! Although bargaining is not widely accepted here, you never know if you might strike a good deal if you try.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
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