Muscat
The city of Muscat is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, and the central region in the country, whether at the administrative, political, or economic level, and is located between the eastern Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, as it is the most populated city in the Sultanate in terms of population density, and the center of money and business, with a population of approximately (1.560,000) people, according to 2015 estimates, and its area is approximately 3,500 square kilometers.
The importance of the city
From the beginnings of the first century, the city of Muscat was known as an important commercial outlet between East and West, as it was ruled by many local tribes, and external powers such as: the Portuguese Empire, the Persians, and the Ottomans throughout its history. During the eighteenth century, the city of Muscat greatly affected eastern Africa and the regions of Zanzibar as a regional military power, and the city’s position as a port in the Gulf of Oman contributed to attracting foreign merchants and settlers to it such as Baluch and Persians, and trade and petroleum industry dominate the economy of the city of Muscat.
Administrative divisions
The capital of Oman consists of 6 states as follows:
- Muscat city.
- Seeb
- Amerat
- excretory
- Bosher
- Qurayyat
Landmarks of the city of Muscat
- Al-Sifah Town: There is a fort in the Sifa district of the city of Muscat, called the “Fortress of Sifa”, which is a fort overlooking the sea from one side and the valley on the other side, where the city walls are considered the first line of defense in all previous eras, in order to fortify and protect the city From any attacks, as the city is surrounded by natural rocks that serve as the fence or fortress, so they called these rocks the fort, in addition to the presence of other walls surrounding it on the western and southern sides, which were built in 1625 AD.
- Muscat city walls: There are three main entrances to the city walls: the door of Al-Mathaib, which is located on the western side of the city below Al-Mirani Castle, and the second door is the large door that is located at the end of the western side of the walls. It is the small door, located in the middle of the southern rib.
- Archeological houses: There are five ancient houses in the city of Muscat, the most important of which are: the House of Mr. Nader, and the House of Mr. Abbas bin Faisal.
- Khiran Beach: This beach is located between the mountains in the blue sea water, and it is a beach that contains marine shrubs called “mangroves”.
- Oman Diving Club: This club is located in Bandar Al-Jissah, on the opposite side of the beach. This club provides an opportunity to learn and practice scuba diving.
- Bandar Al-Rawda Marine Club: This club offers many recreational activities, in addition to renting boats and giving diving lessons.