| ayni_falaj.jpg |
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Description:
A water channel, known as falaj in Oman, transports water from springs issuing from the rocks at Nakhal to the village downstream. These days, a water pipe carries the drinking water supply. Too many people bathe before the water reaches houses. |
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| a_superb_fort.jpg |
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Description:
Nakhal fort is 350 years old, probably the latest of fortifications in Nakhal, 77km from Muscat. Considered impregnable, it was the headquarters of the Ya'aruba tribe who founded the Ya'aruba dynasty of Imams in the 17th-18th centuries. |
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| battlements.jpg |
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Description:
Towers on the battlements overlook the wadi and Al Batinah to the north. The fort consists of two concentric walls and courtyards which provided shelter to surrounding tribes in troubled times. |
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| corridor_though_second_wall.jpg |
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Description:
The fort walls are thick. This corridor leads from the first outer courtyard to a second courtyard. It also once served as a jail. |
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| dates_store.jpg |
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Description:
Dates are a very wholesome food, which is just as well, because very little else can be grown in Oman on a large scale. The dates were stored here, presumably in sacks like these made from plaited palm fronds. |
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| doorman.jpg |
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Description:
This elderly Omani gentleman was keeping the concierge company. Forts are now open throughout the day and you can buy tickets cheaply at the door. |
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| door_through_second_wall.jpg |
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Description:
This door leads through the inner castle wall into the second courtyard. |
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| entrance_steps.jpg |
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Description:
This is the entrance into Nakhal Fort from the outer staircase. |
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| fumigator.jpg |
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Description:
Clothes are laid over the fumigator. Burning incense or bukhoor in the cup beneath is used to fumigate the clothes. |
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| gun_collection.jpg |
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Description:
Historic Arms Exhibitions and Forts (HAEF LLC) have mounted a display of antique firearms in the fort. The company restores the firearms and also provides opportunities for people to handle and fire the guns under professional supervision. |
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| gun_silver_collection.jpg |
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Description:
These fine silver pieces are all items linked with guns, such as buckles, powder horns, and even a small bellows. |
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