OMAN - NIZWA - OTW TO NIZWA SOUQ

Assalamualaikum

🔵Sarapan pagi di Ramada Encore by Wyndham Muscat Al-Ghubra.

🔵Sarapan di sini pukul 6 pagi dah start.

🔵Pelbagai pilihan disediakan dan semuanya halal, of course. 

🔹In Oman, all hotels serve halal food, and many restaurants, from traditional Omani eateries to international ones, offer halal options.

🔵Bersarapan dengan pemandangan indah pergunungan Hajar.

🔹The Hajar range is the primary mountain system, running through Oman and the UAE, and features sub-units like Jebel Akhdar and Ru'us Al Jibal.  

🔹It spans northern Oman and eastern United Arab Emirates, forming the "backbone" of the northeastern Arabian Peninsula. 

🔹The Arabian Peninsula has other mountain ranges, though they are not as extensive as the Hajar Mountains. The main other mountain ranges are the Hejaz Mountains and the Sarat Mountains, which are located in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, respectively.

🔵Why is the Hajar Mountain ranges located close to the sea?

🔹The Hajar Mountains are located near the sea because the mountains were formed by the Arabian Plate pushing into the Eurasian Plate, which uplifted the ancient seafloor rocks of the Neo-Tethys Ocean. 

🔹The rocks that make up the mountains were originally on the sea floor, and when the plates collided, these ocean floor rocks were pushed up and folded, creating the mountain range right where the ancient ocean once was.  

🔵How had the Hajar Mountain ranges helped Oman?

🔹The Hajar Mountains have helped Oman by providing a natural defense, crucial water sources for ancient irrigation systems (falaj), and fertile land for agriculture in oases. 

🔹They also served as a cradle for ancient life, have a rich archaeological history, and provide cooler climates for tourism and recreation.

📘Defense and settlement

🔹Natural barrier: The mountains acted as a natural stronghold, protecting communities from invaders and allowing tribes to maintain their independence.

🔹Fortified villages: Traditional mudbrick villages were built to withstand both the elements and military threats.

🔹Archaeological sites: The mountains contain ancient settlements, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bat, Al-Khutm, and Al-Ayn, showcasing a long history of human habitation.

📘Agriculture and water

🔹Water sources: The mountains provide perennial water sources that support oases and allow for farming in an otherwise arid region. 

🔹Ancient irrigation: The ancient falaj irrigation system, which channels water through subterranean and surface channels, originates from mountain springs and is essential for farming. 

🔹Diverse crops: The cooler climate and water allow for the cultivation of crops like dates, peaches, pomegranates, and roses.

📘Economic and cultural impact

🔹Copper mining: Copper was a vital resource mined in the mountains, supporting ancient trade networks across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. 

🔹Tourism and recreation: The mountains' dramatic scenery, cooler temperatures, and hiking opportunities make them a popular destination for both local and international tourists. 

🔹Cultural heritage: The Hajar range is dotted with ancient tombs, petroglyphs, and villages that bear witness to Oman's rich history.

📘Scientific importance

🔹Ancient life: Researchers have found that the Hajar Mountains may have been home to some of the first oxygen-producing bacteria on Earth, providing a unique window into the planet's past.

🔵Dessert pulak 😋. Isi penuh-penuh sebab hari ini itinerari banyak berjalan 😄.

🔵The flags in front of the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Muscat Al-Ghubra are the flags for the brand name itself, "Ramada Encore by Wyndham," and the Omani flag. 

🔹This is a common practice for hotels to display their brand flags along with the national flag of the country where the hotel is located.  

🔵Since masih ada masa sebelum Maher sampai, kami buat morning walk sikit di sekitar hotel.

🔵A caterpillar rests on the ruffled petals of a bright orange African marigold flower.

🔵A Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) on a Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) flower.

🔹Beekeeping is a traditional and growing industry in Oman, with a unique blend of ancient practices and modern techniques. 

🔹The country's diverse landscape supports a variety of honey bees and honey types, making it a significant part of the agricultural sector.

🔵A date palm tree can function as a natural canopy, providing shade and helping to regulate temperature in desert environments.

🔹Date palms have been a cornerstone of civilization in arid regions for thousands of years, in part due to the microclimate they create.

🔵Oman Avenues Mall.

🔹Oman Avenues Mall is notable for being one of the largest shopping malls in the world, boasting a massive built-up area of 1,200,000 square meters. 

🔹It is also special for its design, which fuses modern architecture with Arabian tradition. 

🔹It houses the first IKEA store in Oman.

🔵Omanoil petrol station.

🔹Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) service stations have transformed from simple fuel stops into "one-stop shops" that offer a wide array of amenities and services beyond just fuel. 

🔹This model includes convenience stores, dining options, car care, and digital services.

🔵Naik dulu ke bilik. Muscat seen from our hotel room.

🔵Turun ke lobi. Sambil tunggu Maher kami minum kopi Oman dan makan kurma. 

🔵Ok jom kita bertolak. Pagi itu Maher bawa kami ke Nizwa.

🔹Nizwa terletak di Wilayah Ad Dakhiliyah, di utara Oman, dan berada di kaki Pergunungan Hajar Barat. 

🔹Ia adalah sebuah kota strategik yang terletak di persimpangan laluan kafilah bersejarah, kira-kira 140 km (87 batu) dari ibu kota, Muscat. 

🔹Kota itu terletak di sebuah dataran dengan ladang kurma, dan dikelilingi oleh pergunungan di sebelah utara dan padang pasir di sebelah selatan. 

🔵Saya seronok dapat duduk depan sebab senang nak ambil gambar.. hihi 😃.

🔵Roads and highways in Oman must be built using specialized materials and construction techniques to withstand the harsh conditions of the arid desert climate. 

🔹This includes adapting to extreme heat, preventing damage from sand and dust, and managing water from flash floods.

🔹Oman has made significant investments in its road network to create a safe and efficient system, despite these environmental challenges. 

🔹Modern projects often involve sophisticated engineering and material science to meet the demands of the harsh climate.

🔵It takes approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes to drive from Muscat to Nizwa. 

🔹The journey is about 159 kilometers and is most commonly done via the Muscat - Nizwa Road (Route 15).

🔵A Road Trip from Muscat to Nizwa: Journey into Oman's Heartland

🔹A road trip from Muscat to Nizwa is a journey through time, where the capital's modern grandeur gives way to the rugged beauty of the Omani interior. 

🔹The roughly two-hour drive offers a captivating experience, transitioning from bustling city life to ancient forts and majestic mountain ranges.

🔵Departing from Muscat 

🔹The journey begins in Muscat, a city where stunning Islamic architecture and modern infrastructure blend seamlessly.  

🔹As we started our journey, we passed some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This architectural masterpiece, gifted to the nation in 2001, features a striking blend of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani styles, with five minarets symbolizing the five pillars of Islam. 

🔹Nearby, other modern government buildings line the pristine streets such as the Supreme Court of Oman, reflecting the city’s development.

🔵This is one of Muscat's landmark - Burj Al Sahwa at the Burj Al Sahwa Roundabout.

🔹Burj Al Sahwa ialah sebuah menara jam setinggi 50 meter di Seeb, Oman, yang dibina pada tahun 1985 bagi memperingati ulang tahun ke-25 Pembaharuan Oman. 

🔹Ia terletak di sebuah bulatan besar di persimpangan utama yang menghubungkan laluan-laluan penting seperti Lebuh Raya Muscat dan berfungsi sebagai hab transit yang sibuk. 

🔹Menara ini terkenal dengan seni binanya yang unik, yang menggabungkan reka bentuk tradisional Oman dengan gaya moden, serta menampilkan mozek yang menggambarkan peristiwa-peristiwa daripada sejarah Oman.

🔵Amouage ialah jenama minyak wangi mewah yang diasaskan di Oman pada tahun 1983. 

🔹Ia terkenal kerana menggabungkan seni wangi moden dan tradisional Oman dengan bahan-bahan berkualiti tinggi dari seluruh dunia. 

🔹Jenama ini dikenali kerana baunya yang sofistikated dan mewah, dengan reputasi untuk ketukangan dan kreativiti, dan telah berkembang merangkumi produk badan, rumah, dan kulit. 

🔹Produk Amouage dijual secara global, dan syarikat ini kini 49% dimiliki oleh L'Oréal berikutan pemerolehan kepentingan minoriti pada awal tahun 2025.

🔹As the drive progresses, the landscape gradually changes from urban sprawl to the rugged beauty of the Hajar Mountains.

🔹The road is characterized by smooth highways, surrounded by rocky hills and distant peaks under a clear blue sky. 

🔵A Road Trip Through Time: From Coastal Muscat to the Heart of Oman's Mountains

🔹The journey from Muscat, the vibrant coastal capital of Oman, to the historic inland city of Nizwa is a trip that reveals the country's stunning contrasts. 

🔵Al Mawala Building - Tax Authority office.

🔹The adventure begins on the well-maintained highways of Muscat, where the city’s contemporary architecture and lush palm-lined streets give way to the more open, arid landscapes of the interior. 

🔵Ini ialah Masjid Jamea Al Islam yang terletak di Seeb, Muscat, Oman. Ia terkenal dengan gabungan unik seni bina Islam tradisional dan kontemporari. Masjid ini merupakan destinasi popular kerana reka bentuknya yang istimewa.

🔹It's a drive that took us from the modern, ocean-kissed cityscape to the rugged, ancient heart of the Al Hajar Mountains, offering a remarkable change in scenery.

🔹A Road Trip Through Time: From Coastal Muscat to the Heart of Oman's Mountains.

🔹As our car travels southwest, the influence of the coast fades, replaced by the vast expanse of the Omani desert. The drive is characterized by vast, open roads surrounded by a dramatic, rocky landscape. 

🔹This transition marks the beginning of the ascent into the Al Hajar Mountains, the highest mountain range in the Arabian Peninsula. The path took us deep into the heart of the Hajar Mountains, where the true beauty of Oman is on display.

🔹The road, which is smooth and easy to navigate, begins to climb, and the scenery becomes dramatically more rugged and barren. 

🔹This is the gateway to the mountains, where the "green mountain," or Jabal Akhdar, and the "mountain of the sun," or Jebel Shams, await further exploration.

🔹The road winds through mountain passes and across desert plains, with mountains as far as the eye can see. 

🔵Fanja is a historic Omani town known for its unique blend of cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and natural beauty. Located in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, it serves as a captivating destination for travelers seeking an authentic Omani experience, just a short drive from Muscat.

🔵Itu adalah tiang kamera kelajuan (speed camera) yang digunakan oleh Royal Oman Police (ROP) untuk memantau kesalahan trafik. 

🔹Kamera-kamera ini digunakan untuk menguatkuasakan had laju dan telah dinaik taraf dengan artificial intelligence untuk mengesan kesalahan lain seperti menggunakan telefon bimbit semasa memandu atau tidak memakai tali pinggang keledar.

🔵Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Fanja.

🔵The journey on Highway 15 from Muscat to Nizwa passes through an agricultural landscape where date palm plantations are a prominent feature. 

🔹Date palm cultivation is a significant part of Oman's agriculture, and the trees are a common sight in the northern governorates. 

🔹The plantations often appear as lush oases, with groves of date palms and sometimes banana trees, in contrast to the surrounding arid, mountainous terrain. 

🔹A notable area for these plantations is the village of Birkat al Mouz, located on the route between Nizwa and Izki, which is known for its beautiful date palm oasis. 

🔹Yes, Oman has banana plantations, and is a prominent producer of bananas among the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) countries. 

🔹Banana cultivation in Oman is second only to the production of date palms.

🔹Oasis farming: Historically and in many current locations, bananas are grown in the country's oases, where ancient irrigation systems called falaj provide water. The village of Birkat Al Mouz, which means "Banana Pool," was named for its extensive banana plantations.

🔹Many of the date gardens in the region are traditionally irrigated using an ancient system of gravity-fed open canals known as the falaj system, which is a key part of the landscape's heritage.

🔹The journey also provides glimpses of small villages and isolated palm groves nestled against the rugged terrain.

🔵Along the route, there are small towns and villages with traditional architecture, including mosques with distinctive minarets. 

🔹The area around Nizwa is known as the "gateway to the Hajar Mountains".

🔹Behind the village, the landscape is dominated by large, rocky mountains under a clear blue sky.

🔹As we continue on the highway, the scenery is a constant visual treat.

🔵The view from Highway 15 from Muscat to Nizwa showcases a contrast between modern infrastructure and a rugged natural landscape. 

🔹This image captures a smooth, multi-lane highway with guardrails, streetlights, and clear road markings, indicating a well-maintained route through the region. 

🔹This modern road cuts through a vast, arid terrain.

🔵In the distance, the landscape is dominated by large, rocky mountains. 

🔹The mountains have a blueish-grey hue and appear to be part of a vast range, characteristic of the Hajar Mountains. 

🔹Closer to the highway, the ground is a mix of gravel and sand, with scattered low-lying shrubs and small trees that are typical of a desert environment. 

🔹The sky above is a clear, bright blue, highlighting the mountainous scenery and the extensive, open feel of the area. 

🔹This route is known for its scenic views as it travels through this mountainous terrain.

🔹The deep gullies and steep, rocky terrain are a powerful display of nature's raw beauty, a stark difference from the coastal plains. 

🔵The tower seen from Highway 15 from Muscat is a watchtower near the town of Fanja. 

🔹The town of Fanja is located in Oman's Ad Dakhiliyah region, approximately 70 kilometers from Muscat.

🔹The town is well known for its historical structures, including a fort and several watchtowers perched on the surrounding hills. 

🔹The watchtowers were strategically built to overlook the village, wadis, and mountain passes, allowing guards to monitor the area and provide a high degree of surveillance and control. 

🔹The structures are often made of mud and have a single entrance and multiple lookout points.

🔹While many of Oman's historical towers have been restored, some have not, and their history is a significant part of the country's heritage. 

🔹The views from the top of the towers offer panoramic glimpses of the valleys and mountains that define the region.

🔹Towering, arid mountains with deep crevices and ancient rock formations dominate the scenery on either side of the road, creating a powerful sense of scale and adventure.

🔵So, how many mountains and hills had to be cut through to build the Highway 15 Muscat to Nizwa?

🔹It's impossible to know the exact number of mountains and hills that were cut through to build Highway 15 from Muscat to Nizwa. 

🔹The road was built in phases over several years, with upgrades continuing to this day, and specific construction records detailing each cut are not publicly available. 

🔹However, the route is known to pass through a rugged and mountainous terrain.

🔵Here is what is known about the construction:

🔹Mountainous terrain: A significant portion of the route travels through the Hajar Mountains, including the difficult terrain near Bidbid, which required extensive and ongoing work.

🔹Numerous cuts and fills: Standard road construction in this type of environment requires numerous "cut and fill" operations. Rock and soil are excavated from higher points (cuts) and used to build up lower points (fills) to create a level and passable road.

🔹Ongoing expansion: Construction and maintenance on this important route have been ongoing since it was first built. For example, recent expansions on the Rusayl-Bidbid section continue to address the challenging terrain.

🔹As the journey nears Nizwa, the landscape softens, and the towering mountains become a majestic backdrop to the city's ancient mud-brick villages and historic forts. 

 🔵Higher Judicial Institute, Nizwa, Oman.

🔵Courts Complex in Nizwa - Condominium complex. 

🔹The drive itself is an experience, but reaching Nizwa signals the end of a scenic transition and the start of a deep dive into Oman's rich cultural heritage. 

To be continued.

 

Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.

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