Bahla Fort

The fort of Bahla is an excellent example of a defensive structure designed to allow the tribes who lived there to thrive, prosper, and trade during the medieval Islamic period. It was constructed in the thirteenth century. The fort was in danger of losing its authenticity due to the employment of several modern repair techniques.

In 1987, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Balha Fort was added to the list. The fort has been renovated several times throughout history, including by the Nabhani Tribe in the 13th century, the Yarubi Tribe in the 17th century, and the Busaidi Tribe in the 19th century. The fort was in such bad shape in the second half of the twentieth century that the Omani government decided to embark on a major restoration effort in 1988, which was just completed in May 2012.

Bahla Fort opened to the public as part of a soft opening program at the end of 2012, although there are currently no exhibits on show in the fort, and no proper labels or descriptions can be found in the castle. When the fort is officially inaugurated, these will most likely be added. There are no specific dates set for the official opening.

Now, more than ever, the fort is thriving and is the main attraction of the Bahla oasis hamlet. It is also one of Oman's largest forts. The fort has a reputation in the community for hosting paranormal activities at night. This is not surprising, given that Bahla is thought to be the cradle of black magic.

Location: Bahla, Oman