The Stone Houses of Oman

This is going to seem like somewhat of a departure from our normal blogs, but certainly just as interesting. As we are usually awe-struck by the glitter and gold that is Dubai and Oman, we sometimes overlook in the incredible history that surrounds these bustling cities. I was recently made aware of a fascinating area of history that many of us overlook. If you have ever been to the Sultanate of Oman, you will recall the beautiful and rugged landscape that the mountains afford. The sharp edges of the mountains cascade into the ocean, with a few beaches nestled in between enormous rocks. It is absolutely beautiful!! Prior to the 20th century, many inhabitants lived among these crags, in stone houses. Below is an article I found on http://www.nizway.net/, if you would like to find out further information about this fascinating history.

"AL JABAL al Akhdhar’s stone houses are a vestige of the primitive existence of inhabitants of the Green Mountain before the benefits of the Sultanate’s modern Renaissance began reaching these remote and rugged hills. Scores of these settlements dot the mountainous countryside, the vast majority abandoned for the comfort and convenience of modern dwellings that have since sprung up in their shadow.

Today, these atmospheric settlements offer a peek into the hardy lifestyles of the inhabitants of these mountains. Apart from the goats that sometimes shelter within them, these stone hamlets attract tourists and researchers as well, keen to study the primitive architecture and construction techniques of past generations.

Perhaps, the most striking of the Green Mountain’s ancient settlements is the stone hamlet in Dhan al Bisateen, some 15km from Saih Qatanah, the administrative centre of Al Jabal al Akhdhar. The settlement clings to the precipitous edge of a ravine, offering some protection from the chilly winds that sweep through these mountains in winter. Temperatures are known to plunge to 5 degrees Celsius minus in winter.

Villagers with the nimbleness of mountain goats descend the mountain’s edge to reach the settlement, which consists of a cluster of houses built with rock and a traditional mud plaster called saruj. Some of these houses have been set into the recess of caves for added protection against the elements. Primitive as they may seem, these homes are in fact built with walls about one metre thick and plastered well on the outside to keep the chill out. Trunks of the indigenous juniper tree, which is a unique feature of the Green Mountain’s natural heritage, are used to hold up the ceiling of tree branches and saruj." - adapted from Oman Observer, Nizwa.net.

These homes are a testament to the strength of the inhabitants that lived in the mountains of Oman. Only miles from the lush resorts and luxury apartments, these homes remind us of our history and how we are only the new comers!

If you have any other interesting historical information about the UAE, Oman, or another Middle Eastern country, please feel free to email us at info@lereveoc.com.