Al Ayjah Towers

The Al Ayjah Towers stand in the Al Ayjah neighborhood of the city of Sur, in the Ash Sharqiyah South Governorate in Oman.

Sur's ideal location; situated around a small bay, which forms a natural harbor, and a large lagoon, fed by 2 creeks, made it an established center for maritime trade with East Africa already in the 6th century. In the 16th century it came under Portuguese rule, during which it declined as the Portuguese favored Muscat. This lasted until the early mid-17th century, when the Portuguese were expelled by Imam Nasir ibn Murshid. After that, the town was economically revived and again became a center for maritime trade with India and East Africa. It also became famous for its shipyards producing dhows.

All this activity needed to be protected, so Sur was fortified with a defensive network that originally included 5 castles and multiple watchtowers, which all are said to date back to the 17th century. So some may originally be Portuguese fortifications modified by the Omanis.

The Al Ayjah Towers, as I named them, consist of 3 small watchtowers and a coastal battery. Together they aided Al Ayjah Castle in the defense of the east side of Sur.

The battery is situated at the entrance of the harbor and probably was equipped with multiple cannons. It is now used as a location for the Ras Al Mil Lighthouse.

The first 2 watchtowers are situated on a rocky ridge separating the bay from the channel leading into the lagoon. The third watchtower stands high upon a rocky hill, overlooking the lagoon.

The towers, as well as the battery, are freely accessible. But due to the heat, I didn't visit the third one. With all these fortifications; besides these also Bilad Sur Castle, Sunaysilah Castle and Harat Al Aqbah Tower, in one city, Sur was a very nice destination.

Gallery

Battery

Watchtowers