Al Hazm Castle

Al Hazm Castle lies in the village of the same name in the Al Batinah South Governorate in Oman.

Al Hazm Castle was built by Sultan bin Saif II between 1708 and 1710, with finances from various seafaring activities. It was built over a fast-flowing falaj, which provided the residents with fresh water. There was also a cistern, in case an enemy would cut off the falaj. The large castle also held several prisons, storage rooms for dates and rice, a kitchen, living quarters for the imam and his wives and a madrasa. It was equipped with lots of gun ports and multiple Portuguese and Omani cannons.

In 1711 Sultan bin Saif became imam and he then moved the capital from Rustaq to Al Hazm. When Sultan bin Saif died here in 1718, he was buried in a walled-up tomb in the castle. He was then succeeded by his 12-year-old son, Saif bin Sultan II, which sparked a 12-year civil war.

The castle has a square plan with round towers on diagonally opposite corners. It is said that there were 2 escape tunnels, one of which was said to lead all the way to the fort at Rustaq.

Apparently Al Hazm Castle is open for visits, although it was closed when I came by. A very nice castle which I would have liked to visit.

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