Al Khandagh Castle

Al Khandagh Castle, sometimes also spelled as Khandaq, lies in the center of the city of Al Buraimi, in the Al Buraymi Governorate in Oman.

The present twin cities of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates and Al Buraimi in Oman were originally a group of oases, separated by desert, centered in an area of some 24 km², just north of the Jebel Hafeet mountain. Originally, the whole area was known as Al Buraimi Oasis. In the late 19th and early 20th century, numerous forts and towers were built to solidify Abu Dhabi's control over the western oases and to protect the settlements and oases from roaming bandits.

In 1952 Saudi Arabia sent raiders to capture the Abu Dhabi forts and incorporate the oasis into the Saudi kingdom. Forces from the Trucial Oman Scouts, as well as the army of Muscat-Oman, arrived to recapture the oasis. With British intervention, the Saudi forces surrendered.

After the independence of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, Abu Dhabi and Oman agreed on final borders, dividing the oases. The Abu Dhabi part was then known as Al Ain and the Oman part as Al Buraimi. From then on, Al Ain experienced rapid growth, quickly becoming larger and more successful than Al Buraimi. Nowadays, Al Ain is a bustling city while Al Buraimi is more like a quiet town.

Al Khandagh Castle was probably built at the end of the 17th century. Its name relates to the dry moat circling it, which is a rare defensive feature for Omani fortifications. The castle has an almost square ground plan with round towers on its 4 corners. I don't have any historical information about the castle. If you know more, please mail me.

At present Al khandagh Castle can be freely be visited during opening hours. A great castle. Al Hillah Castle and the Al Buraimi Towers are nearby.

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