Nizwa Fort

Nizwa Fort lies in the city of the same name in the Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate in Oman.

Nizwa Fort actually consists of 2 fortifications; the Nizwa Castle and the Nizwa Fort. The castle is the present somewhat rectangular construction. The fort is the large round tower in the northeast corner of the castle.

The castle was founded in the late 8th century by the Imam Mohammed bin Abdullah of the Yahmadi tribe. In the mid-9th century it was expanded by the Imam Al-Salt bin Malik of the same tribe. In 1624, Nasir bin Murshid of the Yaruba tribe, took over as Imam of Oman. During his reign, which lasted until 1649, he rebuilt the castle on its earlier foundations and made it his residence.

Nasir bin Murshid's successor as imam was his cousin Sultan bin Saif. During his reign, from 1649 until 1679, he fortified the castle by building the fort. Building it took 12 years, from 1656 until 1668. Nasir bin Murshid and Sultan bin Saif are both known for driving the Persians and the Portuguese out of Oman.

The fort is a formidable tower; almost 30 meters high, with an inner diameter of 39 meters. It is said to be the largest round tower in the Arabian Peninsula. The lower half of the tower is a solid construction, only pierced by a narrow winding staircase with several trap doors, defended by murder holes and pitfalls, leading up to the inner terrace. All around the inner terrace is a wall-walk that could hold 120 guards, who kept watch over the surrounding countryside and were armed with muskets and flintlocks.

Nizwa Fort can be visited for a fee. A very nice fort to visit, but as the city and fort are a very popular tourist destination, it can become crowded at times. The old town and the souk are worth a visit also.

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