Sur Al Lawatia Tower

The Sur Al Lawatia Tower stands in the town of Mutrah in the Muscat Governorate in Oman.

The Sur Al Lawatia is a walled off district, directly next to the Mutrah Souq. The tower is a corner tower of that district. The rectangular shaped, walled off area is home to families belonging to the Al Lawati tribe. They are a prominent merchant tribe. The historically secluded district, which only has 2 gates, is considered a private housing complex and visitors are not allowed to enter.

When the walled off district was built is unknown. It has been suggested that the settlement of Mutrah was originally founded by the Portuguese and that the walled off area was the site that housed their garrison in the 17th century. It was then given over by the Sultan to the Al Lawati tribe after the Portuguese were expelled.

The Sur Al Lawatia Tower can only be viewed externally. A simple tower, nice to look for when you visit the atmospheric Mutrah Souq. Mutrah Fort is close by.

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