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{{Short description|City in Ad Dakhiliyah, Oman}}
[[Image:Nizwa Jama.PNG|thumb|Nizwa Jama entrance]]
{{Distinguish|Nazwa}}
'''Nizwa''' ({{lang-ar|نزوى}}) is a the largest city in the [[Ad Dakhiliyah Region]] in [[Oman]] and was the [[capital]] of [[Oman proper]]. Nizwa is about 140 km (1.5 hours) from [[Muscat, Oman | Muscat]]. The population is estimated at around 70,000 people including the two areas of Burkat Al Mooz and [[Jebel Akhdar (Oman) | Al Jabel Al Akhdar]].
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2009}}


{{Infobox settlement
Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in Oman and it was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Its Jama (grand mosque) was formerly a center for [[Islam | Islamic]] learning. Nizwa acquired its importance because it has been an important meeting point at the base of the Western [[Hajar Mountains]]. Set amid a verdant spread of date palms, it is strategically located at the crossroads of routes linking the interior with [[Muscat, Oman | Muscat]] and the lower reaches of [[Dhofar]] thus serving as the link for a large part of the country. Today, Nizwa is a diverse prosperous place with numerous agricultural, historical and recreational aspects. Nizwa is a center for [[date palm | date]] growing and is the market place for the area.
| official_name = Nizwa
| native_name = {{transliteration|ar|Nizwā}} ({{lang|ar|نِزْوَى}})
| settlement_type = City
| translit_lang1_type = [[Arabic script|Arabic]]
| translit_lang1_info = نِزْوَى
| image_skyline = Nizwa (7).jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_caption = Nizwa in March 2008
| shield_size = 100px
| pushpin_map = Oman#Middle East#West Asia
| pushpin_mapsize = 250
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Nizwa in Oman
| pushpin_relief = 1
| coordinates = {{coord|22|56|N|57|32|E|region:OM|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{OMN}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Oman|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Ad Dakhiliyah Region]]
| government_type = [[Absolute monarchy]]
| leader_title = [[Sultan]]
| leader_name = Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
| area_metro_km2 = 3500
| elevation_m = 492
| population_as_of = 2008
| population_density_km2 =
| population_metro = 120,000
| timezone = Oman standard time
| utc_offset = +4
| website =
}}


'''Nizwa''' ({{langx|ar|نِزْوَى|Nizwā}}) is the largest city in [[Ad Dakhiliyah Region]] in Oman and was the capital of [[Imamate of Oman|Oman proper]]. Nizwa is about {{convert|140|km|mile|abbr=on}} (1.5 hour drive) from the Omani capital [[Muscat]]. The population is estimated at around 83,544 people.
==Etymology==
Historian can not agree on the origins of the name of the city. Some suggests the name was derived from the Arabic verb ({{lang-ar|انزوا}}) which means being alone. Others say that the city was named after an old water spring.


Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in Oman, and was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Its Jama (grand mosque) was formerly a center for Islamic learning. Nizwa acquired its importance because it has been an important meeting point at the base of the [[Western Hajar Mountains]]. Set amid a verdant spread of date palms, it is strategically located at the crossroads of routes linking the interior with Muscat and the lower reaches of [[Dhofar Governorate|Dhofar]], thus serving as the link for a large part of the country. Today, Nizwa is a diverse prosperous place with numerous agricultural, historical and recreational aspects. Nizwa is a center for [[date palm|date]] growing and is the [[market town|market place]] for the area.
==History==
[[Image:Nizwabookra.jpg|thumb|Book Roundabout in Nizwa]]
Nizwa was the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries AH. With its deep connection to the root of Islam, Nizwa possesses a number of renowned [[mosque]]s, such as [[Qaboos of Oman | Sultan Qaboos]] Jama (Friday mosque), So'al Mosque built in the 2nd century AH (9th century AD), Ash-Shawathinah Mosque in Uqr and Ash-Sharja Mosque. There are also Al-Ain Mosque, Ash-Sheikh Mosque and Shuraij Mosque in Tanuf built in 377 AH (around 1,000 AD).


== Etymology ==
In the early 1950s the large round tower of the ancient fort built around 400 years ago in the center of the town was bombed and rocketed by the [[British Empire | British]] [[Royal Air Force]] who were called in to assist the then reigning [[Sultan]], [[Said bin Taymour]] in suppressing a [[revolt]] by leaders of the interior [[Imamate of Oman]]. The conflict was driven by a struggle for shares in the newly discovered [[oil]] wealth.
Historians cannot agree on the origins of the name of the city. Some suggest the name was derived from the Arabic verb ({{langx|ar|انزوا}}) which means being alone. Others say that the city was named after an old water spring.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}


== History ==
Nizwa has become a more modern city since 1970 under the reign of [[Qaboos of Oman | Sultan Qaboos]]. Improvements include connections to Muscat via a two-lane highway which has increased tourism. Communications have been improved to include broadband access and there is a substantial hospital. It is also a hub for education including a Technical College, College of Applied Sciences, a private University, and the Training academy for the Royal Oman Police. There are now four hotels and tourism is promoted in the area.
{{See also|History of Oman|Wajihids}}
Nizwa was the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries AD. With its deep connection to the root of [[Islam]], Nizwa possesses a number of renowned mosques, such as [[Qaboos of Oman|Sultan Qaboos]] Jama (Friday mosque), So'al Mosque built in the 2nd century AH (9th century AD), Ash-Shawathinah Mosque in Uqr and Ash-Sharja Mosque. There are also Al-Ain Mosque, Ash-Sheikh Mosque and Shuraij Mosque in Tanuf built in 377 AH (around 1000 AD).{{cn|date=February 2023}}


A handwritten letter from the [[Prophets and messengers in Islam|Islamic Prophet]] [[Muhammad in Islam|Muhammad]] in 630 asked the locals of the mountain town of Nizwa to convert. The locals then sent a return delegation to [[Medina]] and embraced Islam. A tutor was sent by [[Muhammad]] to teach the new [[Muslims]] of Nizwa the fundamentals of the religion.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Krane |first=Jim |url=http://archive.org/details/dubaistoryofworl0000kran |title=Dubai: The Story of the World's Fastest City |publisher=Atlantic |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-84887-009-3 |location=London, England |pages=7 |language=en}}</ref>
==Geography and Climate==
Mountains surround Nizwa from every side and there are some outstanding mountain scenery close by. In the winter from November until March the climate is cold with temperatures as low as 10 C in December. In the summer, the climate is hot and dry with temperatures reaching 50 C in July. [[Precipitation]] is very low and concentrates in the winter when an air mass of low pressure causes rain to fall.


The explorer [[Ibn Battuta]] visited in the 14th century, noting Nizwa as "a city at the foot of a mountain, enveloped by orchards and streams, and with fine bazaars and splendid clean mosques."<ref>{{cite book|last1=Battutah|first1=Ibn|title=The Travels of Ibn Battutah|date=2002|publisher=Picador|location=London|isbn=9780330418799|pages=98}}</ref>
==Attractions==
[[Image:Nizwa8.jpg|thumb|Nizwa's enormous fort]]
[[Image:Nizwa fort during restoration.jpg|thumb|Nizwa fort during restoration]]
The main tourist attractions in the city are Nizwa [[Fort]], the traditional [[Souq]] and [[Falaj]] Daris. In the 1990's, the Jama, the fort and the souq which sit next to each other in the centre were renovated using the same traditional materials. The design of the souq compliments the fort in every way. In 1993 Nizwa won the award of 'Organisation of Arab Cities'.


In the early 1950s, the large round tower of the ancient fort built in the center of the town was bombed and rocketed by the [[British Empire|British]] [[Royal Air Force]], who were called in to assist the then-reigning [[Said bin Taimur|Sultan Said bin Taimur]] in suppressing a [[Jebel Akhdar War|revolt]] by leaders of the interior [[Imamate of Oman]].{{cn|date=January 2023}} The conflict was driven by a struggle for a share of Oman's newly discovered oil wealth.
===Nizwa Fort===
Nizwa fort was built in the 1650's by the second Ya’rubi Imam; Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi. It is Oman's most visited national monument. The fort was the administrative seat of authority for the presiding Imams and Walis in times of peace and conflict. The main bulk of the fort took about 12 years to complete and was built above an underground stream. The fort is a powerful reminder of the town's significance through turbulent periods in Oman's long history. It was a formidable stronghold against raiding forces that desired Nizwa's abundant natural wealth and its strategic location at the crossroads of vital routes.


Nizwa has become a more modern city since 1970 under the reign of [[Qaboos of Oman|Sultan Qaboos]].{{cn|date=January 2023}} Improvements include connections to Muscat via a two-lane highway, which has increased tourism. Communications have been improved to include broadband access, and the city is home to a substantial hospital. It is also a hub for education including a technical college, College of Applied Sciences, The [[University of Nizwa]], and the training academy for the [[Royal Oman Police]]. There are now many hotels and tourism is promoted in the area.
The fort's design reflects the Omani architectural ingenuity in the Ya’rubi era that witnessed considerable advancement in military fortifications and the introduction of mortar-based warfare. The main part of the fort is its enormous drum-like tower that rises 35 meters above the ground and has a diameter of 45 meters. The strong foundations of the fort go 30 meters into the ground. The doors are inches deep and the walls are rounded and robust, designed to withstand fierce barrages of mortar fire. There are 24 openings all around the top of the tower for mortar fire.
Two cannons guard the entrance to the fort which opens into a maze of rooms, high-ceilinged halls, doorways, terraces, narrow staircases and corridors. Four cannons remain on the tower's top, down from a total of 24, which once served as the fort’s main firepower. They provided complete 360-degree coverage of the countryside around making it virtually impossible for a surprise attack on the fort without provoking a reply from the cannons. One of them has the name of Imam Sultan bin Saif engraved on it. Another, from Boston City, was presented to the first Omani ambassador to the United States in 1840. Clumps of cannonballs, misshapen with rust and age lie around.


== Geography ==
The design of the tower, complete with battlements, turret, secret shafts, false doors and wells incorporates a great deal of architectural deception. Access to the top is only by means of a narrow twisty staircase barred by a heavy wooden door studded with metal spikes to exhaust the enemy and impede their progress to the top of the tower. Those who did manage to run the gauntlet of hurdles risked being burnt by boiling oil or water that was poured through shafts which opened directly above each set of doors. Date syrup, a liquid that oozed from bags of dates stored in special date cellars, also came in handy as an alternative to oil and water. The fort was built above a subterranean stream that ensured a permanent supply of water when subjected to a prolonged siege. Several water wells located within the fortified compound also ensured plentiful supplies. Underground cellars stockpiled food and munitions. Running all round the summit of the tower is a wall for use by 120 guards who kept watch over the surrounding countryside and were armed with muskets and flintlocks. Furthermore, 480 gun-ports allowed for a concentrated barrage of fire if the fort came under attack.
{{See also|Geography of Oman}}


[[Hajar Mountains|Mountains]] surround Nizwa on every side and there is outstanding mountain scenery close by. Nizwa has an [[arid climate]] under the [[Köppen climate classification]]. In the winter from November until March the climate is pleasant, with temperatures as low as 12 degrees Celsius in January. In the summer, the climate is hot and dry with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius in July.
===Nizwa Souq===
The city, famous for its [[handicrafts]] and agricultural products, has an expansive souq showcasing an array of products. It is one of the most important in the country besides [[Muttrah]]. The souq bustles with vendors selling everything from meat, fish, fruits and vegetables to spices, dates, gold and silverware. Nizwa is renowned for its silver jewelry which is considered to be the best in the country. Its people are masters in Khanjar making (curved dagger), recognised for its distinctive style and patterns. Silver jewellery sold here includes [[bracelets]], [[earrings]] and [[ornaments]] for the hair. They also make copper ware, coffee pots, [[swords]], leather goods and [[pottery]]. Visitors can watch expert craftsmen in action as they fashion a range of exquisite artifacts. Halwa (a traditional Omani dessert) is also sold in the souq. Halwa is a sticky dessert made from sugar and spices and flavoured with [[sesame]] seeds or [[almonds]].


{{Weather box
[[Image:Nizwa livestock market.jpg|thumb|right|200x200px|Nizwa livestock market]]
| width = auto
The far end of the Nizwa Souq hosts a lively livestock market early each Friday morning in the shade of date palm trees. Local farmers bring their cows, goats and sheep to be inspected, auctioned and sold to the highest bidders. The scene is crowded and busy especially on the eve of [[Eid]] festivities. The obstinate behaviour of the animals often provides great amusement for the spectators. Visitors get an excellent opportunity to observe local customs.
| location = Nizwa
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| Jan high C = 26.2
| Feb high C = 29.6
| Mar high C = 32.5
| Apr high C = 37.8
| May high C = 42.0
| Jun high C = 43.5
| Jul high C = 42.7
| Aug high C = 41.6
| Sep high C = 39.7
| Oct high C = 36.6
| Nov high C = 31.6
| Dec high C = 27.8
| Jan low C = 12.3
| Feb low C = 14.0
| Mar low C = 17.1
| Apr low C = 21.9
| May low C = 26.0
| Jun low C = 28.4
| Jul low C = 28.0
| Aug low C = 26.9
| Sep low C = 25.0
| Oct low C = 20.9
| Nov low C = 17.8
| Dec low C = 14.1
| Jan precipitation mm = 0.7
| Feb precipitation mm = 5.7
| Mar precipitation mm = 9.4
| Apr precipitation mm = 15.2
| May precipitation mm = 1.9
| Jun precipitation mm = 10.9
| Jul precipitation mm = 6.6
| Aug precipitation mm = 8.0
| Sep precipitation mm = 3.5
| Oct precipitation mm = 5.9
| Nov precipitation mm = 1.7
| Dec precipitation mm = 3.8
| source 1 = ''World Meteorological Organization'' (temperature and rainfall 1999–2009)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=1412 |title= Climatological Information – Nizwa |publisher=World Meteorological Organization |access-date= 21 April 2016 }}</ref>
| date = April 2016
}}


===Falaj Daris===
== Attractions ==
{{See also|Tourism in Oman}}
[[Falaj]] Daris (a [[World Heritage Site]]) is the largest falaj in Oman and is the life maintainer of Nizwa. It provides the surrounding countryside with much needed water for the plantations. Al Ghantuq and Dhoot are two other important falajs in Nizwa. Farming is widely practiced and the town's immense palm farms stretches for eight kilometers along the course of two [[wadi]]s (Kalbouh and Al Abiadh). Also in practice are red sugar processing and hide tanning.


The main tourist attractions in the city are the Nizwa [[Fort]], the traditional ''[[souq]]'' or market, and the [[Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman|Falaj Daris]] irrigation system, which was named a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] in 2006. In the 1990s, the mosque, fort, and souq, which are located next to each other in the city centre, were renovated using traditional materials. In 1993, Nizwa won the award of 'Organisation of Arab Cities'.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}


==Tanuf==
=== Nizwa Fort ===
{{Main|Nizwa Fort}}
A short drive from Nizwa centre is the old village of Tanuf, known for its seasonal [[waterfall]]s. Waterfalls in Tanuf are unique to the area within the steep mountain sides and the water reservoir. Tanuf with its dam, waterfalls, wadi and falaj is a very popular picnic destination during rain time.
[[File:Nizwa8.jpg|thumb|Nizwa's fort]]


Nizwa Fort was built in 1668 AD by [[Sultan bin Saif|Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi]], and today is Oman's most visited national monument. The fort was the administrative seat of authority for the presiding imams and walis in times of peace and conflict. The main bulk of the fort took about 12 years to complete and was built above an underground stream. The fort is a reminder of the town's significance through turbulent periods in Oman's long history. It was a formidable stronghold against raiding forces that desired Nizwa's abundant natural wealth and its strategic crossroads location.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}
==Witchcraft and Magic==
Nizwa and the neighboring town of [[Bahla]] used to have a reputation of being homes to individuals who practice [[witchcraft]] and [[magic (paranormal)| magic]] works. The most popular claim is instantaneous travel by drawing a line on the ground and crossing it to appear at the desired place. Another claim is spotting people who have been dead for many years. The explanation is that these people did not actually die but appeared to because they were ''eaten'' and then controlled by witches. Today, although many elders swear that they have seen weird things and witnessed [[supernatural]] acts, no one can substantiate these claims with hard evidence and they were likely due to superstition and lack of education in those old times.


==See also==
=== Nizwa Souq ===
[[File:Nizwa (2).jpg|thumb|Nizwa souk]]
{{Columns
|width=300px
|col1=
* [[Oman]]
* [[Tourism in Oman]]
* [[Provinces of Oman]]
* [[Samail]]
* [[Bahla]]
* [[Adam, Oman | Adam]]
* [[Al Hamra]]


The city, famous for its [[handicrafts]] and agricultural products, has an expansive souq with an array of products. It is one of the most important in the country besides [[Muttrah]]. The souq bustles with vendors selling everything from meat, fish, fruits and vegetables to spices, dates, gold and silverware. Nizwa is renowned for its silver jewelry which is considered to be the best in the country. Its people are masters in making ''[[khanjar|khanjars]]'' (curved daggers), recognized for their distinctive style and patterns. They also make copperware, coffee pots, [[sword]]s, leather goods and [[pottery]].
|col2=
[[File:Nizva fort.jpg|thumb|Nizwa fort]]
* [[Manah, Oman |Manah]]
* [[Izki]]
* [[Bidbid]]
* [[Al Hajar Mountains]]
* [[Jebel Akhdar]]
* [[Jebel Shams]]
}}


== References ==
=== Falaj Daris ===
[[Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman|Falaj Daris]], a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest ''falaj'', or irrigation system, in Oman. It provides the surrounding countryside with much-needed water for farming. Al Ghantuq and Dhoot are two other important irrigation systems in Nizwa. Farming is widely practiced and the town's immense palm farms stretch for eight kilometers along the course of two [[wadi]]s, Kalbouh and Al Abiad.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}
*Scheerpenzel, E: ''Oman Then and Now'' SPB Academic Publishing, 2000.


==External Links==
== Economy ==
{{See also|Economy of Oman}}
{{Columns
|width==300px
|col1=
*[http://www.goldentulipnizwa.com Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel]
*[http://www.falajdarishotel.com Falaj Daris Hotel]
*[http://www.aldiyarhotel.com Al Diyar Hotel]
*[http://www.unizwa.edu.om University of Nizwa]
*[http://www.nct.edu.om Nizwa College of Technology]
*[http://www.nizwa.com Nizwa Magazine]
*[http://www.nizwa.net Nizwa.Net]
*[http://www.nizwa7.com Nizwa 7]
*[http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Nizwa Nizwa Flickr images]


Historically, Nizwa was known for producing [[mat]]s from [[straw]]. As of 1920, the city was described as having a "thriving" [[metalworking]] industry.<ref name=Prothero99>{{cite book|last=Prothero|first=G. W.|title=Arabia|year=1920|publisher=H.M. Stationery Office|location=London|page=99|url=http://www.wdl.org/en/item/11767/view/1/99/}}</ref>
|col2=

*[http://search.pbase.com/search?q=Nizwa&x=0&y=0 Nizwa Pbase images]
== Education ==
*[http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Middle_East/Oman/Nizwa-1804171/TravelGuide-Nizwa.html Virtual Tourist Nizwa page]
{{See also|Education in Oman}}
*[http://www.travel-images.com/oman2.html Travel Images Nizwa page]

*[http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/download.php?Number=429496&t=k&om=1 Central Nizwa by Google maps]
* [[University of Nizwa]]
*[http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=22944167&x=57532310&z=14&l=0&m=a&v=2 Wikimapia Nizwa]
* University of Technology and Applied Sciences
*http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/oman/nizwa/gallery.jsp
*
*http://www.tropicalisland.de/oman/nizwa/nizwa.html

*http://www.galenfrysinger.com/nizwa_oman.htm
== Transportation ==
}}
{{See also|Transport in Oman}}

A short drive from Nizwa centre is the old village of Tanuf, known for its seasonal [[waterfall]]s. Waterfalls in Tanuf are unique to the area within the steep mountain sides and the water reservoir.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

Nizwa is connected to the [[United Arab Emirates|U.A.E.]] city of [[Al Ain]] by road, via the [[Mezyad, Al-Ain|Mezyad]] border post. This road also goes past the [[Provinces of Oman|Provinces]] of [[Ibri]] and Dhank.<ref name="GulfNews 05-2013">{{Cite news |last=Kazmi |first=Aftab |title=Mezyad Fort stands tall in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet |work=[[Gulf News]] |url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/mezyad-fort-stands-tall-in-the-foothills-of-jebel-hafeet-1.1187525 |date=23 May 2013 |access-date=4 March 2019}}</ref>

== Notable people ==
{{see also|Category:People from Nizwa}}

* [[Ahmed Al-Harrasi]], scientist and a professor of organic chemistry at [[University of Nizwa]]
* [[Arshad Al-Alawi]], professional footballer
* [[Alkhattab Alhinai]], Deputy Chairman of Oman State Council
* [[Bal'arab bin Himyar]], Imam from the [[Yaruba dynasty]]

== See also ==
* [[List of cities in Oman]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
* Scheerpenzel, E: ''Oman Then and Now'' SPB Academic Publishing, 2000.
* Antonio Farach, Lucille Umali – Times of Oman / Shabiba (2011) "The Great Fort of Nizwa"


== External links ==
{{Commons category|Nizwa}}
{{wikivoyage|Nizwa}}
{{Portal|Oman}}


* [https://www.ncsi.gov.om/Elibrary/LibraryContentDoc/bar_Census%20Final%20Result%202010_388bd9c6-a938-467d-8c92-f6950cc1785f.pdf E-library]
{{coor title dm|22|56|N|57|32|E|region:OM_type:city}}


{{Subdivisions of Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate}}
[[Category:Cities in Oman|Nizwa]]
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Nizwa| ]]
[[ar:ولاية نزوى]]
[[Category:Populated places in Oman]]
[[de:Nizwa]]
[[Category:Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate]]
[[fr:Nizwa]]
[[it:Nizwa]]
[[pl:Nizwa]]

Latest revision as of 01:25, 24 October 2024

Not to be confused with Nazwa.

Nizwa
Nizwā (نِزْوَى)
City
Nizwa in March 2008
Nizwa in March 2008
Nizwa is located in Oman
Nizwa
Nizwa
Location of Nizwa in Oman
Nizwa is located in Middle East
Nizwa
Nizwa
Nizwa (Middle East)
Nizwa is located in West and Central Asia
Nizwa
Nizwa
Nizwa (West and Central Asia)
Coordinates: 22°56′N 57°32′E / 22.933°N 57.533°E / 22.933; 57.533
Country Oman
RegionAd Dakhiliyah Region
Government
 • TypeAbsolute monarchy
 • SultanHaitham bin Tariq Al Said
Area
 • Metro
3,500 km2 (1,400 sq mi)
Elevation
492 m (1,614 ft)
Population
 (2008)
 • Metro
120,000
Time zoneUTC+4 (Oman standard time)

Nizwa (Arabic: نِزْوَى, romanized: Nizwā) is the largest city in Ad Dakhiliyah Region in Oman and was the capital of Oman proper. Nizwa is about 140 km (87 miles) (1.5 hour drive) from the Omani capital Muscat. The population is estimated at around 83,544 people.

Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in Oman, and was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Its Jama (grand mosque) was formerly a center for Islamic learning. Nizwa acquired its importance because it has been an important meeting point at the base of the Western Hajar Mountains. Set amid a verdant spread of date palms, it is strategically located at the crossroads of routes linking the interior with Muscat and the lower reaches of Dhofar, thus serving as the link for a large part of the country. Today, Nizwa is a diverse prosperous place with numerous agricultural, historical and recreational aspects. Nizwa is a center for date growing and is the market place for the area.

Etymology

[edit]

Historians cannot agree on the origins of the name of the city. Some suggest the name was derived from the Arabic verb (Arabic: انزوا) which means being alone. Others say that the city was named after an old water spring.[citation needed]

History

[edit]
See also: History of Oman and Wajihids

Nizwa was the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries AD. With its deep connection to the root of Islam, Nizwa possesses a number of renowned mosques, such as Sultan Qaboos Jama (Friday mosque), So'al Mosque built in the 2nd century AH (9th century AD), Ash-Shawathinah Mosque in Uqr and Ash-Sharja Mosque. There are also Al-Ain Mosque, Ash-Sheikh Mosque and Shuraij Mosque in Tanuf built in 377 AH (around 1000 AD).[citation needed]

A handwritten letter from the Islamic Prophet Muhammad in 630 asked the locals of the mountain town of Nizwa to convert. The locals then sent a return delegation to Medina and embraced Islam. A tutor was sent by Muhammad to teach the new Muslims of Nizwa the fundamentals of the religion.[1]

The explorer Ibn Battuta visited in the 14th century, noting Nizwa as "a city at the foot of a mountain, enveloped by orchards and streams, and with fine bazaars and splendid clean mosques."[2]

In the early 1950s, the large round tower of the ancient fort built in the center of the town was bombed and rocketed by the British Royal Air Force, who were called in to assist the then-reigning Sultan Said bin Taimur in suppressing a revolt by leaders of the interior Imamate of Oman.[citation needed] The conflict was driven by a struggle for a share of Oman's newly discovered oil wealth.

Nizwa has become a more modern city since 1970 under the reign of Sultan Qaboos.[citation needed] Improvements include connections to Muscat via a two-lane highway, which has increased tourism. Communications have been improved to include broadband access, and the city is home to a substantial hospital. It is also a hub for education including a technical college, College of Applied Sciences, The University of Nizwa, and the training academy for the Royal Oman Police. There are now many hotels and tourism is promoted in the area.

Geography

[edit]
See also: Geography of Oman

Mountains surround Nizwa on every side and there is outstanding mountain scenery close by. Nizwa has an arid climate under the Köppen climate classification. In the winter from November until March the climate is pleasant, with temperatures as low as 12 degrees Celsius in January. In the summer, the climate is hot and dry with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius in July.

Climate data for Nizwa
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 26.2
(79.2) 		29.6
(85.3) 		32.5
(90.5) 		37.8
(100.0) 		42.0
(107.6) 		43.5
(110.3) 		42.7
(108.9) 		41.6
(106.9) 		39.7
(103.5) 		36.6
(97.9) 		31.6
(88.9) 		27.8
(82.0) 		36.0
(96.8)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 12.3
(54.1) 		14.0
(57.2) 		17.1
(62.8) 		21.9
(71.4) 		26.0
(78.8) 		28.4
(83.1) 		28.0
(82.4) 		26.9
(80.4) 		25.0
(77.0) 		20.9
(69.6) 		17.8
(64.0) 		14.1
(57.4) 		21.0
(69.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 0.7
(0.03) 		5.7
(0.22) 		9.4
(0.37) 		15.2
(0.60) 		1.9
(0.07) 		10.9
(0.43) 		6.6
(0.26) 		8.0
(0.31) 		3.5
(0.14) 		5.9
(0.23) 		1.7
(0.07) 		3.8
(0.15) 		73.3
(2.88)
Source: World Meteorological Organization (temperature and rainfall 1999–2009)[3]

Attractions

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See also: Tourism in Oman

The main tourist attractions in the city are the Nizwa Fort, the traditional souq or market, and the Falaj Daris irrigation system, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. In the 1990s, the mosque, fort, and souq, which are located next to each other in the city centre, were renovated using traditional materials. In 1993, Nizwa won the award of 'Organisation of Arab Cities'.[citation needed]

Nizwa Fort

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Main article: Nizwa Fort
Nizwa's fort

Nizwa Fort was built in 1668 AD by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi, and today is Oman's most visited national monument. The fort was the administrative seat of authority for the presiding imams and walis in times of peace and conflict. The main bulk of the fort took about 12 years to complete and was built above an underground stream. The fort is a reminder of the town's significance through turbulent periods in Oman's long history. It was a formidable stronghold against raiding forces that desired Nizwa's abundant natural wealth and its strategic crossroads location.[citation needed]

Nizwa Souq

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Nizwa souk

The city, famous for its handicrafts and agricultural products, has an expansive souq with an array of products. It is one of the most important in the country besides Muttrah. The souq bustles with vendors selling everything from meat, fish, fruits and vegetables to spices, dates, gold and silverware. Nizwa is renowned for its silver jewelry which is considered to be the best in the country. Its people are masters in making khanjars (curved daggers), recognized for their distinctive style and patterns. They also make copperware, coffee pots, swords, leather goods and pottery.

Nizwa fort

Falaj Daris

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Falaj Daris, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest falaj, or irrigation system, in Oman. It provides the surrounding countryside with much-needed water for farming. Al Ghantuq and Dhoot are two other important irrigation systems in Nizwa. Farming is widely practiced and the town's immense palm farms stretch for eight kilometers along the course of two wadis, Kalbouh and Al Abiad.[citation needed]

Economy

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See also: Economy of Oman

Historically, Nizwa was known for producing mats from straw. As of 1920, the city was described as having a "thriving" metalworking industry.[4]

Education

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See also: Education in Oman

Transportation

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See also: Transport in Oman

A short drive from Nizwa centre is the old village of Tanuf, known for its seasonal waterfalls. Waterfalls in Tanuf are unique to the area within the steep mountain sides and the water reservoir.[citation needed]

Nizwa is connected to the U.A.E. city of Al Ain by road, via the Mezyad border post. This road also goes past the Provinces of Ibri and Dhank.[5]

Notable people

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See also: Category:People from Nizwa

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Krane, Jim (2010). Dubai: The Story of the World's Fastest City. London, England: Atlantic. p. 7. ISBN 978-1-84887-009-3.
  2. ^ Battutah, Ibn (2002). The Travels of Ibn Battutah. London: Picador. p. 98. ISBN 9780330418799.
  3. ^ "Climatological Information – Nizwa". World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
  4. ^ Prothero, G. W. (1920). Arabia. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 99.
  5. ^ Kazmi, Aftab (23 May 2013). "Mezyad Fort stands tall in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet". Gulf News. Retrieved 4 March 2019.

Sources

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  • Scheerpenzel, E: Oman Then and Now SPB Academic Publishing, 2000.
  • Antonio Farach, Lucille Umali – Times of Oman / Shabiba (2011) "The Great Fort of Nizwa"
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nizwa.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Nizwa.
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