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Bilad Sur Castle

HF3Q+HF2, Sur, Oman

An ancient Islamic fort located in the city of Sur, in the southern province of Ash Sharqiyah, Oman. It dates back to the 18th century AD.
Oman: The Land of Fortresses
photo
Jermaine


Bilad Sur Castle is an ancient Islamic fort located in the city of Sur, in the southern province of Sur Al-Sharqiya, Oman. It dates back to the 18th century AD.

The ideal location of Sur; situated around a small bay forming a natural harbor, and a large lagoon fed by two streams, made it a recognized center of maritime trade with East Africa as early as the 6th century. In the 16th century, it came under Portuguese control, during which time it declined, as the Portuguese favored Muscat. This continued until the early mid-17th century, when the Portuguese were expelled by Imam Nasir ibn Murshid. After that, the city was economically revived and once again became a center of maritime trade with India and East Africa. It also became famous for its shipyards producing dhows.

Bilad Sur Castle was built on a plain to the west of Sur. It was intended to protect the city from invasions by tribes from the central regions of Arabia. Therefore, Sur was fortified with a defensive network that originally included 5 castles and numerous watchtowers, all of which are said to date back to the 17th century. Thus, some of them may have originally been Portuguese fortifications modified by Omanis.

The castle also served as the residence of the local wali (governor) and as a place where festivals and events were celebrated. Its plan is a beveled square with towers at its four corners. It was closed for a long period for restoration, but you can wander around outside. Bilad Sur Castle is located in the middle of the Bilad Sur plain in the southern Al-Sharqiya governorate. According to the Oman Ministry of Tourism, “it is considered one of the largest bastions in the wilayat. Bilad Sur Castle has four towers: Al-Handak Tower, Jalan Tower, and As-Suq Tower, with the fourth tower differing from the other three. It has two floors, the first of which overlooks the area outside the castle on all sides. The fort’s wall rises to 6 meters.”

Sources:

https://en.ibnbattutatravel.com/place/bilad-sur-castle/

https://www.castles.nl/bilad-sur-castle

 

photo
Jermaine

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