Barka Castle - the homeland of sultans

Located between the main cities of Oman, Sohar and Muscat, Barka Castle was part of an impressive chain of forts along the coast of the Al-Batinah region, built to protect the road to Ar Rustaq. The city of Barka is known for its picturesque coastal views, lush vegetation, and traditional bullfighting.

Barka Castle dates back to the late 17th century. The first castle built on this site was smaller and called Yaarubi.

This first castle was built by Imam Saif ibn Sultan to defend against Persian and Portuguese invaders and witnessed many key moments in Oman's history. It was later completely rebuilt, and the current fortress dates from the late 17th century.

On the castle walls remain traces of one of the most important events in Oman's history: the final expulsion of the Persians from the country and the founding of the Al-Bu-Said dynasty, whose descendants continue to rule Oman to this day.

Ahmad bin Said, the popular governor of Sohar and Barka, had signed a treaty with the Persians occupying Muscat several years earlier. Ahmad decided to confirm his friendship by inviting the entire Persian garrison of Muscat to a banquet at Barka Fort. The banquet was in full swing when, it is said, suddenly the beating of drums was heard and a herald announced: “Anyone who has a grudge against the Persians may now take revenge!” According to one version of this story, all the Omanis present immediately attacked their unarmed guests and killed many of them, except for two hundred soldiers who pleaded for mercy. They were loaded onto a ship bound for Persia, although, according to legend, a mysterious fire broke out on the ship, and everyone on board, except Ahmad’s sailors, was burned alive or drowned. An alternative version of events states that Ahmad bin Said simply executed several Persians but allowed the rest to go free or sent them back to Persia. Thus, Ahmad’s position was strengthened, and he founded the Al-Bu-Said dynasty in 1749. He also expanded and fortified the castle, which was named after the Al-Bu-Said family.

Sources:

https://www.roughguides.com/oman/al-batinah-al-dhahirah/barka/

https://theculturetrip.com/middle-east/oman/articles/the-most-historic-forts-and-castles-in-oman

https://timesofoman.com/article/43386