#Muscat is a melting pot of nationalities and cultures from East to West. Muscat is the capital city and most populated city of #Oman. Known since the early 1st century AD as an important #trading#port between the west and the east, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as #Persians, #Portuguese, #Iberian, #Ottoman at various points in its history. In the 18th century, Muscat’s influence extended as far as Eastern #Africa and #Zanzibar.
An important port-town Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the #Persians and #Baloch. #Expatlife in Muscat offers a very laid-back and relaxed lifestyle. It has a warm, safe, and family-oriented vibe, which is probably one of the reasons why it attracts so many ex-pat families. After Sultan #Qaboos bin Said became Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that led to the creation of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.
The Western #AlHajar#Mountains are a feature overlooking Muscat which lies on the #ArabianSea along the Gulf of Oman and is near the strategic Straits of #Hormuz. Muscat’s urban landscape is dominated by low-lying white buildings, while the port-district of Muttrah forms the north-eastern periphery of the city. Muscat’s #economy is dominated by trade, #petroleum, liquified #naturalgas, and porting and is the only entry point into Oman. The origin of the word Muscat is disputed. Some claim that the word has Arabic origins – from mocha, meaning an inflated hide or skin. Others claim that the name Muscat means anchorage or the place of “letting fall the anchor”.
In 1793 AD the capital was transferred from Rustaq to Muscat. Founded 900 years ago and famous for its historical role, is an oasis of greenery, cleanliness, and order, characterized by a modern road network and advanced organized services. The area around Muscat dates back to the 6th millennium BCE in Ras al-Hamra, where burial sites of fishermen have been found. South of Muscat, remnants of #Harappan pottery indicate some level of contact with #IndusValley.Muscat’s importance as a trading port continued to grow in the centuries that followed, under the influence of the Azd dynasty, a local tribe.
The #Abbasids of #Baghdad conquered Oman from the 9th till the 11th century. Muscat prospered as #maritime trade and close alliances with #Indian#subcontinent. The #Portuguese occupied Muscat in 1507 to establish trade relations. The city was occupied # by Ottoman #Turks in 1546 till 1552 and again in 1581–88. Among the most important castles and forts in Muscat, the Al Jalali Fort and the Al-Mirani Fort are the most prominent buildings left by the Portuguese.
Civil war and repeated incursions by the Persian king Nader Shah in the 18th century led to the emergence of the Al Bu Sa‘id dynasty, which has ruled Oman ever since. Muscat’s naval and military supremacy was re-established in the 19th century. During the second half of the 19th century, friction with the Imams of the interior resurfaced and Muscat and Muttrah were attacked in 1895 and in 1915. However, conflicts continued into the 1950s, and eventually escalated into #Dhofar Rebellion of 1962. In 1970, #QaboosbinSaid, staged a bloodless coup to become ruler. He renamed the country as Sultanate of Oman.
Muscat is located in northeast Oman. Known for its hot and humid climate, its #economy is dominated by trade, as such ethnic makeup of Muscat has historically been influenced by people not native to the #Arabian Peninsula and are mostly from Indian subcontinent mostly from #Gujarat, in fact, four #Hindu #temples existed in Muscat in 1760. Like the rest of Oman, #Arabic is the predominant language of the city alongside #English, #Balochi, #Swahili, and all Indian #language, as most Indians are employed in business and industries in and around Muscat.
The city has numerous #mosques including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Ruwi Mosque, Saeed bin Taimoor, and Zawawi Mosque. Most of the #museums of Oman are in Muscat. Well connected by land, air, and sea with all cities of the world Muscat is the gateway to visit other parts of Oman. The cultural capital of Oman Muscat is the center for sports, music, arts, and theatre. There are numerous hotels, resorts, in Muscat that provide luxurious, mid-range and budget accommodation.
The restaurants serve a variety of #cuisine including #Arabic, #Indian, #Chinese, and international at reasonable prices. #Seafood and meat are important to cuisine as Muscat is a coastal city. The seaport of Muscat handles one of the largest container shipment as well as oil and gas tankers coming and out of the Persian Gulf. Muscat is a great shopping destination with numerous #shoppingmall that sell a variety of branded and local products and #Jewellery.
The markets of old Muscat especially around Old Muttrah souk that is peaceful and irreverently authentic a variety of #handicraft and #metalwork projects. Muscat offers a variety of opportunities to #adventureseekers such as #citywalking #tour, #hiking, #RockClimbing, #Safari, #Trekking, #CamelRacing, #HorseRiding as well as #ScubaDiving, #Parasailing, #Snorkelling, #kayaking, #Turtle and #Dolphin Watching and much more. Its enchanting presence makes Muscat a must-visit on an extended weekend visit.
