Oman
The wilayat of Bahla contains Bahla Fort, a recently restored building which has been listed by UNESCO on its list of World Heritage and Culture Sites. The wilayat is surrounded by a 15km wall. Also in the area is the imposing Jibreen Fort, built by Imam Bal'arb bin Sultan bin Saif Al Ya'rubi. Bahla's most famous industry is pottery making.
Bahla pots are found in homes throughout the Sultanate and are a favourite souvenir with tourists. The pots are still made in the traditional manner. Intricate designs, some of which have been passed on through the generations and have local significance, are etched into the necks and bodies of these pots.
Adam is approximately 295km from Muscat and is the main entrance to the Dakhliyah from the south. Some say that the wilayat got its name from adim al ardth, which means 'surface of the earth', or 'fertile land located in the desert'. Archaeological exploration has revealed a number of significant sites, such as the mosques of Al Jam'aa al Mahlabiya bint al Mahlab bin Abi Sufra and Al Rugha.
Legend and folklore surround this wilayat and stories are told time and again of 'Bani Rahu' - or 'the mosque which built itself'. The founder of the Al Bu Said Royal Family, Al Imam Ahmad bin Said, was born in Adam. His house still stands to this day.
There are three springs in Adam, two at the foot of Jebel Salakh and the third located on the banks of Wadi Halfain.
Among many mammalian species, the dominant male, or alpha male, is the only one supposed to breed and have sexual intercourse.
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A'Dakhliyah / Bahla
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http://www.asiatour.com/oman/e-08adkh/eo-adk13.htm
Jan Garanoz
Juhu Tara Road, Juhu,
Mumbai - 400049 India
Last updated: March 11, 2010