Witchcraft and Magic

Nizwa and the neighboring town of Bahla have a reputation of being homes to individuals who practice witchcraft and 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.

Tanuf

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. Tanuf with its dam, waterfalls, wadi and falaj is a very popular picnic destination during rain time.

Falaj Daris

Falaj Daris (a World Heritage Site) is the largest falaj in Oman and is the life maintain 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 wadis (Kalbouh and Al Abiadh). Also in practice are red sugar processing and hide tanning.

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 pleasant 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.

Nizwa Souq

The city, famous for its handicrafts and agricultural products, has an expansive souq shows these products. It is one of the most important souq in the country after Muttrah souq. The souq bustles with vendors selling everything from meat, fish, fruits and vegetables to spices, dates, gold and silverware. Nizwa is famous 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 dessert made from sugar and spices and flavoured with sesame seeds or almonds.

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 choose, 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.

Welcome to Nizwa ..

Nizwa is one of the largest cities in Oman and the capital of the interior region. It has a wealth of cultural and ancient landmarks, most prominent is Nizwa fort built over a period of 12 years and located in the city center. The fort is surrounded by ancient traditional souqs (markets) where the locals trade in traditional as well as imported merchandise, from vegetables to jewelry. Nizwa is an oasis in the enclosed by a series of mountains upon which the famous green mountain (al Jabal al Akhdar) lies. The city is also at cross roads that lead to southern Oman as well as the Dhahirah and Sharqiah regions.

Sultan Qaboos Mosqe

Nizwa's splendid mosque accentuates the town's rich Omani and Islamic architectural heritage
The presiding Imams and walis governed Nizwa from this citadel. In keeping with tradition, the Wali of Nizwa meets with residents of the wilayat on these imposing premises once every month. Meetings are held in the august Prayer Room on the first Monday of each month.Given its pivotal place in Nizwa's history, this majestic edifice was among the first to be renovated by the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture as part of its far-reaching drive to preserve the Sultanate's rich heritage.Another splendid landmark nearby is the Nizwa souq, a bustling marketplace that was given a complete makeover by the local municipality, to complement the historic splendour of the fort. You can browse here for some of Nizwa's famous silver jewellery or watch expert craftsmen in action as they fashion exquisite silverware or a range of other artefacts. Besides, there are weekly goat auctions here conducted beneath a canopy of date palm trees, much in parallel with traditional auctions that take place elsewhere in Oman, especially on the eve of Eid festivities.