Bahla

Bahla (Arabic: بهلا‎) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site[1] town, located 40 km away from Nizwa, and about 200 km from Oman's capital Muscat which lies in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of Oman. It is notable as the home of one of the oldest fortresses in the country, the 13th century Bahla Fort and the town's pottery.[2]

Bahla
Town
Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in restoration
Bahla
Location in Oman
Coordinates: 22°58′4.8″N 57°17′52.8″E
Country Oman
RegionAd Dakhiliyah Region
Population
 • Total85,000
Time zoneUTC+4 (+4)

The fortress and the town are enclosed by extensive remnants of a 12-km long fortified wall. Most buildings are constructed of traditional mud brick, many of them are hundreds of years old. The site is undergoing reconstruction sponsored by UNESCO .

A short distance beyond Bahla lies the Castle of Jabreen, a massive three-story structure built during Al Ya'ruba dynasty in the mid of 17th century. The castle is a fine example of Islamic architecture with beautiful wooden inscriptions, and paintings on its ceilings.[3][4]

Pottery in Bahla

Bahla pottery is famous throughout Oman although traditional methods of making it appear to be dying.[5] The clay used comes from the wadi (river bed). Men trample on this to make the clay pliable so it can be worked on. After the object is finished, it is placed in a kiln to be fired.[6]

Climate
Climate data for Bahla
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 22.2
(72.0)		 22.9
(73.2)		 26.2
(79.2)		 31.2
(88.2)		 35.3
(95.5)		 36.8
(98.2)		 35.2
(95.4)		 33.7
(92.7)		 32.8
(91.0)		 30.7
(87.3)		 26.6
(79.9)		 22.3
(72.1)		 29.7
(85.4)
Average low °C (°F) 12.5
(54.5)		 13.7
(56.7)		 16.7
(62.1)		 20.4
(68.7)		 24.2
(75.6)		 26.0
(78.8)		 25.8
(78.4)		 24.7
(76.5)		 23.1
(73.6)		 20.0
(68.0)		 15.9
(60.6)		 13.8
(56.8)		 19.7
(67.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 6
(0.2)		 31
(1.2)		 21
(0.8)		 13
(0.5)		 5
(0.2)		 3
(0.1)		 5
(0.2)		 8
(0.3)		 3
(0.1)		 0
(0)		 4
(0.2)		 6
(0.2)		 105
(4.1)
Source: Climate-data.org

See also

References
  1. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/433
  2. Thorpe, Annabelle (2009-08-29). "Take the high roads to find Oman's hidden treasures". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2016-11-30.
  3. http://www.omantripper.com/jabreen-castle/
  4. http://www.omantourism.gov.om/wps/portal/mot/tourism/oman/home/experiences/culture/castle/!ut/p/a1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOLN_Nx8AlxdDA38LQwNDDyDLXzNgoOdjQ0CTfSDU_P0C7IdFQElpcDA/
  5. "Oman's dwindling heritage of pottery". Retrieved 30 November 2016.
  6. Pottery in Bahla by Mohammed AL-houmaimi Retrieved 28/11/2016

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