:: Al Hoqain ::

Few other places in Oman are endowed with such a bountiful concentration of mineral springs — some gentle, burbling streams, others a gushing torrent. Together with the splendid pools and waterfalls characteristic of this remote settlement, they have made a little oasis paradise of Al Hoqain amid the bleakness of the surrounding hilly countryside.
The larger of the two niyabats of Al Rostaq, the ancient town lies a short distance from Rostaq town. It's a half-hour's drive from Al Woshil, one of four routes leading to Al Hoqain (two other routes originate from Suwaiq, and another from Al Hazm). Twenty kilometres down this graded road, which cuts a swathe through the arid, undulating terrain, Al Hoqain looms into view.
It's a spectacular sight indeed, with the crumbling ruins of Al Hoqain fort dominating a landscape carpeted by sprawling date plantations. One of its central attractions is the perennially flowing Wadi Al Hoqain that courses through the main part of the village.
In many places, the wadi scythes through granite rock and, at one point, cascades down a height of 10 metres to form a natural 'waterfall' and collects in refreshingly cool pools that are a popular attraction with tourists and local townsfolk looking for a splashabout. Scores of cool springs emerge mysteriously from the granite sub-strata and join forces with the main stream along its course.
Along the upper ridges of the wadi flows the ancient Falaj al Siyadhi nourishing date plantations, fodder crops and other vegetation.Leaving the wadi, we venture deeper into the surprisingly verdant countryside where grass grows rich and luxurious. Residents believe that much of Al Hoqain sits on a shallow aquifer or myriad subterranean streams.
Water is so plentiful that the villagers here once used to grow wheat and three types of beans. It is no longer economically feasible to grow these crops, but some villagers still grow sugarcane and henna. There are thick groves of sidr growing here as well.In this verdant growth can be found the famous 'blue' pools of Al Khabah A'zarqa (actually green because of the underwater growth).
Tourists come here in 4-wheel drive vehicles for a spot of adventure driving through the wadi, followed by a campout beside a crystal stream.Al Hoqain's numerous mineral springs and aflaj all add to its rustic appeal.
The niyabat has perhaps the largest number of such independent water sources. Some say that the ancient town may have got its name because of the sheer number of springs emerging from the rocky sub-strata. Even in the peak of summer, some springs still yield refreshingly cool water.
The yield is especially bountiful after showers in the area.On a hillock close to Umm Falaj al Bashman are the remains of an ancient settlement that, according to local legend, was inhabited by a tribe renowned for their strength. One night, the story goes, the menfolk slept on the wadi bed as usual.
Bragging about their legendary strength, they shrugged off warnings that the wadi had flooded upstream. Apparently, they were washed away by the raging waters, leading to the eventual demise of the settlement, it is believed. Throughout Al Hoqain are nuggets of antiquity, the origin of which still baffle historians and archaeologists.
In Wadi al Ma'aidin are examples of rock art featuring horsemen with spears. It is believed that the paintings depict an ancient battle that took place in Al Hoqain. Evidence of a thriving mining industry in antiquity has also been found at A'Sraifina in Al Hoqain. Slag heaps near ancient copper mines point to such activity dating back to the period when the Persians had occupied Oman, it is said.
There are steps descending into these mines, around which are several small caves as well.At Harat al Ail near Tawi al Bedu lies one of the oldest archaeological sites and the most fascinating of Al Hoqain's historical heritage. There are pre-Islamic, oval-shaped grave sites here of uncharacteristic length — 4 metres.
They lie close to a sprawling, ancient cemetery where the headstones are simple pieces of stone neatly laid out in rows. Very little is known about these people who lived here and now remain in eternal repose in the shade of ancient summer trees. Elsewhere in Al Hoqain are equally intriguing conical structures cobbled together with loose stones, dating back to pre-Islamic times.
On the outside, they look like plain piles of rock, but on the inside, they have a beehive-like appearance.Archaeologists surmise the structures are actually cleverly camouflaged observation posts set up for the security of camel caravans that plied these trading routes in antiquity.

Rustaq Fort

Rustaq Fort is one of the most important historic buildings in Oman. It is considered the highest fort in Oman. It's told that it was built by the Persians.The fort was named for its location, for "Rustaq" is a persian name which means the area that is located on the border.The Rustaq Fort used to look like a triangle tower, but now after restoring it by Al-Yarubi family in the time between 1624-1649.By the time from 1744 to 1936 Imam Mohammed bin Abduallah Al-Khalellyadded more barriers and fortifications to the fort. It got fully restored in 1999.The fort contains 4 towers:- The red tower: It's about 16 m high.- The wind tower: It was built by Imam Saif bin Sultan & it's about 18 m high.-The devil tower: It was also built by Imam Saif bin Sultan & it's about 18.5 m high.The modern tower: It was built by Imam Ahmed bin Saeed & it's 11.5 m high.Rustaq fort contains 10 cannons.

Pictures of ice in Rustaq

AL-Rustaq

The wilayat of Rustaq is in the Western Hajar, at the south of the Batinah. Rustaq was once the capital of Oman, during the era of Imam Nasir bin Murshid al Ya'arubi. Rustaq fort, built four centuries prior to the dawn of Islam in Oman, is an imposing structure built on three levels, containing separate houses, an armoury, a mosque and four towers. The tallest tower stands over 18.5m high and has a diameter of 6m. Hazm Fort is an outstanding example of Omani Islamic architecture and was built in 1711AD. The fort's roof is built on columns, and contains no wooden supports. Its walls can withstand great impact, being no less than 3m thick. Rustaq is an area of healing, warm springs, the most notable being Ain al Kasafa.
Its water runs at 45degC and is regarded as a cure for rheumatism and skin diseases due to its sulphur content. There are three popular wadis to visit: Wadi Bani Ghafar; Wadi al Sahtan and Wadi Bani Auf. In addition, the mountains are pitted with caves such as Al Sanaqha Cave with its own subterranean springs. One of the main occupations in Rustaq is beekeeping. Pure Omani honey is a most sought-after commodity and is of the highest quality. Fruits such as pomegranates, apricots, plums and grapes are grown on the foothills of Jebel al Akhdar and brought to Rustaq for sale.
Industries Industries have prospered over years because of the elementary needs of people Al Rustaq and and some other states and regions in Sultanate of Oman could create some kind of self-sufficiency for their some society. There were Industry of fabric, food industries that depend on agriculture and other industries like industry of Daggers, swords, guns, blacksmithing, carpentry and others. There are many evidence and people assure that there were fabric industry in Al Hawajri region in the north of Al Rustaq suq.
Omay Halwa is also produced in Rustaq with high quality.People came from many places in the time of Eid and other occasions to buy Halwa. Rustaqi Khanjar production is also done in Rustaq from a very long time. Old men spend hours and hours in making these awesome Omani codes. From olden days, Rustaq people were known for their care of palm trees and its dates. They have made use of its brunches and leaves for the purpose of building shelter and basket making. Leather tanning is also one of the industries in Rustaq. People use leather to save water and food, and for making shoes.
Traditional crafts Beekeeping: Rustaq people like beekeebing and many of them own more than 1000 cell.
Tabseel: it means boiling dates of a specific type "Mabseli" in a particular session.
Sheep grazing: many people graze animals especially those who live in Wadies and far away from the down town.
Renewal of guns: Some artisans work in renewal and amendments to the traditional rifles. They upgrade them and add more modifications to improve their functionality.
Traditional arts Mashia: it is an introduction to Razhaa. Razhaa: art for the men, which started competing in raising the swords. Razfa: known localy as Hebiah Azi: comes in the form of song. Al Tareq: This is usually art at the Bedouin living in the north of the state. Alhmpel: This is usually when the Bedouin art and residents east of the state said when moving from one place to another via camels.
Agricultural products The state is famous for the cultivation of different types of palm including: Khalas, Zabad and Hilali and Almabsli Obo Soih and Almeznaj and Subaa Al Aroos and Jabri ... Known also as the cultivation of citrus and quince, lemon, Albalnj Alchkak and Nadan, as well as Almstafl and olives (guava), mango (Alamba), bananas and papaya and clover, in addition to seasonal crops such as maize, barley, Algeljlan, onions and garlic.