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.