Sharqiyah, Oman - Travel Guide

by Rubi Ahsan Associate S.E.O Consultant

Activities and leisure in SharqiyaI

South of Muscat lies Sharqiya ("the East"), a generous strip of sea, sand and mountains covering the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Sharqiya is the country's most diverse region in terms of landscape, offering a fascinating snapshot of Oman in miniature, from the sand-lined coast, through the rugged mountains of the eastern Hajar, to the rolling dunes of the Wahiba Sands. Culturally, the region also distinct appeal.. It is the most traditional part of the country, with a long and proud history of tribal independence and occasional revolts against the Sultan's authority in Muscat. Inland Sharqiya is also one of the few places in Oman where you can still see evidence of the country's traditional Bedu way of life, with temporary encampments scattered across the rolling sand - although the camels of yesteryear have now been largely replaced by Toyota pickers. Trucks and 4x4s.

Sharqiya is divided into three main parts. The first is the coast, with a range of attractions including the historic town of Quriyat, Qalhat and Sur, and Turtle Beach at Ras al Jinz. The rugged heights of the Eastern Hajar Mountains (Al Hajar Ash Sharqi) run parallel to the coast and offer many spectacular hiking and off-roading opportunities, including the famous ravines of Wadi Shab and Wadi Tiwi. Across the eastern Hajar, inland Sharqiya offers another series of rewarding destinations, including the beautiful dunes of the Wahiba Sands and a range of interesting towns, including the personal market center of Ibra and the traditional faithful Jalan Bani Bu. Ali.

It is possible to make a satisfying loop through Sharqiya by taking the coastal road to Sur and Ras al Jinz, then returning along the inland road via the Ibra described (or vice versa), enjoying virtually all the main attractions along the way. Curiosities of the region.

Brief history of Sharqiya

Sharqiya's rather sleepy, contemporary atmosphere is now somewhat lost, belying its illustrious past, when shipbuilders, merchants and sailors made the area one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan in the country. Sharqiya's prosperity was based on the sea, with a series of bustling ports and warehouses, notably Qalhat, whose fame visited both Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo, as well as Quriyat along the coast. The pivotal moment in Sharqiya's history was the arrival in 1508 of the Portuguese, who plundered both Qalhat and Quriyat - an event from which neither city ever fully recovered. However, the demise of Qalhat spurred the growth of the nearby town of Sur, which became the most important town in the region and grew wealthy from dhow construction sites and the lucrative trade in arms and weapons. Slaves, while Ibra also grew rich inland for a time through passing trade. However, increased British restrictions on the slave trade and arms smuggling in the 19th century led to a gradual darkening of the region's plight, and by the start of the 20th century Sharqiya became an important hotbed of rebellion against the sultan in Muscat, mainly ruled by rulers. of the powerful Al Harthy tribe, based in Ibra.

As with many other major ports in the country, Sur's fortunes have been revived since the accession of Sultan Qaboos with the construction of a massive new industrial complex, while the opening of the new dual carriageway coastal road in 2008 boosted the country's economy. Area - albeit at the cost of some of the old, sleepy, idle charm of the area.

Masirah Island

Oman's largest island, remote from MASIRAH, remains largely undiscovered by tourists. Development here is muted, infrastructure is basic and the whole place still sees far more turtles than tourists, offering plenty of pristine coastlines and beaches to explore for adventurous, well-equipped travelers with time (and a 4x4) available. The main attraction of a visit here is the chance to spot turtles, while the island's somewhat doomsday vibe may also appeal to beachgoers and bird watchers. If you have camping gear and a 4x4, the island's pristine beaches offer countless options for sleeping under the stars.

Not that Masirah is totally insensitive. The northern tip of the island has already been swallowed up by industrial and military installations, while ambitious plans are underway to build a 40km bridge linking Masirah to the mainland town of Mahut (expected to open in 2014 at a cost of US$1.5 billion). ) Are likely to dramatically accelerate the pace of change, assuming it ever gets built. For now, however, Masirah remains a pleasantly sleepy place, bordering on a coma.

The ferry from the mainland takes you to the small town of HILF, the only major settlement on the island and home to three petrol stations, a few ATMs and a pharmacy, plus a modest selection of shops in the small center -town. Elsewhere on the island there are no facilities.

The Baron Innerdale

Tucked away in the military zone on the north side of the island (and therefore off-limits, although photos can be found online), is a moving memorial to the unfortunate crew and passengers of Baron Innerdale (or "Inverdale", as often misnamed, also on the monument itself). The Innerdale was traveling from Karachi to Liverpool in 1904 when it ran aground between the Khuriya Muria Islands. After three days, the crew and passengers left the ship in two lifeboats. One has disappeared; the other (with 17 people on board) reached Masirah.

What happened next remains unclear. Probably a misunderstanding led to a fight, during which the stranded passengers were slaughtered - although the bizarre rumors that they were then eaten by the islanders have no basis. Sultan Faisal responded by visiting the island, exiling the local ruling sheikh, and having nine of the murderers executed. He also destroyed the village of Hilf and banned the islanders from building permanent homes for 100 years - a ban that was not lifted until 1970.

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