Bahla Fort

Bahla Fort lies in the town of the same name in the Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate in Oman.

Exactly when the fort was founded is unknown. One source stated that it is likely that it was constructed before the arrival of Islam in Oman, so that would be before the 630s. Another source tells that it was first used by Ahmed bin Hilal, a wali (local governor) of the Abbasid Caliphate in the 10th century. Most of the present structures however date back to the Middle Ages. Then it was the seat of Bani Nabhan tribe, who ruled Oman between 1154 and 1624. The fort is said to have been destroyed in the early 17th century, shortly before the Yarubi tribe took control of Oman.

Bahla Fort was built on a rocky hill overlooking an oasis. The old town and the oasis used to be walled, some parts of the wall still remain. The fort was connected to these walls. It consists of a rectangular inner fortress in the southeast corner, called Al Qasabah, which is the oldest part of the fort. The outer fortress, roughly in the shape of a triangle, is made up out of several structures; the Bait Al Jabal (House of the Mountain), which dates back to the 18th century, the Bait Al Hadith (Modern House), which dates back to the 19th century, and the Bait Al Qaid (House of the Commander).

In 1987 the fort became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At that time it was ruinous and slowly crumbling away. A 20-year restoration campaign followed, after which the fort finally reopened in 2012.

Bahla Fort can be visited for a fee. A nice and very extensive site with lots of rooms and hallways to explore. Sadly enough, its interior is bare, so you will have to use your imagination. Be aware of bats in the darker and more quieter corners of the fort.

Gallery