Ibri Castle

Ibri Castle lies in the town of the same name in the Al Dhahirah Governorate in Oman.

The town of Ibri was always an important market town, situated near the start of the Wadi Hawasinah. This wadi, which runs from Ibri north to the coast at Al Khabourah, was always a significant route from the coastal plain, through the Hajar Mountains, into the Al Dhahirah region.

Ibri Castle is said to have been founded in the 16th century by the Nabhan tribe. A sheikh from the Yagoubi tribe is said to have finished it later that same century. Other sources state that it dates back to the 17th century, which I find more likely. I could not find any other historical information about it. If you know more, please mail me.

The castle was used as the residence of the local wali (governor). It houses a mosque, which is one of the oldest mosques in Oman still in use. There are also 2 wells and a horse stable. Its many gates are apparently a feature which sets it apart from other castles in Oman. It was restored in the 1990s.

Ibri Castle can be visited but was closed for unknown reasons when I came by, alas. A nice castle in a quiet town.

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