Izki Fort

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

Izki is an ancient town located at an oasis, situated on a low ridge on the bank of a wadi. Historically, it consisted of the twin walled towns of Harat Al-Nizar and Harat Al-Yemen. They were named after the 2 main families, who were often in conflict with each other. However, the towns were located only some 200 meters from each other. Of the 2 towns, only Harat Al-Nizar is still mostly inhabited. Harat Al-Yemen was destroyed and rebuilt in the 18th century, but was abandoned prior to 1980.

Izki Fort is situated in between the 2 old towns. I found conflicting statements about its origins. One source stated it was a Yaruba fortress. The Yarubid dynasty ruled from 1624 to 1742. The other source however stated that it was built during the reign of Said bin Sultan, who was Sultan of Oman between 1804 until 1856. Maybe both are correct, and the 19th century fort was built on the ruins of a 17th/18th century predecessor?

The information above was all I was able to find about it. If you know more, please mail me.

Izki Fort can freely be visited. A nice castle ruin. The abandoned and ruined town of Harat Al-Yemen is also worth a visit.

Gallery

The fort

The fortified village of Harat Al-Yemen