Al Hazm Fort, 18th-century stone castle in Rustaq, Oman.
Al Hazm Fort is an 18th-century stone castle in Rustaq built in a rectangular shape with two circular towers at its southern and eastern corners. The walls stand at about 40 meters high and contain multiple rooms for residence, administration, and defense spread throughout the interior.
Construction began in 1708 under Imam Sultan bin Saif II, who chose this location as his residence and was eventually buried within its walls. This burial made the fort a significant place in the region's dynastic history and religious heritage.
The fort served as an administrative hub and housed multiple functional spaces like a prison, prayer room, and religious study areas that reflect how people organized community life here. Walking through these rooms, you can see how this place was central to local governance and daily activities of the region.
The fort is open on most weekdays and Fridays, though with different schedules on each day. Wear comfortable walking shoes since visiting involves climbing stairs and moving through multiple indoor rooms and passages.
The fort's ceiling was built without wooden materials, making it stand out among Omani fortifications in its construction method. At the entrance stands an intricately carved Indian wooden gate that reflects the craftsmanship and far-reaching trade connections of that era.
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