Muscat Landmarks, Oman

Since I've always been curious about Middle East, I'm very happy to publish this next guest post where, thanks to Sennen Pinto from Live and Let love Live (Torch Bearers), we'll be able to know a bit more about Oman's capital Muscat and also admire a few photos of it's landmarks :)

Far east in the gulf region at the entrance of the Persian Gulf bounded on one side by the Arabian Sea is a nation Oman, beautiful and unsoiled. Having a plethora of light colored buildings against a back drop of mountains and wadis alongside the emerald beaches ensures amazing scenic views for any visitor to enjoy. It is a country of historical interest well known for the Frankincense ( the costliest perfume in the world Amouage is manufactured in Oman with some lovely Silver Frankincense, Rock Rose, Lemon, and Myrrh from Oman ) that traces back to the time of Queen of Sheba. It is also said to be a home to the tomb of Job.

On every visit to Oman, I’ve had fond memories of the friendly locals, the distinct Arabian culture, the historical forts like Nakel the caves of Kantab Beach, the picturesque harbor at Corniche, the Muscat festivals and the Souqs at Mathra .This country is noted for being on the quieter side of the gulf countries with lesser traffic and locals having a more relaxed life compared to the hustle of its neighboring gulf countries. However, it is one of the most scenic areas in the gulf region with more vegetation, beautiful parks and striking fountains in the capital city.

Last month, traveling around Muscat I had an opportunity to take a few pictures of the landscapes and the Grand Mosque on my way back from Ruwi.(located in Muscat,the capital city).

Having arrived there without a travel guide, I was not sure of the entry to the mosque from the gardens. As I walked around towards the hallways I spotted a few workers working on some renovations of the hallway passages. They gave me instructions on how to get to the main hall from the hallways. I was enthralled by the massive size of one of the worlds largest mosque built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone that can comfortably hold 20,000 people.

As I walked along the hallways I noticed some European visitors enter the shining white marble courtyard through a series of symmetrical white stone archways. In a short while we were capturing pictures; the images providing a photographers dream to many among us.

As we entered the main hall only men and women who had covered their arms and legs were allowed inside by the guards and we were asked to remove our foot wear. A striking gold painted mihrab forms the focus of the prayer hall. Among the impressive features of the prayer hall are the floor and ceiling.

The prayer carpet which took four years and six hundred weavers to produce covers 4,200 square meters and weighs 21 tonnes. Employing 28 different colors in varying shades and intricate designs, the mat contains 1,700 million knots.

Fourteen meters high by eight meters in diameter, the chandelier weighs eight tonnes and has 1,122 lamps and 600,000 crystals. The metal sections of the chandelier are plated in 24 carat gold. It is the second largest chandelier in the world and was the largest until 2007.

I later returned home spellbound after witnessing this beautiful structure of worship for Muslims, built as a gift to the country men of Oman by their ruler and named after him on his 30th year of reign. Sultan Qaboos Grand mosque structure is indeed a grand mosque to its residents who have been a part of its affluent transition to a modern, developing and progressive Middle Eastern nation with tourist attraction, education and health care.

Again a super thanks to Sennen from Live and Let love Live (Torch Bearers). PS: Can't wait to post your San Francisco adventure ;)