Nizwa

Nizwa is a former capital city of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries CE, located at the nexus of trading routes from Salalah, Muscat and others. It's also one of the oldest cities in Oman. It is especially known for its souq, fort and castle.
The 1st picture is the gateway into the market or souq. Pictures 2&3 are in the halwa store. Halwa is a common sweet here. The 3rd picture is of the traditional means of making halwa: ingredients are stirred together over a wood fire. The next 3 pictures are more parts of the souq.
The 8th picture is the access from the souq to the fort and castle. I was there on Oman's National Day. Hence the flag colors on the wall of the fort.
The next 6 pictures are in Nizwa Fort. The 9th picture is the entry gate that leads to stairs in the next 2 pictures. At several points in the stairway are pitfalls where invaders are "encouraged" to fall in. Also, above and just past each pitfall is a murder hole where hot water or oil were poured on those trying to enter. The 12th picture is at the round top of the fort with its continuous fighting platform. The 13th picture is the view over the oasis.
The next 4 pictures are in the castle that was begun in the 8th century and expanded and altered a number of times since. This was a center of learning as much as a residence for the Iman. The 14th picture is the reception room; the 15th is a library; the 16th is in the Imam's residence; and the 17th is a washroom with the capacity to heat water.
The last picture is the nighttime view from the hotel after leaving Nizwa, appropriately named The View.Read more