|
Of
the Imam Ahmed bin Said, founder of Oman’s present day ruling
family’ took Sohar as the first city of Oman, from which he ruled
as Wali before becoming Imam, Rostaq was at this time another of
Oman’s important cities.
It
was Hamad Said, however, grandson of the Imam Ahmed bin Said Al
bousaidi and ruler of Oman between 1779 and 1792, who moved the
capital from Rostaq to Muscat. Since that time Muscat has not been
contested as capital and foremost city of Oman. |
Here
is Muscat in 1970 – no more than half a mile along its coastal length, set
between the twin forts of Al Mirani and Jalali. It is as a city bewitched,
inert within the enclosure of its massive wall, the gates of which close on
all inside at sundown immediately the cannon sounds its wretched report; for
this announces the closure of the gates and warns all who approach them of
death by gunfire it they do not come bearing aloft a lamp to clearly show
their faces and establish their identity. |
