Oman Sohar History: A Look at the Ancient City



Oman Sohar, located in the Al Batinah region of Oman, is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. It is believed to have been founded in the 3rd century BC by the Persian Empire, although some sources suggest that it dates back even further. The city has a rich history, having been an important trading port for centuries. It was also a center of Islamic learning and culture, and was once the capital of the Omani Sultanate.

The city of Sohar was an important trading port in the region, and was a major hub for the spice trade. It was also a strategic location for the Persian Empire, as it was situated close to the Strait of Hormuz, the gateway to the Persian Gulf. In the 5th century, Sohar was conquered by the Umayyad Caliphate, and its importance as a trading port increased. During the Umayyad period, the city was a major center of Islamic learning and culture, and a number of important mosques and madrasas were built.

In the 9th century, Sohar was conquered by the Abbasid Caliphate, and it remained under their control until the 13th century when it was taken by the Portuguese. The Portuguese used Sohar as a base for their operations in the region, and it was during this time that the city was fortified with a number of walls and towers. The Portuguese also built a number of churches and other buildings in the city.

In the 16th century, Sohar was conquered by the Ottomans, who made it an important trading port. It was during this period that the city experienced a period of great prosperity, and it became a major center of Islamic learning and culture. The city was also a major port for the export of frankincense and myrrh, and it was during this period that the city was fortified with a number of walls and towers.

In the 19th century, Sohar was taken by the British, who made it a major port for the export of dates and other produce. The city was also a center of Islamic learning and culture, and a number of important mosques and madrasas were built.

Today, Sohar is an important commercial center in Oman, and is home to a number of industries, including shipbuilding, manufacturing, and fishing. The city is also home to the Sohar University, which is one of the oldest universities in the Middle East. The city is also home to a number of historic buildings, including a fort, a number of mosques, and a number of madrasas.