Thursday, 15 March 2012

Barka - Al Batinah

English Teacher in Oman

Rural Oman

2011-2012


Background


We often took trips to Barka itself, or via Barka to Muscat from where we lived in Rustaq, and later Al Musannah. Barka had a Lulu's and KFC, and was closer than Muscat, so we often went to do some shopping or just get something to eat. 

Near Barka, there was also the Al Fulaij castle theatre who hosted traditional dance shows. We went twice with colleagues from Rustaq College to have an evening out. We usually combined it with dinner at a restaurant in Barka.....dinner and a show. Some of the traditional dance shows we watched, included Turkish and Iraqi dance troops visiting and performing in Oman.

Fort ruins - Barka

About Oman


Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is an Arab country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Holding a strategically important position at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the country shares land borders with the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest, and shares marine borders with Iran and Pakistan. 

From the late 17th century, the Omani Sultanate was a powerful empire, vying with Portugal and Britain for influence in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. At its peak in the 19th century, Omani influence or control extended across the Strait of Hormuz to modern-day Iran and Pakistan, and as far south as Zanzibar (today part of Tanzania, also former capital). 

As its power declined in the 20th century, the sultanate came under the influence of the United Kingdom. Historically, Muscat was the principal trading port of the Persian Gulf region. Muscat was also among the most important trading ports of the Indian Ocean. Oman is an absolute monarchy. 

The Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said has been the hereditary leader of the country since 1970. Sultan Qaboos is the longest-serving current ruler in the Middle East, and sixth-longest current reigning monarch in the world.

Oman has modest oil reserves, ranking 25th globally. Nevertheless, in 2010 the UNDP ranked Oman as the most improved nation in the world in terms of development during the preceding 40 years. 

A significant portion of its economy is tourism and trade of fish, dates, and certain agricultural produce. This sets it apart from its neighbors’ solely oil-dependent economies. Oman is categorized as a high-income economy (Wikipedia).

Camels - The road between Rustaq and Barka

Rustaq to Barka road scenery


The road between Rustaq and Barka

The road between Rustaq and Barka

The road between Rustaq and Barka

The road between Rustaq and Barka

The road between Rustaq and Barka

Stopping for a snack

Mini-supermarket

A minibus taxi ahead of us - The road between Rustaq and Barka

Camel - The road between Rustaq and Barka

Camel - The road between Rustaq and Barka

Camel - The road between Rustaq and Barka

Camel - The road between Rustaq and Barka

Camels - The road between Rustaq and Barka

Camels - The road between Rustaq and Barka

Barka

About Barka


Barka (Arabic: بركاء‎) is a coastal city in the region Al Bāţinah, in northern Oman.

Nearby is Bait Na'aman (Nu'man), a four-towered fort of the 17th-century iman Bil'arab bin Sultan, renovated in 1991. The town is also known for "bull butting," a pushing contest between specially raised great Brahmin bulls, and for its halwa confectionery.

Barka Fort is a known tourist sport. It holds up its tradition and culture in all fields of life. Barka Souq, near to the beach is an economically important area.

There are two major resorts in Barka, the Al-Sawadi resort and the Al-Nahda resort. In addition, a new quarter is now under construction in Barka, called "Blue City" (المدينة الزقاء), located in Sawadi. 

The development is 8 km from Sawadi beach, and many international companies are involved in Barka development projects. There is an estimated $15 billion in new construction currently taking place in Barka.

Driving towards Barka

Ansu in the KFC

Shopping at Lulu's in Barka

A Barka coffee shop

Barka streets

Mobile phone shop in Barka

Pooh-pooh truck


Dinner in Barka


The Grill House where we enjoyed dinner in Barka

Butter Tikka Chicken Masala dish

Prawn dish

With Nashma and Rita at a restaurant in Barka

Dinner in Barka

Dance performances at Al Fulaij Castle Theatre

  • Constructed at the end of the 18th century by Sir Sultan bin Ahmed bin Said Al Busaidi
  • The ground floor contains stores and servers rooms
  • The upper floor is reserved for the Owner & his family
  • The fort is inside a walled courtyard
  • The Felaj penetrates the courtyard and fort from east to west
  • A theater was built in the courtyard's eastern corner
  • Officially opened on 28 September 1999

Al Fulaij castle amphitheater 
 
Iraqi performer
 
Iraqi performers

Iraqi performers

Iraqi dance performers

Iraqi performer

Turkish dance

Turkish dance performance

Turkish dance performance

Authentic dinner with an Omani family


Mr. Ali, my bank manager in Rustaq, once invited a couple of teachers to his Barka residence for an authentic Omani meal with his family.


Mr. Ali poring tea for us

Mr. Ali poring tea for us

Nashma with one of Mr. Ali's kids

Cake and tea before dinner

Mr. Ali's children

Mr. Ali

Mr. Ali with his youngest child

Omani dish

Nashma dishing up


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