Samad Al Shan’s verdant, rustic and historical appeal

SAMAD al Shan is in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi in Al Sharqiyah Governorate where Late Iron Age remains were first identified in the Sultanate of Oman. Some 260 graves which span the Bronze Age to Late Iron Age were found here. The remains of different pre-Islamic periods exist at Samad. The Samad Late Iron Age. It is a desert niyaba which is characterised by its high and rugged mountains with breathtaking beauty. It has a number of small villages. The most famous of them are Al Rawdhah, Al Akhdar, Al Shareah, Al Khbayb, Al Ma’amorah, Al Maysar, Lazq and Al Swiridj. It has great history and ancient heritage landmarks. Castle of Al Rawdhah is the most important landmark in Samad al Shan. From the roof of the castle Al Rawdhah village looks more beautiful and attractive. In addition to Alkhbayb Castle, Al Hezam Fort and many towers are very famous landmarks in Samad al Shan. The archaeological discoveries in Samad Al Shan dates back to thousands of years as the remains of ancient settlements found here indicates. Samad al Shan boasts a long history over the time as archaeological surveys revealed. The people of this area had started copper mining thousands of years ago and the evidences are found in the villages of al Maysar, Lazq and Andam. There are also old cemeteries that confirm that Samad al Shan was inhabited by people since ancient times. Old residential settlements found in the Samad al Shan confirm the long history of the place. Samad al Shan was the centre of learning in the region and many scholars and Imams of Bani Khros lived here. Imam Azzan bin Tamim was killed in Samad al Shan and his grave still exists here. In ancient times it was known for its learning centres. People from different parts of the region and country came here to learn from the learned men of Samad al Shan. Agriculture is the main occupation practiced by the people in niyabat Samad al Shan. The most famous crops that grow in Samad al Shan are date palm, lemon, cloves, vegetables like pepper, cucumber, eggplant and tomatoes and fruits such as grapes, bananas, and pomegranate. Some farmers rely on these crops as an annual income. Besides agriculture people also practice animal husbandry like livestock rearing and breeding camels. Omani Halwa making is another field where many are employed, spinning and weaving as well as farm tools making is also practiced by many people here. Al Borashid Mosque is one of the most ancient mosques in Samad al Shan. It has a heritage value because it has a niche decorated with inscriptions from the holy Quran. The text decorated in it confirms that the niche was decorated in 168 AH. There is also Al Jamia Mosque in Samad al Shan besides many other ancient mosques. Samad al Shan like all wilayats of the Sultanate of Oman has its own traditional arts which is practiced on different occasions during the year. The most important traditional arts are Alerzha, Alaze, Hampal al Bush, the art of Al Moharb which is practiced when horse riding.