Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has completed restoration of the historic Sur al Hilal (Al Hilal Wall) in Suwaiq, North Batinah as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve Oman’s cultural and architectural heritage. The project included restoration of defensive towers and walls, as well as internal passageways. It was carried out following […]
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has completed restoration of the historic Sur al Hilal (Al Hilal Wall) in Suwaiq, North Batinah as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve Oman’s cultural and architectural heritage.
The project included restoration of defensive towers and walls, as well as internal passageways. It was carried out following a detailed study of the structure’s condition to identify deterioration caused by natural elements.
Khalifa al Wahibi, Head of the Restoration and Maintenance Department at the Directorate General of Antiquities, said that the restoration team used traditional materials such as mortar, lime and sand to maintain the authenticity and architectural identity of the structure.
Dating back to 1845 during the reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidi, Al Hilal Wall is considered one of the most significant historical landmarks in Suwaiq. The wall features a trapezoidal layout covering an area of 10,287sqm, and includes a small fort with three defensive towers, internal rooms used for storage and living, and passageways for archers and defenders.
The total cost of the project amounted to RO186,822, which covered restoration of damaged towers, reinforcement of walls, repair of cracks, and application of traditional plastering using local materials.
Khalisa bint Khalifa al Salmiya, Director of the Restoration and Maintenance Department, said the ministry gives great importance to archaeological sites across the sultanate. “The Al Hilal Wall project is part of a wider programme to highlight the cultural and historical value of heritage sites and to support sustainable tourism development,” she said.
Once a centre for local trade and exchange, Al Hilal Wall continues to be a symbol of Suwaiq’s rich past and a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of traditional Omani masons.
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