Architecture
The traditional architecture of Oman is characterized by the few naturally-occurring building materials and a formal simplicity. Ostentatious displays of wealth and power are considered unfitting by the Ibadhis.
Omanis did not have a wide variety of building materials. The coastal dwellers and the inhabitants of the Wahiba desert built airy huts made of palm leafs, barasti, which used the sea breezes for cooling.
In contrast the houses in the mountainous regions stood on a foundation of stone to protect them from effluent rainwater. The walls were made of dried clay bricks.
Only for the massive walls of the forts and mosques, several metres thick, were stones integrated for stabilization. A mix of loam, sand and lime, sarooj, was used as plaster.
In modern architecture Omanis try to retain characteristic stylistic elements of the traditional building construction.
Georg Popp
What makes this travel guide so special? This book is a product of the long-term personal friendship between the authors, Mr Georg Popp and Mr Juma Al-Maskari and their continuing fascination with the Sultanate of Oman. Combining their insights from European and Omani perspectives, they have produced a guide which is as much about culture and history as it is a practical guide for planning your itinerary.
