Harat Al-Bilad

Before 1970, Harat Al-Bilad was the largest settlement in the Wiliyat of Manah, Al-Dakhiliya Region, Sultanate of Oman. Its origins are unknown at present, though it is certainly pre-Islamic. It was finally abandoned c. 1975, when the last of its remaining inhabitants moved to nearby houses of modern construction. Since then, the settlement has fallen into an advanced state of ruination, with every shower of rain bringing walls tumbling down. Work on preserving the remains of the settlement began in 2007 and, at present, three of Harat Al-Bilad's historic mosques have been restored using traditional materials and methods.

My book 'Harat Al-Bilad' contains many of the images contained in this gallery. Check it out at http://www.blurb.com/my/book/detail/1149988