It is estimated that there are over 1500 defensive structures throughout Oman, including ancient forts, castles, and watchtowers. They are a unique, defining feature of Oman's landscape--something quintessentially Omani. Sur has over 90 structures. Izki has 142. Samail has 115. Barka has 38. Suwaiq has 27. Nearly every town in the Sultanate has some sort of fortification, be it in crumbling ruins or recently restored.

The Bahla fortress predates Islam, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some forts date back to the early Islamic period under the rule of the Persians; others were built by the Portuguese in the 1600s. Most structures, however, were constructed after that by local tribes to defend their settlements and water supplies from other tribes. Mirabat Fort in Dhofar holds the distinction of being the last fort in modern warfare to be 'besieged'--during an insurrection by pro-communist Yemenis in the 1970s.

These fortified structures were built out of stone and covered with saruj, a traditional type of cement or stucco. Besides providing military defense, many forts served as the home of the local Sheikh (tribal chief) or Wali (magistrate), and thus were also seats of government and societal life. 

Psalm 18:2 says, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Today, let us pray for the people of Oman to trust in the Living God, and to run to Him as their Fortress and Stronghold. We declare that Jesus is their Deliverer, their Rock, their Shield, and their Salvation!

Worship with us!: Mighty Fortress by Matt Mahar. May Omanis run to You as their Mighty Fortress! 

Matthew 18:14 Focus—‘Your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost.’ 

Please bring these towns and villages before the Father:

Al-Ghatal, Liwa district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 140

At-Tuwa, Liwa district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 138

Al-Himaydah, Liwa district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 128

Shiyah, Liwa district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 119

Al-Qitaytirah, Liwa district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 88