Maintenance Work Completed at Historic Barka Fort in Oman

Oman Heritage Ministry Completes Restoration and Maintenance of Barka Fort

Barka:  The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has completed maintenance works at Barka Fort in South Al Batinah Governorate as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve historical and archaeological landmarks, safeguard Omani architectural heritage and ensure the sustainability of heritage sites while preserving their historical value.

The project aimed to maintain the fort’s architectural condition and preserve its role as a historical landmark representing an important aspect of the history and cultural heritage of the Wilayat of Barka.

The maintenance works were carried out in accordance with approved methods for the rehabilitation and preservation of heritage buildings, while maintaining the fort’s architectural characteristics and authenticity.

The project included removing damaged sections of the internal and external layers and reconstructing them using approved traditional methods. It also covered the maintenance and reconstruction of the external walls of the guards’ offices using gravel and mortar, along with the use of mangrove wood in a manner consistent with the fort’s traditional character and the functions of its facilities.

The works also included maintenance of the guards’ offices, doors and windows, construction of the water tank base using gravel and mortar, and completion of wooden barriers for the staircase leading to the fort’s roof and the internal staircase of the tower in the traditional style.

The inner courtyard floors were also treated and rehabilitated following the installation of electrical connections, with consideration given to rainwater drainage. The project further included maintenance of external wooden canopies and installation of wooden seats according to approved specifications and quantities, in addition to laying flat gravel walkways in the canopy and seating areas.

The maintenance works also covered the closure of ventilation openings in the towers and mosque using glass panels, installation of carpeting in the prayer hall in keeping with the fort’s heritage character, treatment of wooden elements with protective materials and replacement of damaged sections.

The doors were also painted in the traditional style to maintain the overall visual character of the historical landmark.

Barka Fort is one of the prominent historical landmarks in South Al Batinah Governorate, distinguished by its historical, archaeological and architectural significance.

The preservation of heritage landmarks represents an important part of safeguarding Oman’s cultural identity and introducing the country’s history and the diversity of its cultural heritage to present and future generations.