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Oman / Dhofar /
Marbat
The wilayat of Marbat is on the central strip of the Dhofari coast
and its name is believed to have come from marabat al khail (lit.
place where horses are tied up).
Marbat was
famed for breeding Arabian horses which were exported, along with
frankincense, to India and East Africa. It has a spectacular landscape,
from its coastline to the impressive peaks of Jebel Samhan, the
highest of which stands at 4754ft.
The Citadel
of Marbat was built in the traditional Omani style of defensive
architecture, which is atypical of many of the structures built
in the area.
Agriculture
is a seasonal activity here, mainly confined to the Tawi A'teer
region.
Beans, mangoes,
cucumbers and corn are the main crops. Marbat is rich in natural
springs, caves and grottos.
One of the
most popular crafts is making majmars, the Dhofari-style incense
burner, which are decorated in yellow, green, blue and red geometric
designs.
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