Lukashenko visits Sohar Fort after port

OMAN, 17 December (BelTA) – After visiting the Sohar Port and Freezone Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko went on a tour of the Sohar Fort, BelTA has learned.

The fort is one of the key attractions of the city of Sohar. It is located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. The first fortification at this site dates back to the 13th century.

In 1507 the fort was captured by the Portuguese. It was rebuilt more than once. It acquired its present form in 1621. In 1643 the Portuguese were finally expelled from Sohar, after which the fort became the residence of the local governor for a long time.

The fort now includes a museum, which was opened in 1993 and displays many archaeological and historical artifacts relating to Sohar and the history of Oman. A separate exhibition is dedicated to trade in copper and its role in the development of Oman.

Next to the fort is the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, which occupies an area of 17,000 square meters and can accommodate more than 2,000 worshippers at a time.