Why Oman’s oldest UNESCO fort is a masterclass in the struggle for authentic preservation

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Bahla Fort, a massive mud-brick fortress at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar highlands, is a testament to Omani history. Yet, its journey from a medieval stronghold to a UNESCO World Heritage site is fraught with controversy, failed renovations, and the ongoing battle to save its crumbling, ancient walls from modern interference.

Constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries by the Banu Nebhan tribe, who dominated the regional frankincense trade, Bahla Fort is a sprawling complex defined by its mud and straw architecture. The site comprises three distinct sections: the ancient Al-Qasabah, the 17th-century Bait al-Hadith built by the Ya’riba dynasty, and the 18th-century Bait Al-Jabal. Beyond the fort itself, the site includes a citadel oasis and a 13-kilometre defensive wall, though much of this surrounding infrastructure now sits in ruins or faces encroachment from modern construction.

The fort’s preservation history is a cautionary tale. It was listed as a World Heritage site in 1987, but quickly faced threats that landed it on the list of World Heritage in Danger until 2004. A 1995 attempt to save the structure was widely criticized as a superficial renovation rather than a restoration. Instead of respecting the original mud-brick, mortar, and plaster construction, workers covered the walls in stone and cement, effectively hiding the historical fabric. This work proceeded without the necessary archaeological or technical surveys, prioritizing a 'new' appearance over structural integrity.

Today, the site remains at risk. Issues such as failing irrigation systems and the use of modern materials in the nearby souk threaten the site's authenticity. While the fort reopened in 2012 following massive restoration efforts, it remains a challenging space for visitors, as it lacks formal exhibits or guides. In 2013, the ArCHIAM Centre, led by Professor Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, stepped in to develop a formal heritage management plan, attempting to reconcile the fort's medieval origins with the realities of modern conservation and the preservation of its surrounding oasis.

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