Адам: Оазис и исторический перекресток Омана

Adam (أدم, not the same as Adam the prophet آدم) is a town in the region Ad Dakhiliyah, in northeastern Oman. Adam is a wilayah (province) in the Interior Governorate of Oman. Many prominent Omani figures, including Imam Ahmed bin Said, the founder of the Al Busaidi dynasty, originated from this wilayah. Adam serves as a gateway to Dhofar Governorate and is surrounded by orchards irrigated by aflaj (traditional irrigation system). The wilayah is named after "Adim al Ard" which refers to the surface shape of the land. There is another meaning to its name, which is the fertile land located in the middle of the desert. People commonly refer to it as "Al Sakbiyah" due to its fertility throughout the year on one hand, and the influx of guests on the other hand. The population of Adam is estimated to be around 20,000 people.

The total area of the state is estimated to be about 15,000 square kilometers, of which the desert occupies a large portion. The state of Adam is located in the southernmost part of the Interior Governorate and is considered its main gateway from the south. Due to its strategic location, the (Nizwa Salalah) road is a vital artery that passes through its center. It is approximately 225 kilometers from Muscat Governorate, 860 kilometers from Dhofar Governorate, and about 76 kilometers from Nizwa State. It is bordered by the states of Nizwa and Manah to the north, Haima and Mahout to the south, Al Mudaybi to the east, and Bahla and Ibri to the west.

The history of the Wilayat of Adam dates back to pre Islamic times. Adam has several meanings in Arabic but most likely means the fertile land. The most notable places are Harrat Al Ain, Harrat al Bousaid, Harrat Al Hawashim, and Harrat Bani Shiban, where several archeological sites have been found, and Harr Al Jamii, which is more recent. The town is from Muscat on the Salalah road, at the southernmost end of Dakhiliya's border with Sharqiya region. It is the last green oasis before the desert. Here you can see ancient forts, citadels and towers, mosques and deserted traditional souqs. Adam is adjacent to Manah and Bahla to the north, Mahout and Haima in the Al Wusta region to the south, Wilayat Ibri of the Dhahirah region to the southwest and Wilayat at Mudhaibi of the Sharqiya region to the east. Its population numbers 13,000 in 60 villages. Yaqut al Hamawi, in his book "Mu'jam al Buldan" (Dictionary of Countries), described it as "Adam, with the opening of its first and second letters, from the northern regions of Amman." Adam was a center for the convergence of trade caravans coming from the Levant and vice versa during the pre Islamic era. Sources mention that the Bani Shayban neighborhood was a center for these traders, and this is supported by the discovery of artifacts during the restoration of a mosque near the area, such as swords, horse bridles, and roosters. Its history dates back to the time of the Yarubids.

The number of villages belonging to the state of Adam is about 59 villages, 24 of which are located within the state center. The most important of these are the areas of Harat Bani Shibban, Al Rahba, Al Sileel, Al Jamea, Hisn Al Hawashim, Al Rughah, Hala Al Awasim, Al Nahda, Al Alaya, Al Qalaa, Al Sha'abiyah, Al Samirat, Harat Bani Wael, and Al Mukhtabiyah, and Harat Al Anab, and Hay Al Sakbiyah, and Al Baysitin. The villages located outside the state center number 35 villages, the most important of which are Sana'a, Al Sameti, Al Hajr, Al Hadithah, Qarn Al Alam, Al Ghayzaranah, Wadi Halfin, Al Haqf, Ras Al Jabal, and Al Ghabaytah.

The Al Jami Mosque, which was built during the Azd period in 717 AH, located in the Al Busaidi Mosque area, is an architectural masterpiece and a landmark for artistic advancement in the field of architectural engineering. It is also evidence of the Omani people's interest in mosques throughout Al Ghubra. Other notable mosques in the area include the Al Mahlabiya bint Abi Safra Mosque, Al Rahba Mosque, Al Ghariqa Mosque, Al Hawashim Mosque, Al Shabana Mosque, and Al Rawgha Mosque. Additionally, the region is characterized by the presence of several ancient mud brick alleys with exquisite architectural designs that have made them withstand natural forces. Among the most important of these alleys are Bani Shiban Alley, Al Jami Alley, Al Hawashim Alley, Mabirz Alley, and Al Majabira Alley.

Harat Bani Shayban: This neighborhood is considered the oldest and most prestigious in the province, and it has an ancient market that stands tall as if caravans of winter and summer journeys pass through it. Harat Al Busa'id : One of the ancient neighborhoods in the province where the founder of the Busaid state was born. Harat Al Majabira : It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the province, and the Majabira Tower stands tall in it, built in the 18th century. Harat Mabirz: One of the oldest and most architecturally beautiful neighborhoods, preceded by the famous Rahba Mosque in the province, and the Rahba Tower stands tall in it. Harat Al Souq: It is characterized by its beautiful character and includes several beautiful old buildings. Among the old and well known neighborhoods in the province are Harat Bani Wael and Harat Al Hawashim, which contain memories and a history that its people are proud of.

In the state, there are many graves, the most important of which is Al Eidain Cemetery, located east of Bani Shibban neighborhood, where Sheikh Drouish bin Jumah Al Mahrouqi was buried. There is also Al Aqiq Cemetery, Al Zabar Cemetery, and Al Sharm Cemetery.