Minarets, Mosques and Muslims

The drive from Muscat, southeast into the mountains then back to the coast is dry and basically void of much colour or vegetation. The mountain backdrop with its rocky earthy textures is picturesque in its own right. Then there are the clear blue skies highlighting the jagged rocky outline of the sharp peaks. Every few miles or so the outline of small villages with their white buildings, come into view. The ever-present mosque with its minaret standing tall above the mostly two-story buildings is the signature of all of the settlements. The bigger the centre, the larger the number of mosques. The number of minarets can range from one to four per mosque depending on the affluence of the region. New construction of mosques is rampant to keep up with the ever-increasing population growth. On a per capita basis, I am convinced there are more minarets per 1000 residents gracing the city skyline than there are golden arches, despite the fast-food chain having a presence here. While in a market or souk today, I could hear the calling of prayers to the Muslin faithful from the minarets of at least three mosques all at the same time. The tailors have set up shop for both men and women in this particular souk. I am taken aback at the number of shops selling abayas or full-length outer garments for women. One colour only…. black. Though there are other shops for them to show some flair with outfits or undergarments to enhance their wardrobes; and business is booming. I also took a few pictures of the face coverings which were hanging in the windows. I’m still having trouble trying to get my head around that part of the culture. Because buildings are for the most part not allowed to go higher than two stories, the minarets are clearly visible from all directions as they look poised to lift off on a moon mission. We are in Sur today and the view from a lookout towering over the city gives a wonderful panoramic view of the region. A visit of the dhow boat building factory was both informing and interesting. These hand made boats have been plowing the waters of the Persian Gulf for thousands of years. The craftsmen who build these vessels will surely be nonexistent in the not-too-distant future as demand for this type of transportation is diminishing rapidly, save for the occasional order for touristic purposes. Well, it’s off to the dessert for the next couple of days and sleeping in tents, Though I’m sure the accommodation will be great, whose to say what the internet will be like so we’ll probably be off the grid till mid week at least. Allahu Akbar الله أكبر