Documentation and Heritage Management Plan of Harat al-Hujra (FANJA)

Located atop a rocky plateau on the banks of the Wadi Fanja, the settlement of Harat al-Hujra is a prime example of the originality with which Oman's hinterland communities used the landscape for protection and agriculture. The small village, comprised of only about 30 dwellings, is also the main site for the famous al-Azwah festival which take place around the time of Eid and sees the congregation of the oasis' inhabitants to celebrate by dancing and singing late into the night.

Harat al-Hujra (Fanja), view of the settlement in the context of the oasis. Photo: ArCHIAM, 2012

The vistas of Fanja's palm groves, still in excellent condition due to the copious amounts o water provided by the thermal waters of the Falaj al-Hammam, provide al-Hujra with an excellent view of a beautiful oasis located only about 20 minutes' drive from Muscat.

Harat al-Hujra (Fanja): ground floor plan (top), analysis of settlement components (bottom left), construction types (bottom middle)and tribal makeup (bottom right). Images: ArCHIAM, 2012

This Heritage Management Plan, based on exhaustive documentation of the architectural heritage of Harat al-Hujra, aims at providing a sensitive yet holistic approach to the preservation of Fanja's ancient architectural and intangible heritage. The aim is to preserve local traditions and ways of life while, at the same times, showcasing the extraordinary beauty of Oman's oases.

Harat al-Hujra (Fanja), view of one of the watchtowers. Photo: ArCHIAM, 2012