3.13.2015

Travelling Dolly 9 - Odette in Oman part 2: Fortresses and doors

For the second instalment of their trip to Oman Odette and Carlo are going to show us two of the main architectural features of the country: the fortresses and the colourful doors.

Jabrin






Watchtowers, forts, castles and strongholds of all kinds dot the craggy landscapes of Oman. Built by rulers - and would-be rulers - of the past, many of whom  played a role in the country's history. 


Nackl






Much of Oman's tumultuous history is written in the stone, stucco, and mud-brick dialects of its defensive architecture. The craggy countryside bristles so naturally with fortifications that it is difficult to imagine the landscape without them, from the chains of watchtowers perched along strategic mountain passes, to the great bastions guarding the coast and the historic capitals of the interior. As the political turbulence of the past subsided into history, however, the fortresses coveted by conquerors seemed destined to crumble into oblivion - until the 1980's, when the government of Oman began an enterprising program to restore the country's fortifications using traditional techniques and materials.

Nizwa






Oman is a land of 1,000 forts - at least. They tower above the treetops of inland oases. They ding to the cliffs above ancient ports. And over virtually every village fortified watchtowers perch atop handy crags high enough to command a view of approaching enemies. [from Saudiaramcoworld]
Omani Doors


Hand carved from great broad slices of huge teak mahogany or shishum timbers the traditional Omani Door is both defensive yet welcoming to guests. The  household Omani Doors were individually hand carved often with the name of the owner cut in attractive arabic script with geometric floral and other traditional patterns expertly carved and more designed to welcome guests. Great hand made spiggots, ancient locks and wooden bolt systems finished off what some would term as the only furniture in an Omani house other than the marriage chest and the windows ! [source: Fortantiques website]

Odette poses in a Gregory Prescott's inspired photosession

Next Instalment: Wadis and Desert

Previous Instalment: The Cities

20 comments:

  1. Thanks, Billa, Odette, and Carlo for sharing your lovely photos of Oman.

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    1. Hi D7ana, it's a nice way to keep on travelling while I'm at home!

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  2. Oman is jaw-dropping! I love this pictorial and want to visit it now, preferably wearing Carlo's outfit (it'd fit me better IRL than Odette's) and having things happen like in an Agatha Christie novel (only nobody I like gets murdered).

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    1. Hi Smalle Places! You're so right, it looked like a perfect setting for a story like "murder in mesopotamia"!
      This is the right time of the year to visit Oman, and I did wear outfits like Carlo's. But you know Odette, she has a knack for wearing the most incredible outfits in the desert!

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  3. Carlo and Odette make us wish to visit this beautiful place ;-)
    I have a friend who makes doors in patchwork,i guess she will like to see Oman designs.
    happy weekend Billa

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    1. Hi MC, Odette and Carlo are such a show off, but they love sharing their (well my) travels.....these doors are very interesting, your friend should check some resources in internet, there's always space for some new inspiration!
      kisses Billa

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  4. Hola, québonitas muñecas. Las fotos quedaron muy bien. Gracias por visitar mi blog. Saludos desde México.

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  5. Que preciosasss imagen y un look muyyy anual me encanta, besosss

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  6. Hello from Spain: Odette and Carlo is fabulous in Oman. They are very trendy. Nice pics. Keep in touch.

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  7. Oh Billa, I too, really enjoy touring with your dolls because they take me places I wouldn't ordinarily think of. Love both the photos of the countryside as well as those of the dolls. And of course, they are all so very well dressed--which reminds me of the way people used to dress when traveling! Big hugs! April

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    1. Hi April, you know them they always want to travel in style.....and I really want Odette to wear some super trendy things, they are all ready for part 3 (I'm the one who's being lazy in making photomontages lately)
      Kisses Billa

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  8. It's so beautiful in Oman, Odette and Carlo (and you) are so lucky! Thanks for sharing these photographs, it is a delight to see! xxx

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    1. Hi Linda! Oman was really a surprise we didn't expect such variety and great landscapes, I don't know yet if there will be one or two more intalments of Oman.....but the next part will be up in may!
      Kisses Billa

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  9. Yay, it's been awhile since we've been on a trip with your dollies. I always enjoy them so much.

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    1. Thank you Vanessa, I know, I've been lazy at doing photomontages, but I've really sewn a lot!
      In may I will put up the last part of Oman .... but this year will be the year of Odette&Carlo in Mexico, and I still have to plan their wardrobe!!!
      LOL, I'll have to take a sabbatical to do all the things I've planned for the dolls!

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  10. Replies
    1. Thank you Duke, I am really proud of my Urban Safari collection so far....I'm adding (sewing) some new fashions for the girls right now

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