Between the waterfalls of Al Jabal Al Akhdar and its natural, vibrant slopes, rests an Omani village named “Sawjrah” aged over 450 years.
The name of the village was inspired by a type of perennial trees known for their lush shade and long, green leaves that grow in valleys streams and springs. These trees were abundant in the region in the past, however, they got extinct over 80 years ago due to heavy rainfalls, but the name of the village remained “Sawjrah”.
Al-Shariqi family has lived in the village for 400 years. The historic houses were renovated and turned into motels that host visitors and vacationers, offering them a unique experience that takes them back hundreds of years.
The motels are inside mountain slopes and feature windows made of tree woods, with dim lightning and corridors full of anecdotes.
“The idea of opening historic motels and renovating them instead of establishing new ones aimed at preserving the old houses, and offering visitors the chance to experience the past in rooms built hundreds of years ago. Our goal is to be the first to provide historic experience in the heart of Al Jabal Al Akhdar,” Mohammed al-Shariqi from Sawjrah, told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Although the route to the village is rugged, al-Shariqi said “the turnout has been good since the beginning of the project, which started with two rooms. The culture of historic experiences and adventures is in its peak in Oman, and our town has become a destination for local and foreign tourists.”
While Sawjrah has become a hub for historic motels, locals never think of leaving it.
Inhabitants told Asharq Al-Awsat that all the essential services are available in their town, including education.
“Sawjrah inhabitants have always been eager for education, since its emergence in Oman, in the 1970s. They studied at the Sultan Qaboos school built for the inhabitants of Jabal Al Akhdar. The route to the school was so rugged and hazardous that a helicopter was used to transport students. The helicopter landed on a helipad, which is still being used to train the Omani Air Force,” al-Shariqi explained.
Al Jabal Al Akhdar is a global tourism destination in Oman. It includes historic places for entertainment and tourism and offers its visitors many experiences including relaxation, meditation, rock climbing, and camping. The region welcomes many visitors who come annually to enjoy its moderate climate.
