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All Oman Qalhat Bibi Maryam Mausoleum

Bibi Maryam Mausoleum

This lonely tomb is all that remains of a once-bustling ancient trade hub visited by Marco Polo.

Qalhat, Oman

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Sam
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Bibi Maryam Mausoleum   Hans Birger Nilsen/cc by-sa 2.0
Bibi Maryam Mausoleum   Hans Birger Nilsen/cc by-sa 2.0
Bibi Maryam Mausoleum   Alfred Weidinger/cc by 2.0
Bibi Maryam Mausoleum   Hans Birger Nilsen/cc by-sa 2.0
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About

Qalhat was once a shining jewel along the Omani coastline. The Indian Ocean trade route brought many people through the ancient city, which Italian explorer Marco Polo described as having "fine bazaars and one of the most beautiful mosques."

In the late-Middle Ages, when it was Oman’s first capital, the city was notably encircled by a fortified wall and was bustling with shops, bazaars, and houses. But when trade in the area shifted to Muscat, Oman's current capital, Qalhat began its decline into obscurity. It was eventually captured by the Portuguese in 1507.

Today, a single mausoleum is all that bears witness to the city's former glory. Some say the lonely tomb was built by Baha al-Din Ayaz, king of the Hormuz Empire, for his wife, Bibi Maryam. But others maintain that it was indeed her who built it for him. 

Related Tags

Tombs Ancient Lost Cities Mausoleums History

Community Contributors

Added By

SamM

Edited By

Meg, Ursula

  • Meg
  • Ursula

Published

January 10, 2019

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Sources
  • https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1537
  • https://www.y-oman.com/2013/03/mausoleum-of-bibi-maryam-at-qalhat/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qalhat
  • https://www.omanairblog.net/qalhat/
Bibi Maryam Mausoleum
Route 17
Qalhat
Oman
22.698538, 59.369643
Get Directions

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