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#1 | |
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One may also ponder on the interpretation of determined afirmations, which either go together with a certain context or are brought to paper by the free hand of the Media. I absolutely accept that the collection in Al Hazm is imense but (and) take in consideration the term variety ... which is not necessarily quantity. I say this because the collection of bronze cannons in the Portuguese Military Museum is said to be unpaired (uncomparable) in the world. Then again, this may refer to variety, or and quantity ... or uniqueness. From primitive cannons (trons) made in 1382 and early pieces made between 1370-1495, to regular examples cast during the realm of sixteen different Kings (1495-1908), adding those made overseas and also from foreign countries, is something worth to see ... if ever you come around. And, if we consider that Spain, for one, was a greater might in the area, one may guess how great and varied must be their cannon collections. I sincerely hope you don't mind my diverting from the thread topic which is Oman forts and cannons but, one gets excited and is difficult to keep this type of things severely restricted. A couple images from the Museum, arranged without any quality. . |
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#2 |
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One more
![]() . Last edited by fernando; 16th May 2014 at 08:56 PM. |
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#3 |
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I would be amazed if al Hazm can beat that !
In terms of Portuguese Forts in Oman I believe the situation is blurred by terminology; Someone may have noted that there are a lot of forts in Oman which originate as Portuguese design, influence or creation. What I think has transpired is a perception that this meant a lot of the 1000 or so Forts were Portuguese...when in fact there are perhaps 12...all on the coast. Portugal had no reason to build other than on coastal sites thus no inland forts exist. To some people 12 is quite a lot of forts...but compared to the 1000 or so, numerically, it is but a few. Thus the mis quote that only a few forts are Portuguese. Here are the maps..How that became interpretted as only Mirani and Jelali plus the turrets at Muttrah I have no idea... Once I can get into al Hazm I will take the pictures of their Iberian Cannon... which apparently are very impressive. It would indeed be incredible if the number and quality were of equal or superior to those you display. Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 18th May 2014 at 05:19 AM. |
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#4 | |
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12 forts in 1000 are nothing but a residual fraction. 12 forts in themselves built in the Omani coast for foreign occupation are quite a few. ... Taking in consideration that Oman, in the Ormuz straight, played a rather strategic role in the period ... and not only. |
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#5 | |
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I agree. I also believe there was a Portuguese fort on Mazira Island possibly protecting a mine of some sort. I am still at Barka on a project for 3 more weeks ..but I shall work my way around to the Al Hazm exhibition later...with camera. Ibrahiim al Balooshi. |
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#6 |
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Barka in May 2014; Some definition to the extent of wall removal..It appears that something like 300 to 500 metres of outer wall plus at least two turret instalations (the outer wall thickness several feet thick and perhaps 10 feet high) has been incorporated into other buildings adjacent to the fort and may even have been co-opted into actual main fort extensions and repairs.
Also showing the slot down which boiling hot oil was poured turning the attackers into human toffee apples ! ![]() Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 19th May 2014 at 07:41 AM. |
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#7 |
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Traders have always operated in the shadow of Forts.
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#8 | |
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As in this side of the world is stone that abounds, holes are circular, as 'non holes' are also available; it is the intention that counts. You have them also by the dozen, as in this example situated in the middle of the country, where machicolations, toped by brick arches, must have been a Mudejar (you know the term ?) work. . |
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#9 | |
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I am starting to realize that the slot idea, contrary to the round holes system, is an Omani exclusive. My wife loves tamaras, as we call them here; for some reason the term derives from the arab tamar ( التمر ) |
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#10 | |
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Meanwhile, browsing the Web on these matters i have learnt that a person who is able to expand in this issue of possible traces of Portuguese presence in Oman is Professor Mohamed Said Nasser Al-Wahaibi, responsible for the Department of History of the Ministery of Culture and Patrimony of Oman. This eminent Cathedratic has been twice in Portugal, organizing Omani seminars and is acquainted with local scholars. He is said to have been impressed with the quantity of documentation he found in Lisbon National Archives. |
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#11 | |
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Salaams ...Yes I saw the various websites on the subject ...http://www.maphist.nl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=182 and a good wikepedia reference at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crist%C..._Mendon%C3%A7a Interesting that modern adendum to ancient forts always incude such objects as chimneys, aeriels, lamp posts and road signs!! It seems to be a modern disease. I hope you are spared the gigantic, pink, tailors shops.... Below ~ I am back into Barka fort to shoot more cannon...I wish ! but for now only with a camera. The fat boys (bigger barrels ) are from 3 British barrel makers; Monks~ Dondas ~Armstrong . Both Monks and Dondas fire a 32 pound ball and barrels weigh 2 and 2 and a half tons. Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 21st May 2014 at 10:47 AM. |
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