Demolition of 300-year-old Omani mosque halted after locals protest

A 300-year-old mosque in Oman has been severely damaged after council bulldozers began to demolish the historic site.

Photos on social media showed damage to the mud-brick exterior of al-Hajara mosque, in the northern coastal town of Rustaq.

When bulldozers began to destroy the Rustaq landmark, locals protested and demolition was halted.

It appears that the Ministry of Heritage had planned renovations to the site.

The ministry said that it ordered the demolition of the mosque to stop.

"The vocal complainants request that the historic features of the Sultanate be protected by the ministry of heritage, even the ones that haven't been messed with yet."


"Following social media reports on the demolition of the al-Hajara mosque in Rustaq, the ministry confirms it had approved the rebuilding of the mosque on the condition of maintaining its traditional architectural elements," a statement issued by the ministry read on Thursday.

The ministry said that it had received complaints from locals and the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs about the disrepair and "dangerous conditions" of the mosque and had ordered it to be "rebuilt".

"The request to rebuild the mosque was also made by a member of the Shura Council in 2009, and confirmed by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, with the unanimous agreement of the locals," it read.

It appears that there was some confusion in the request to help renovate the mosque. Diggers from the local council began to knock down the structure. It is understood they may have misunderstood their instructions and believed the mosque was to be "rebuilt" from scratch.

Salim al-Mahruqi, under-secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, answered criticism on Twitter.

"In certain approved exceptional cases, demolition can take place if it serves the public interest, or if there were public safety concerns, or during the rebuilding process," said Mahruqi.

He also added that dozens of ancient sites were being restored by the ministry, as part of a comprehensive plan to restore and protect Oman's heritage.

Oman has some of the best-preserved historical sites in the Arabian Pensinsula - including ancient forts, mosques and neighbourhoods, and these cultural elements are an important part in its drive to become a tourist destination.

Such sites also provide a proud reminder for Omanis, of their rich historical heritage.

After news of the mosque's near-demolition broke, Omanis took to Twitter to voice their anger.

"While some countries try to purchase historic heritage, our country demolished our own ancient heritage! What were they thinking?"