Ibra
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| Ibra | |
| Ibra | |
| Government | |
| - Sultan | Qaboos bin Said |
|---|---|
| Area | |
| - Metro | 3,500 km² (1,351.4 sq mi) |
| Population (2008) | |
| - Metro | 351,730 |
| Time zone | Oman standard time (UTC+4) |
| Website: http://www.omanet.om | |
Ibra (Arabic: ابراء) is the Second largest city in the AsSharqiya Region in Oman and was the .Ibra is about 140 km (1.5 hours) from Muscat. The population is estimated at around 35,000 people.
Ibra is one of the oldest cities in Oman and it was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Ibra acquired its importance because it has been an important meeting point at the base of the AsSharqiya.
Contents |
[edit] Etymology
Historian can not agree on the origins of the name of the city. Some suggests the name was derived from the Arabic verb (Arabic: ابراء للذنب) which means a purification of guilt. Others say that the city was named Hebrew as there is a legend that jews settles in Ibra
[edit] History
Ibra was Present Before the Prophet Muhammed's Caling. They Have Many castles and old mousques.
Ibra has become a more modern city since 1970 under the reign of Sultan Qaboos. Improvements include connections to Muscat via a two-lane highway which has increased tourism. Communications have been improved to include broadband access and there is a substantial hospital. It is also a hub for education including a Technical College, College of Applied Sciences, , . There are now 2 hotels and tourism is promoted in the area.
[edit] Geography and Climate
Mountains surround Ibra from every side and there are some outstanding mountain scenery close by. In the winter from November until March the climate is cold with temperatures as low as 10 C in December. In the summer, the climate is hot and dry with temperatures reaching 50 C in July. Precipitation is very low and concentrates in the winter when an air mass of low pressure causes rain to fall.
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|Jan_Lo_°C =13 |Feb_Lo_°C =14 |Mar_Lo_°C =17 |Apr_Lo_°C =20 |May_Lo_°C =26 |Jun_Lo_°C =27 |Jul_Lo_°C =30 |Aug_Lo_°C =27 |Sep_Lo_°C =24 |Oct_Lo_°C =23 |Nov_Lo_°C =18 |Dec_Lo_°C =17
|Jan_Precip_mm =23 |Feb_Precip_mm =18 |Mar_Precip_mm =13 |Apr_Precip_mm =8 |May_Precip_mm =3 |Jun_Precip_mm =1 |Jul_Precip_mm =1 |Aug_Precip_mm =1 |Sep_Precip_mm =1 |Oct_Precip_mm =3 |Nov_Precip_mm =8 |Dec_Precip_mm =15
[edit] Attractions
The main tourist attractions in the city are Ibra Watchtowers, the traditional Souq and Falaj AlAfrit. In the . The design of the souq compliments the fort in every way. Ibra is Also renowned for its Many Beautiful Watch Towers. The Bait al Kabir was built in 1650 during the Ya'riba Dynasaty. It once Stood as A centre of Government in Ibra
[edit] Ibra Souq
market]] --> The city, famous for its handicrafts and agricultural products, has an expansive souq showcasing an array of products. It is one of the most important in the country besides Muttrah. The souq bustles with vendors selling everything from meat, fish, fruits and vegetables to spices, dates, gold and silverware. Ibra is renowned for its silver jewelry which is considered to be the best in the country. . Halwa (a traditional Omani dessert) is also sold in the souq. Halwa is a sticky dessert made from sugar and spices and flavoured with sesame seeds or almonds. Ibra Souq is the only Souq inthe Country to have a whole day just for Females.
