Nizwa

Nizwa is a historic city located in the heart of Oman, about 140 kilometers southwest of Muscat. It was the ancient capital of the country and is an ideal place for those interested in the history and culture of the Middle East, as it is an important commercial, religious, educational and artistic center. Its great mosque was a center of Islamic learning. Nizwa is the spiritual center of the Ibadist confession, the third branch of Islam, the majority among Omanis, although much less known than the Sunni or Shiite. Ibadism is followed by two and a half million people and is a movement that rejects violence against people and animals. Despite being a morally conservative country, minorities enjoy complete freedom of worship. Famous for its animal market, where local farmers buy and sell goats, sheep, cows, camels and other animals, making it one of the most iconic and lively markets in Oman. It is a meeting place for farmers and herders from all over the country, where they can find agricultural products such as fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and local handicrafts.