SAEDNEWS: Bahla is an ancient city and oasis located in the heart of Oman’s desert. It is renowned for its enduring traditions of magic, folklore, and stories rooted in supernatural mysteries and unexplained tales.
According to Saednews, Bahla is one of Oman’s most famous cities, often known as the “City of Magic” because of the mysterious legends and supernatural stories associated with it. In reality, Bahla is among Oman’s oldest settlements and was once the capital of the country in ancient times.
Located about 200 kilometers southwest of Muscat, Bahla attracts visitors with its history, culture, and unique atmosphere. However, local folklore says that the city is connected with spirits and supernatural beings, so some people who believe in these legends avoid visiting the area.
Bahla is a city deeply connected with myths, stories, and traditional tales. Many legends describe a strange aura surrounding the city, with some locals believing that traces of ancient magic still remain there.
Bahla is sometimes called the “City of Jinn” because of the supernatural stories passed down through generations. A report by Agence France-Presse about this green region of Oman’s desert landscape mentioned that stories of mysterious creatures, shape-shifting beings, and unusual events are still part of local conversations.
Some strongly superstitious people avoid the city, which is located around 200 kilometers from Muscat, because they believe it is a place where jinn and supernatural beings exist.
Hamad Al-Rabani, a tourist guide at the historic Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explains that many locals still have strong beliefs about spirits living among humans.
Referring to the role of supernatural beings in Islamic beliefs, where jinn are mentioned in the Quran, he says:
“Jinn are part of God’s creations, so believing in their existence is not considered unusual.”
The legends of Bahla are closely linked with the city’s history and continue to shape the beliefs of many residents.
One famous legend claims that the 13-kilometer wall surrounding Bahla was built overnight by supernatural forces.
According to Al-Rabani, this story involves two sisters who were believed to be jinn. One sister supposedly built the wall to protect the city, while the other created an irrigation system that supported farming.
One fascinating tradition of Bahla is its historic pottery industry. Local stories say that Bahla’s potters once had a “magical power” in their hands because of their exceptional craftsmanship.
Unfortunately, traditional pottery is slowly disappearing as modern machines have replaced many handmade techniques. Pottery has been an important part of Bahla’s heritage, and archaeological discoveries show that pottery pieces found in the region date back to around the 4th century BC, proving the long history of this art.
Although traditional pottery workshops still exist near Bahla’s market, their numbers are decreasing, and the craft is gradually fading.
Another unique tradition takes place every Friday when locals gather for a livestock market to sell cows, sheep, and other animals.
At this weekly market, farmers and herders bring their animals around an old tree in the center of the marketplace while buyers make offers. The process resembles an auction, and the animal is eventually sold to the person who offers the highest price.
Mohammed Al-Hashimi, a 70-year-old resident of Bahla, says that stories about jinn influenced much of his life.
As a child, he heard frightening tales about desert creatures and mysterious beings that supposedly hunted camels at night.
He told Agence France-Presse:
“They warned us not to go outside after sunset.”
According to Ali Alami, a professor of Islamic history at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, oral traditions and ancient texts show that stories about jinn have long existed throughout remote parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
He explains that Oman and neighboring Yemen are known not only for their ancient historical importance but also as lands associated with legends of jinn.
Alami, who specializes in Islamic mysticism and astrology, says that Bahla has stories involving mysterious fires, moving desert storms, and buildings believed to have been created by supernatural forces.
The city’s geographical isolation, surrounded by deserts and the Hajar Mountains, helped these legends survive for centuries.
Alami notes that beliefs about jinn in places like Bahla provide valuable insight into the history and culture of the Arabian Peninsula.
He explains that these stories reflect the experiences of communities that lived in isolated areas with limited contact with other societies and developed a strong connection with the natural world around them.
Not all Omanis believe in the legends surrounding Bahla.
Mazen Al-Khatri, a mathematics teacher, says that these stories are simply traditions passed down from previous generations.
Sitting in a café near the old market, he said:
“These are only stories told by our ancestors.”
However, Hassan, a 30-year-old resident of Muscat, says that beliefs about jinn in Bahla are still common.
He explains that his family does not allow him to visit the city because of the stories surrounding it.
For many people, Bahla remains a fascinating destination where history, culture, folklore, and mystery come together, making it one of Oman’s most unique and intriguing cities.
