The lighthouse
On Ras Almeel.
dconvertini — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Bernhard Dunst — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Francesco Bini — CC BY-SA 4.0 · dconvertini — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Francesco Bini — CC BY-SA 4.0
Al Ayjah is an old quarter across the creek from the town of Sur in eastern Oman. A white lighthouse stands on a rocky headland at the creek mouth, white houses line the shore, small watchtowers rise above them and boats rest on the blue water. Al Ayjah was once a separate village home to wealthy merchants, and Sur has been known for centuries for its maritime history and the building of traditional dhows. Three small watchtowers at Al Ayjah used to guide dhows to safety and guarded Sur's eastern side. The lighthouse stands on a headland called Ras Almeel, named for its ship's-bow shape, and historians disagree about when it was built. You cross the bridge to Al Ayjah, walk between the old houses to the lighthouse, see the creek, the fishing boats and Sur on the far bank, and watch the sunset over the water. The quarter is about 1 km in a straight line east of central Sur, across the bridge. Dress modestly and respect the homes still lived in.
On Ras Almeel.
On the shore.
Over the creek.
Across Sur's creek, Sur, South Ash Sharqiyah
Over the bridge from central Sur.
Late afternoon, for sunset.
