Global Treasues: Jabrin

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1091

UPC: 879061006906

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The mighty 17th-century Jabrin Fort is one of the most beautiful castles of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman. The owner of this splendid building, which is more like a palace than a fort, was noble scholar Imam Bil'arub, who in 1670 moved his government headquarters to Jabrin.

The interior of the castle with its furnishings and everyday objects gives a strong impression of the way of life of its former occupants during this historic epoch.

Most of the wooden ceilings, numerous vaults and arches are adorned with artistic calligraphy, verses from the Koran and floral motifs. In addition to the splendid furnishings of its interior, the castle contains hidden corridors and secret rooms in which it was possible to eavesdrop on private conversations, precautionary measures that were taken due to increasing tension between Bil'arub and his brother, Saif bin Sultan.

With Jabrin's two diagonal towers, Bil'arub had created a monument which, for many years to come, would be a unique example of Osmanic fortress architecture and one that served as a model for many more of the country's fortifications.