The Architecture of Traditional Urban Settlements in Oman: Harat as-Saybani, Harat al-Yemen & Harat al-Aqr

Military architecture is a symbol of the Omani built environment and national identity. It is commonly branded as "al-Sultania Architecture" and comprises heritage buildings like the fort, towers, castles, and fortified settlements. However, most studies have focused on the morphology of the settlement and its structure. There is a paucity of comparative studies on the settlement typology, particularly its vernacular architecture and defensive features. This thesis examines the typology of three settlements in inner Oman: foothill settlements, settlements with a defensive wall, and settlements without a defensive border. It focuses on studying the urban pattern, fortification, dwellings, and the relation with the physical context. A mixed historiographic and qualitative methodology was used to demonstrate the architectural features of Harat as-Saybani, al-Yemen, and al-Aqr. The study aims to compare them to find the differences and similarities. Studying these different typologies reveals the basic fabric and unique features of the old walled and fortified oasis settlements. The result of the study indicates that people built military structures during the tribal war to protect their resources, such as the water supply and palm farms. In addition, the settlement arrangements take advantage of the topography and the surrounding environment to protect the settlement. Nonetheless, there are distinctions and commonalities across the three typologies. Firstly, the urban pattern and organization of the dwellings represent the same concept of separating between the private and public spaces. The narrow corridors, simple facade, location of the fortified structures, and their relationship with the surrounding context help protect and secure the settlement. However, there are variances in the urban patterns, fortifications, and the organization of the spaces in the dwellings in each settlement. For example, the courtyard system is only in Harat al-Yemen. Those various features made each case study unique, yet they shared the same goal of protecting the settlement.