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Oman Portuguese Colonialism

The Portuguese fort of Soar

Portuguese fort of Soar from Prof. Rui Carita Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia
Portuguese fort of Soar from Prof. Rui Carita Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia

The city of Sohar (24 ° 21’N – 56 ° 43’E) is located along the Omani coast about 200 km north-west of Muscat.

The Portuguese came to Soar in 1507 and made ​​the city tributary. After several rebellions, the Portuguese retook the city in 1516 and again in 1523.

The Portuguese fortified Soar probably between 1559 and 1561 building a square fortress with bastions and surrounded by walls.

The city was lost by the Portuguese on 7 November 1643.

Portuguese fort of Soar from Prof. Rui Carita Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia
Portuguese fort of Soar from Prof. Rui Carita Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia

For the image thanks to Prof. Nuno Varela Rubim and Prof. Rui Carita (“O Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia, na Fortaleza de S. Julião da Barra, com 22 plantas de anónimo (I Manuel Godinho de Erédia, de cerca de 1620), e 55 plantas de anónimo (II de cerca de 1640)”).

Soar. Text of the document from Prof. Rui Carita Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia
Soar. Text of the document from Prof. Rui Carita Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia

By Marco Ramerini

I am passionate about history, especially the history of geographical explorations and colonialism.