Nizwa Fort, Nizwa, Oman
The fort in Nizwa, Oman is an imposing structure – circular gunnery, expansive courtyards, ominous murder holes. Wait now. Murder holes? I had never heard of the term before, so being the nosey Parker that I am, I had to investigate. And besides, if I was lucky, perhaps there would even be demonstrations. You know — infidels and ne’er-do-wells being snuffed out in the name of tourism, that sort of thing. Regrettably, the Omani people are much friendlier than that.
Inside, various displays showcase what Nizwa Fort looked like back in it’s 1650s heyday – including canned goods, jars of jam, and what appears to be a plastic toy telephone. (Actually, I’m just being a jerk — this is part of the display explaining the Nizwa souq, or market, which is located just outside the fort.) 
There are however a pretty hefty number of displays spread throughout the Exhibits Hall detailing the fort’s history and the story of the city of Nizwa.
But it’s the murder holes that have piqued my interest.
Anatomy of a Murder Hole
So what exactly is a murder hole? Well, it’s a lot like you’d imagine.
The slit you see below at the top of the entrance to the fort is a murder hole (or meurtrière if you like) – one of five as you make your way up the winding staircase.
Basically, boiling date syrup would be poured through the holes onto potential intruders, leaving them burned yet surprisingly tasty. Heavy objects (did they have anvils back then?) would then be dropped through the murder hole Wile E. Coyote-style to finish them off.
(click on any image to enlarge)
And in the off chance that the murder hole didn’t get them, then the trap doors certainly would. (Sorry for the crap photo.)
Those of you who do make to the top (and you will – remember the murder holes ARE out of commission) will be met with some pretty nifty views of the gunnery, the town, and the Nizwa Friday Mosque.
Nizwa Fort Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday, 9am – 4pm; Friday 8am – 11am
Admission price: Adults, 1 Omani Rial; Children, 500 baisa (no refunds if the murder hole gets you)
Have you seen any murder holes anywhere else in your travels?
America 
Canada 
Oman 
Very interesting! It’s great that the fort gives detailed explanations of how it once operated, murder holes and all. Beautiful photography as well!
Thanks Michael — glad you liked it!
Seems efficient.
It worked for centuries, so yes, I’d agree!
I love how it looks like a giant sandcastle! A deadly sandcastle… but I mean, once it rains it’s probably not that scary lol
This is Oman — Nizwa is lucky if it gets an inch of rain in year. (But what an inch that would be…)
Murder holes? Boiling date oil? Plastic toy telephones? Oh man, Oman!
Oman indeed!
Hmmm that is the first I have heard of murder holes! I confess I am quite intrigued….. thanks for the post
Thanks! I am here to entertain AND inform.
MMM. Boiling date syrup. I can really taste the burning.
Yes, oaky…with the sweet waft of singe. The taste is unmistakable.
This is completely fascinating, but I for one am glad that you didn’t see any actual demonstration. I’m almost certain that you would have shown us the pics.
Haha!! Thanks Cathy — I would have had to put a disclaimer though. Next time.
I think this is the first blog I’ve read about Oman and what an excellent read it was. Quite a photogenic fort I’d say!
Thanks! Glad I’m your first!!
Now that is a new use for date syrup. I like the no-refund policy if the murder hole gets ya
That was my addition, but I’m sure the management would concur.
That would make for a sticky ending. Ahem.
Hee hee…
marhaba Raymond! we’re heading out to Oman this coming Eid holidays Oct 27-30th, thanks for a peek at Nizwa! can’t wait for our turn for exploring esp the temps are now better!
Yes when I was there it was sweltering hot! The upswing was that we basically had the place to ourselves.
Does it have to be date syrup? What happens if you’ve already used it all up at breakfast. I could you could replace it with boiling maple syrup… or perhaps just some hot treacle…
I always think that the Arab peninsula doesn’t have enough attractions–but this is really a beautiful/ although potentially deadly/ spot to visit. Guess you could call ahead on your plastic telephone to tell them you’re coming and you’re friendly.
So what do they call the boiling oil spots in English and French castles?
If we could just figure out a way to make cars run on boiling date syrup instead of oil….
Wow — those are some interesting traps! How gorgeous though…
Oman is a beautiful country. The heat there that day though, not so beautiful.
Wow, that was really beautiful and I love to visit that place very soon. They said that Oman has no place to visit but indeed there it is.
Absolutely fascinating stuff. It’s cool that they explained how they holes/traps etc worked so you get a real sense of what it would have been like when the place was operational.
It is a very interesting place. And the weather is warm, aiways
Nice excursion, Raymond!