Ibra

Infobox Settlement
name=Ibra
official_name = Ibra

subdivision_name =As Sharqiya
leader_title = Sultan
leader_name = Qaboos bin Said
area_magnitude =
area_metro_km2 = 3500
area_footnotes =
population_as_of = 2008
population_metro = 351730

utc_offset = +4
timezone = Oman standard time

website = http://www.omanet.om
footnotes =

:"This article is about Ibra the place. For alternate meanings: see IBRA (disambiguation)."

Ibra ( _ar. ابراء) is the Second largest city in the Ash Sharqiyah Region in Oman. Ibra is located about 140 km (1.5 hours) from Muscat. The population is estimated at 35,000 people.

Ibra is one of the oldest cities in Oman and it was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Ibra acquired its importance because it has been an important meeting point at the base of the AsSharqiya.

Etymology

Historian can not agree on the origins of the name of the city. Some suggests the name was derived from the Arabic verb ( _ar. ابراء للذنب) which means a purification of guilt. Others say that the city was named Hebrew as there is a legend that Jews settles in Ibra

History

Ibra was Present Before the Prophet Muhammed's Caling. They Have Many castles and old mousques.

Ibra has become a more modern city since 1970 under the reign of Sultan Qaboos. Improvements include connections to Muscat via a two-lane highway which has increased tourism. Communications have been improved to include broadband access and there is a substantial hospital. It is also a hub for education including a Technical College, College of Applied Sciences, , . There are now 2 hotels and tourism is promoted in the area.

Geography and Climate

Mountains surround Ibra from every side and there are some outstanding mountain scenery close by. In the winter from November until March the climate is cold with temperatures as low as 10 C in December. In the summer, the climate is hot and dry with temperatures reaching 50 C in July. Precipitation is very low and concentrates in the winter when an air mass of low pressure causes rain to fall.

Infobox Weather
metric_first = Yes
single_line = Yes
location = Ibra
Jan_Hi_°C =25
Feb_Hi_°C =29
Mar_Hi_°C =33
Apr_Hi_°C =36
May_Hi_°C =40
Jun_Hi_°C =43
Jul_Hi_°C =47
Aug_Hi_°C =43
Sep_Hi_°C =40
Oct_Hi_°C =35
Nov_Hi_°C =27
Dec_Hi_°C =23

Jan_Lo_°C =13
Feb_Lo_°C =14
Mar_Lo_°C =17
Apr_Lo_°C =20
May_Lo_°C =26
Jun_Lo_°C =27
Jul_Lo_°C =30
Aug_Lo_°C =27
Sep_Lo_°C =24
Oct_Lo_°C =23
Nov_Lo_°C =18
Dec_Lo_°C =17

Jan_Precip_mm =23
Feb_Precip_mm =18
Mar_Precip_mm =13
Apr_Precip_mm =8
May_Precip_mm =3
Jun_Precip_mm =1
Jul_Precip_mm =1
Aug_Precip_mm =1
Sep_Precip_mm =1
Oct_Precip_mm =3
Nov_Precip_mm =8
Dec_Precip_mm =15

Attractions

The main tourist attractions in the city are Ibra Watchtowers, the traditional Souq and Falaj AlAfrit. In the . The design of the souq compliments the fort in every way. Ibra is Also renowned for its Many Beautiful Watch Towers.The Bait al Kabir was built in 1650 during the Ya'riba Dynasaty. It once Stood as A centre of Government in Ibra

Ibra Souq

market] -->The city, famous for its handicrafts and agricultural products, has an expansive souq showcasing an array of products. It is one of the most important in the country besides Muttrah. The souq bustles with vendors selling everything from meat, fish, fruits and vegetables to spices, dates, gold and silverware. Ibra is renowned for its silver jewelry which is considered to be the best in the country. . Halwa (a traditional Omani dessert) is also sold in the souq. Halwa is a sticky dessert made from sugar and spices and flavoured with sesame seeds or almonds.Ibra Souq is the only Souq in the Country to have a whole day just for Females.

ee also

* Oman
* Tourism in Oman
* Provinces of Oman
* Samail
* Bahla
* Adam
* Al Hamra
* Manah
* Izki
* Bidbid
* Al Hajar Mountains
* Jebel Akhdar
* Jebel Shams