Al Hamra – The heritage village of Misfat al Abriyeen, in Al Hamra, has been the subject of a new book that seeks to document its people, culture and history.

Misfat Al Abriyyin: People, Place and Time by Abdullah bin Zaher al Abri is the first documentary work dedicated to the village, recognised in 2021 by the UN World Tourism Organization as one of the most beautiful tourist villages in the world.

The book is part of a wider effort to preserve the memory of Misfat al Abriyeen, known for its unique mountain setting and deep cultural roots. It follows the establishment of the Misfat al Abriyeen Museum in 2018, which serves as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of heritage and safeguarding it for future generations.

Abri said his motivation for writing came from a sense of duty towards his ancestors’ legacy rather than literary ambition. “I was driven by a conviction that oral history and local memory risk being lost if not documented,” he explained.

The book aims to provide a reliable reference, drawing on testimonies from villagers and accurate historical sources. It offers a comprehensive overview of Misfat al Abriyeen, from the origins of its name and its geographical importance to its social and economic structures. The work highlights the village’s distinctive architecture, shaped by human adaptation to its mountainous environment.

A significant section explores the role of women in village life, documenting their contributions in agriculture, herding, crafts, and community management. It also covers aspects of local cuisine, traditional crafts, and systems of community organisation, such as the falaj water distribution governed by agreements that remain in force today.

The book further traces the movement of residents to ‘New Misfah’ and the reasons behind this shift, while also charting the village’s growing role as a centre for heritage and tourism in Oman.

This marks Abri’s first publication. “Documenting the history of Omani villages is a collective responsibility requiring the combined efforts of researchers, academics, and community members,” he said.