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Musqat
Arabic:
masqat
Capital of Oman with 550,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate), situated on the Gulf of Oman, and flanked by rugged mountains. Musqat's centre represents a small part of larger Musqat, which has 30,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate).
The economic base is established by governmental administration and export of petroleum. Musqat is by any consideration a dominant centre of Oman, although the port activities have been moved to Minatu l-Fahl where refined petroleum is imported. The international airport lies at Riyyam. The city has a palace built for the sultan in 1970.
Musqat has excellent connections to other urban centres of Oman, mainly by highways. There is a modern port built at Mina Qaboos, and a port for large ships at Mina Fail.
History
6th century BCE: Musqat is an important port, and under control of the Persians.
1508: Portuguese take control.
1650: Portuguese lose control.
1741: Musqat becomes capital of the independent state called Musqat and Oman.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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