This mostly
limestone mountain is one of the highest points in Oman and
eastern Arabia. Jebel Akhdar lies at the central section of the Hajar range, located around from
Muscat and accessible only by four-wheel drive. The range is mostly
desert, but at higher altitudes receives around of
precipitation annually — moist enough to allow the growth of
shrubs and
trees and support
agriculture. It is this that gives the mountains their "green" name. An old stronghold on the inland side of the mountain is
Birkat al-Mawz, or Pool of the Plantains, with a layout similar to the nearby
Jabrin palace. The area is about a 45-minute drive from
Nizwa and is known for its traditional
rose water extraction and agricultural products including
pomegranates,
walnuts,
apricots, black
grapes, and
peaches. It is also the site of
honey bee breeding for much of Oman. Agricultural production is improved by the use of
Falaj irrigation channels and their associated terraces system devised by the local farmers, who have lived on this mountain for hundreds of years.
Al Sogara is a historic village carved into the mountainside. The Jebel is mostly inhabited by the ancient
Arab tribe Bani Riyam (al Riyamy). Most descendants of the tribe are now in the four nearby villages, including Nizwa,
Izki and
Ibra. ==Ecology==