Al Baleed is an archaeological site located in the city of Salalah in the Dhofar region of Oman. This historic site covers an area of about 64 hectares and houses the remains of a historic city dating back to the 13th century.The Al Baleed site was discovered during the 1950s, when some archaeological research was carried out to locate the ancient city of Zafar. Early research uncovered the ruins of a fortified city, which was identified as the city of Zafar.Later, further excavations revealed the existence of a second city located near the mouth of the Al Baleed River, which was identified as the city of Al Baleed. The city of Al Baleed was an important commercial and cultural center in the region, dealing mainly in the trade of incense, spices and textiles.The site of Al Baleed houses the remains of numerous structures, including houses, mosques, markets, public baths, a royal palace, and a fortress. One of the highlights of the site is the Great Mosque of Al Baleed, built during the 13th century and representing one of the most significant examples of Islamic architecture in Oman.The Al Baleed site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, along with the surrounding area of Salalah, for its historical and cultural importance. Today, the Al Baleed site is open to the public and is a major tourist attraction in the Dhofar region.
