Lifestyle
Muscat memoir: Wanderer’s tale of majesty, magic, magnificence
If you haven’t visited Muscat yet, add it to your travel list. Simply put, the three M’s – majestic, magical and magnificent – best describe it. A city of peace and tranquillity, embedded in the humility and justice of its rulers and inhabitants.
As I landed at the Sultanate of Oman’s four-star Muscat Airport, accredited by Skytrax, I refreshed my memory archives while witnessing novel changes – ultra-modern facilities coupled with ornate decor. I was astounded when an Omani official extended warm greetings in Urdu. Furthermore, British citizens enjoy a 14-day visa-free entry.
I rushed to the exit, imagining my beloved sister Shazia, a lecturer at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. My brother-in-law, Chaudhary Javaid Iqbal, ex-chair of Pakistan School Muscat, picked me up at the airport. Everything was well-organized. I sat with joy, inhaling the lightly fragranced air.
Moments later, the jeep rolled forward on the neat and smooth roads to Muscat’s jewel, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. What a coincidence – a blissful dawn, just in time for morning prayers.
As I stepped into the mosque, I felt a spiritual harmony akin to entering Sultan Ahmed Camii, the Blue Mosque. Perhaps the builders of these magnificent mosques, Sultan Ahmed and Sultan Qaboos, shared values of modesty and righteousness.
I filmed iconic patterns, a stunning interior, vivid ceilings, intricate calligraphy, harmonious color schemes and unique architectural features – the gigantic handwoven carpet, the dome and the minarets – each a masterpiece. Moreover, the mosque is richly adorned with intricate Arabic motifs and arabesques, adding to its enigmatic beauty. In short, it stands out as a “symbol of cultural identity and spiritual tradition.”
This little space can’t fully capture the Grand Mosque’s remarkable allure. Every inch showcases architectural brilliance and reflects the spiritual essence of its builder, Sultan Qaboos, who earned the title of a fatherly figure. The answer became clear when I saw, opposite the mosque, the equally magnificent building of the Supreme Court of Muscat. I recalled stories of just rulers from Islamic history and understood why Sultan Qaboos is so fondly remembered.
Motorway to Muttrah
Muscat is blessed with magnificent beaches – Qurum, Azaiba, Yiti and Al-Sifah – along with numerous monuments, including notable forts such as Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani, modern shopping malls, markets and museums. The pearl of Muttrah is the “yacht of Sultan Qaboos,” one of Muscat’s majestic landmarks.
Muttrah Corniche is a scenic boulevard blending a graceful harbor, mountain views, parks and the traditional souq (market). If you enjoy nature, history, shopping and seaside strolls, it’s an ideal place to stay – along with Ruwi, which caters well to budget travelers.
The road to Muttrah offers scenic views, modern buildings, parks and roundabouts adorned with cultural symbols like jug sculptures along Bandar Jissah Highway. Palm and date trees, lush greenery and purpose-built cafes and restaurants line the route.
Eager to capture nature through my lens, I sat in the front seat. Knowing my inspiration to take photos, Javaid and Shazia had planned several stopovers. The long drive through the Al-Hajar mountain range – home to wheatears, warblers and nesting vultures in natural caves – presented a stunning landscape. The nearby Kalbuh Park featured various date palms, an incense burner monument, ornamental flowers, a play area, water fountains and visually pleasing arrangements.
We enjoyed a serene morning in Kalbuh Park. Trees received natural fountain showers, and I caught the sunrise on camera. Thankfully, my hosts were well-informed and attentive. We drove along the coast, stopping often to observe nature up close.
I recreated an old memory by taking a picture at the same spot with the historic Muttrah Fort in the background. I wouldn’t hesitate to endorse Muscat as a full-package holiday destination offering a fantastic range of memorable experiences.
For shopaholics
Muttrah Souq speaks volumes of its historical heritage, offering a wide variety of souvenirs, embroidered clothes, decorated pots, handmade jewelry, dried fruits, traditional Omani lanterns, perfumery (especially frankincense), tea and halwa. Omanis are generous by nature – at the University of Leeds, our colleague Mohammed Al-Ghafri often brought delicious Omani halwas to share.
Muttrah’s fish and vegetable markets are also worth visiting, especially if you enjoy freshly prepared coconut juice or want to explore authentic Omani cuisine.
Colorful evenings
Muscat’s summer and winter evenings bring myriad charms – walkable beaches, a peaceful environment and flavorsome cuisine. Javaid and Shazia planned an entire week of evening outings, beginning with a visit to a marvelous piece of modern art: Al-Ameen Mosque, built by the Saud Bahwan Group – one of Muscat’s renowned families.
Muhammad Al-Ameen Mosque stands out with its spectacular features – its white marble exterior, 24-karat gold-plated chandeliers embedded with Swarovski crystals and handwoven Persian carpets – earning it global admiration among majestic mosques.
The next two evenings were equally blissful and enriching. Meeting Pakistan’s Ambassador, Muhammad Imran Ali Chaudhry, was a memorable experience. An hour-long session filled with wisdom revealed the powerful impact of kind gestures, which often earn deep devotion from the public.
Ali’s greatest triumph lies in his humility and open-door policy – allowing Pakistani workers direct access to him during times of difficulty.
On another evening, we visited Iqbal Jaa’far, owner of Al-Haseena Jewelers in Ruwi and Dubai. Jaa’far reminded me of the virtues of humility and generosity. He shared stories of his father, who once gifted shops to staff members in Karachi’s shopping plaza. Despite having a domestic assistant, Jaa’far personally served us tea, cakes and homemade savories – an example of true humility.
I was reminded of a past visit where I met the late Abdul Sattar Basra, a prominent Pakistani and a close aide of Sultan Qaboos. The sultan gifted him a farm in Barka, adjacent to the farms of Omani dignitaries, reinforcing the idea that hospitality and generosity are deeply rooted in Omani culture.
At the dinner table, Javaid, Shazia and their children – Hamza, Aimen, Omar and Fatima – shared stories from school, college and work. Shazia fondly remembered Anna Lutton, a devoted revert Muslimah and teacher at Ibra College of Technology, who loved her time in the heavenly land of Oman.
Listening to Shazia’s stories, now a lecturer at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, I felt my soul strengthened. Omani children, she explained, are well-mannered, cultured and view their teachers as parental figures, in line with Islamic teachings.
Considering my passion for travel, history and culture, Javaid proposed a visit to the shrine of Hazrat Mazin bin Ghadouba (RA) – a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and Oman’s first Muslim – in Sumail the next morning.
Standing on the ferry as it waits to dock on the Greek island of Ithaca, Giorgia Ongarato is only too keen to talk about the “Odyssey” – the epic poem that inspired Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film.
The Italian lawyer said it was her dream to come to Ithaca, widely believed to be the same island as the home of Odysseus in the poem.
Dressed in a T-shirt emblazoned with the word “Odyssey” in ancient Greek alongside a line from the poem, she enthused: “I studied Greek when I was a child, and I studied the Odyssey.”
While she stressed that the film was not her entry point into the tale of the hero battling his way back home from the Trojan war, the 50-year-old said she was also a fan of the film, describing it as “wonderful”.
The island’s businesses and officials now expect the film to inspire many more to follow in her footsteps.
Ithaca, in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of mainland Greece is far from the country’s tourist hubs, and despite limpid waters and spectacular bays, it has never been a regular stop for travelers.
Its interior is rugged, carpeted with olive and cypress trees, and strikingly calm even at the height of the tourist season.
Although the movie has undoubtedly piqued the interest of many, it has also been slightly controversial in Greece. Although some Greek locations were used, not a single scene in the blockbuster was actually shot on Ithaca.
Homeric monuments abound
That decision has left some crestfallen on the island of roughly 3,000 inhabitants – where the film has been shown twice in open-air screenings since its July 16 worldwide release.
Xhimi Xoxha, who runs a restaurant in Ithaca’s capital of Vathi, said he was content that the movie was already “generating publicity for the island”. He predicted the positive effects would continue.
While Ithaca mayor Dionysis Stanitsas agreed that the publicity was “tremendous,” he could not hide his disappointment that the island itself did not feature.
“We had reached out to the production team and asked that some scenes be filmed here on the island,” he said. “Unfortunately, that wasn’t feasible.”
He is, however, counting on rising demand next year, and the island was already fully booked for this season by the time the film came out.
“As more people see it, they will begin planning trips to visit the island,” he said.
Visitors will not find a palace of Odysseus or any spectacular archaeological site likely to confirm the existence of the Homeric hero.
But village squares and the town hall are dotted with statues of Odysseus and Homer.
And there are other pointers to the island’s rich literary heritage.
In the small sun-drenched port, boats bob in the green water bearing names like “Telemachus” (the son of Odysseus) and “Calypso” (a goddess and nymph who imprisoned him).
Trinket shops offer busts of Homer and Penelope, Odysseus’s wife.
T-shirts can be found amid the jumble featuring the Cyclops Polyphemus – one of the many monsters vanquished by Odysseus.
And the truly devoted can splash out for a wall plate decorated with a Trojan Horse.
Archaeologist Spyros Couvaras is among those expecting a dramatic upsurge in visitors, saying it was clear that visitors wanted more than just sand and sea – they wanted the history and the mythology.
None of those are in short supply here.
A short distance from the shops and restaurants of the port, holidaymakers stretch out on deck chairs under parasols at Dexia beach, enveloped by the sound of cicadas.
According to legend, this is where Odysseus landed after years of voyaging.
Couvaras said the “driving force” of the renewed interest was undoubtedly the movie.
“But behind Nolan’s film stands Homer,” he said.
Traveling with babies and toddlers can be daunting for parents. Questions about air travel, what to pack and safety are often top of mind, especially on long-distance flights and international trips.
“Traveling with kids is a whole new world,” said Shannon Thompson, a pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, adding that it’s important to “enjoy your kiddo on your trip” as much as you can.
Here are some tips and tricks for parents to travel safely with young children – and have fun with them, too.
Before you decide where to stay, consider your options for baby-proofing.
Check whether items like portable playpens, cribs and high chairs are offered to guests. If you are staying somewhere with stairs, a balcony or a pool, inquire about baby gates; if they are not provided, see if they are available for rent nearby or consider bringing travel-friendly foldable mesh gates. Pack electrical outlet covers and wipes to clean any dirty surfaces your kiddo might touch.
For babies, safe sleeping is still essential on vacation. Children younger than 1 should sleep on their back on a flat, firm surface such as a mattress in a bassinet, crib or playpen with nothing more than a fitted sheet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The organization also recommends babies sleep in the parents’ room – but not in the parents’ bed – for at least the first six months.
You should also consider how you will get to your lodging: Will you fly in and rent a car or take a taxi, or take public transit from the airport? Will you mostly be driving or walking? For parents, these factors can determine whether you want to bring a stroller and a car seat, both of which you can gate check for free when you fly, or rely on using a sling or baby carrier.
“Flying with kids is one of those big, intimidating things,” said Thompson, the pediatrician. “I think the biggest thing to think about is always safety and then of course their comfort.”
While children under two can fly in their parents’ lap, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends securing them in their own safety seat, such as a car seat certified for use on planes. This requires buying a seat for your child.
For long-haul or international flights, ask the airline if they have bassinets available.
Food and drink for babies and toddlers, including breast milk, formula and puree pouches, are considered medically necessary liquids by the Transportation Security Administration. That means they are not subject to the standard 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) limit for carry-on liquids. The same goes for ice packs used to keep such liquids cool. Let the TSA officer know if you have these in your carry-on when you go through security screening.
In addition to snacks, don’t forget to carry on diapers, wipes, a portable changing pad and sealable plastic bags for disposal. Bring extra clothes to layer or change in case of accidents or messy spills.
Swallowing and chewing can help with ear pressure, so nursing little ones or giving them a bottle or pacifier can ease discomfort during take-off and landing.
Speak with your pediatrician beforehand if your kiddo is prone to ear infections, and before traveling abroad, ask them what vaccines may be recommended.
For flights with young kids, Christy Slavik, owner of the travel agency Mom Approved Travel, recommends “having little surprises that you can distract them with,” such as sticky mats for travel-sized Play-Doh, suction cup toys and other games that are small and light to pack.
If sightseeing once at your destination, think about ways to make activities more fun and interactive. For art museums, bring notebooks that kids can draw in, or ask them what types of animals they can find in the paintings, Slavik said.
“Kids need a mission. They need games,” she said. “You have to get creative sometimes when you’re traveling.”
Exposing children to other cultures, foods and languages can also be fun. Some may enjoy picking out snacks at markets, for example, or learning foreign words for their favorite dishes and activities.
There are options for places to stay that are family-friendly, with amenities such as pools or games. For those traveling abroad on a budget, many hostels offer private rooms for families so they don’t have to share a dorm-style room with bunk beds. Hotels and hostels provide the opportunity to meet other travelers, including fellow children who can become playmates.
Helping moms actually enjoy their vacation – and relax amid the stress that can come with planning and traveling – is a core goal of Slavik’s travel agency.
One way parents can get a break is by planning trips with grandparents or other family members. This helps with babysitting duties, while also allowing loved ones to have special bonding time with kiddos. Just make sure they also have their own downtime and aren’t wearing themselves out, Slavik said.
“When you bring grandparents to a vacation, you’re giving them the opportunity to experience those moments together,” she said.
Çakıl Island (Pebble Island), located in the Erciş district of Van province, eastern Türkiye, welcomes visitors during the summer months with its cool turquoise waters, a beach covered in white pebbles and natural beauty.
Set along the lake’s northern edge, the island offers an alternative for those looking to cool off in its clear, soda-rich waters. Its shoreline, surrounded by white pebbles and untouched natural scenery, creates views reminiscent of tropical islands.
The beach has become a popular destination, especially on hot summer days, for visitors seeking to spend time surrounded by nature.
Visitors enjoy the unique scenery created by Lake Van’s turquoise waters and the white pebbles, relaxing in the natural surroundings until sunset.
Deniz Özçelik, who traveled to Van from Izmir with her family for a holiday, said she was impressed by Çakıl Island, which she visited for the first time.
Saying they would like to return to the region whenever they have the opportunity, Özçelik said: “I had heard a lot about the beauty of Lake Van before. After coming here, I had the chance to see it firsthand. The lake’s saline, alkaline waters is good for the skin. The natural surroundings are truly beautiful. I thought the beach being covered with white pebbles was created later, but I learned that it is completely natural. Çakıl Island is a place worth seeing. If you are in the area, you should definitely stop by. Our country has many beautiful natural wonders waiting to be discovered, not only in the west but also in the east.”
Yusuf Göktü Koç, who visited the region from Ankara with his family, also said he was impressed by Çakıl Island.
“This place is truly beautiful. The view of Lake Van is breathtaking. I really enjoyed Erciş. The shoreline of Çakıl Island is crystal clear. Its turquoise color is reminiscent of the Maldives. I recommend that everyone come and see it,” Koç said.
The historic Kadıkalesi site in the Aegean district of Kuşadası in western Türkiye has been added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List as part of a multinational heritage nomination.
According to a statement from the Aydın Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Kadıkalesi was added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List as part of the serial nomination “Trading Posts and Fortifications on Genoese Trade Routes from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.”
The addition recognizes the site’s archaeological significance, strategic location and rich cultural heritage, strengthening its status as one of Türkiye’s key candidates for future inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Kadıkalesi, also known by its historical name Anaia, served as an important settlement along medieval trade routes connecting the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
Archaeological excavations at the site are continuing under the direction of Suna Çağaptay of the Department of Art History at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University’s Faculty of Letters.
Sometimes the most memorable journeys are not defined by the reason that brings you there, but by the places you discover along the way.
One of the first impressions visitors have of Kosovo begins at Pristina International Airport. Operated by the Turkish company Limak, the airport stands as a visible example of the long-standing economic ties between Türkiye and Kosovo. Arriving in a new country and being welcomed by the name of a Turkish company was an unexpected reminder of how infrastructure can quietly strengthen connections between nations. It was a small but meaningful moment that immediately made me feel connected to the destination.
Stepping into Pristina, I was welcomed by a city full of youthful energy. Its cafes were buzzing with students, public squares were alive with conversation, and every street reflected a generation eager to shape the future. Rather than trying to imitate Europe’s larger capitals, Pristina embraces its own identity with confidence. Modern architecture, independent cafes, creative spaces and a growing cultural scene reveal a capital that is evolving while remaining authentic.
During my visit, the city welcomed thousands of international visitors, bringing an extraordinary atmosphere to the streets. Despite the heavy traffic and crowded avenues, there was a sense of excitement everywhere. Restaurants, cafes and public spaces were filled with people from across Europe, transforming Pristina into a lively meeting point where different cultures naturally came together.
As a fashion designer, I found myself paying just as much attention to the people as to the city itself. Walking through Pristina felt like exploring an open-air fashion exhibition. Festival-inspired fashion blended effortlessly with everyday street style. Cowboy boots, crochet dresses, oversized denim jackets, metallic fabrics, sheer layers, lace details and colorful scarves reflected a generation that dresses with confidence rather than conformity.
What impressed me most was that fashion here was not driven by luxury labels but by individuality. Young people mixed vintage finds with contemporary pieces, creating looks that felt authentic rather than curated. In today’s digital world, where every street corner can become the backdrop for a photograph, personal style has become an extension of identity. Pristina captured that spirit beautifully.
After experiencing the vibrant rhythm of the capital, I traveled to Prizren, a city that immediately offers a completely different atmosphere.
Often described as Kosovo’s cultural heart, Prizren is where history quietly accompanies everyday life. Ottoman bridges, elegant mosques, churches, traditional stone houses and cafes lining the Bistrica River create an environment that encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the details. Every narrow cobbled street reveals another layer of the city’s multicultural past.
One of the highlights of my visit was climbing to Prizren Fortress, where the panoramic view stretches across terracotta rooftops framed by the surrounding mountains. As the evening light settles over the city, Prizren reveals a timeless beauty that perfectly explains why it is considered one of the Balkans’ most charming destinations.
The city’s rich culinary scene adds another dimension to the experience. Traditional Balkan flavors sit comfortably alongside Ottoman influences, while local cafes invite visitors to spend hours simply watching life unfold beside the river. It is a place where history is not preserved behind museum walls but continues to exist naturally within everyday life.
Leaving Kosovo, I realized that what stayed with me most was not a single destination but the balance between its two most distinctive cities. Pristina represents confidence, creativity and youthful ambition. Prizren offers history, culture and quiet elegance. Together, they present a country that is steadily building its future while honoring its past.
Sometimes the most memorable journeys are not about the event that brings you somewhere – they are about the people you meet, the streets you walk and the stories a place leaves behind. Kosovo did exactly that, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for a destination that deserves to be explored far beyond the headlines.
The widely anticipated transfer of Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah to Türkiye’s Trabzonspor is drawing attention not only to the Süper Lig club but also to the city itself – a green, picturesque gem on the northeastern edge of Black Sea coast.
While rumors were indicating that Salah, a Liverpool icon, could sign for Beşiktaş, one of three Istanbul giants, Trabzonspor confirmed late Tuesday in a public statement it had opened negotiations to bring the veteran scorer to Türkiye.
Salah then flew to Istanbul, where on Wednesday morning he was welcomed by numerous fans while social media was still abuzz about the transfer.
“Trabzon, are you ready? I can hear you. See you very soon,” Salah said in a video message posted on the club’s official X channel.
Renowned for its historical and natural richness, Trabzon has over recent years turned into a hot spot, particularly for Arab travelers, offering a harmonious blend of lush green landscapes and mesmerizing azure waters.
It has seen strong inflows of tourists, including those arriving from Gulf countries and the Arab world, and many speculators see a growing interest in the city amid Salah’s transfer.
Salah was a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season. There was speculation the 34-year-old Egypt international would end his career in Saudi Arabia, but it emerged this week that Trabzonspor was leading the race to sign him.
He established himself as a Premier League great with Liverpool, where he won two league titles and the Champions League among eight major honors.
Trabzonspor, often regarded as the fourth-top team in Turkish Süper Lig, last clinched the title in the 2021-22 season, securing their first league championship in 38 years.
Its hometown, Trabzon, is renowned for historical sites such as Sümela Monastery and Trabzon Hagia Sophia, as well as famous meatballs named after one of its districts – Akçabaat köftesi.
The natural lake Uzungöl and its surroundings are also one of the primary attractions for travelers seeking greenery and peace, far from urban rush.
Meanwhile, the photos shared in Turkish media and on social media already indicate enthusiasm among locals to welcome its new football star to the city.
Some commentators went further and said that Salah’s transfer is also a “great advert” for Türkiye-Egypt relations.
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