Qalhat is an ancient city located 20 km north of the historic city of Sur, in the Governorate of South Al Sharqiyah in Oman. This historical spot was the cradle of a kingdom that arose in the Arabian Gulf region and had its impact on a human renaissance characterized by diversity and richness.
The history of the city of Qalhat dates back to the Bronze Age. In the past, this city witnessed an ancient Omani civilization as it was the first capital of Oman before Islam. In the thirteenth century, it was the main commercial port linking home and abroad and had the advantage of attracting travelers, explorers, and seekers of knowledge. This city is a witness to a great civilization. The city witnessed huge events. It is said that it was subjected to an earthquake in the fourteenth century that destroyed it. It was also subjected to the Portuguese invasion until they were expelled in the late sixteenth century AD.
Among the ruins of the city is the tomb of Bibi Maryam. Rumor has it that it is an old woman who built the mosque, while some historical sources indicated that she was the ruler of Qalhat during the reign of the King of Hormuz (Qutb al-Din is being humiliated).
