Bahla, the Town of the Jinn
Across Oman, people say an old oasis town is the home of jinn and sorcerers, and that its walls were built by spirits in a single night.
What was reported
Bahla is an oasis town in Oman's interior, famous for its great mud-brick fort and its pottery. Across Oman it's also famous for jinn: people tell of fires seen in the palm groves at night, of strange sounds, and of sorcerers who could send spirits against their enemies.
One story says the town's 12-kilometre wall was built overnight by jinn. Some Omanis say they'd rather not stay in Bahla after dark.
Explanations offered
Jinn are part of Islamic belief and Arabian folklore, and towns with long histories collect such stories. Historians say the walls were built over a long period, like the fort, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- When
- Told for centuries
- Where
- Bahla, Ad Dakhiliyah, Oman
- Witnesses
- Omani folklore
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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