Outside of Yemen, Oman arguably contains the most significant, active vernacular heritage within the Arabian Peninsula. While some research exists on settlement pattern and architecture of large settlements on the plains (e.g., Manah, Nizwa, Bahla World Heritage Site and ΚIbra), little research has taken place on the nature of Omani foothill settlements. The thesis makes an important contribution to Oman studies by addressing this gap through the study of the urban pattern and architecture of two vernacular foothill settlements – Дarāt al-Дamrā and Дarāt as-Saybānī in Birkat al- Mawz in the Dākhliya (Interior) region of central Oman. The two oasis towns evolved during the YaΚariba Imamate (mid-17th century CE onwards) and served the purpose of harnessing the tribal support of two important groups in the process of consolidation – the ΚAbriyīn and the Banī Riyām. This thesis argues that the two settlements – new towns by Omani standards – were unique additions to Omani settlement hierarchy, introducing a new category in between the larger settlements of the plains and the small, dispersed settlement pattern of the Oman Mountains. The settlements have been studied by analysing their morphology, or how they were established and evolved over time shaped by the key factors of topography, geology and tribal movement. The thesis extends the discussion by demonstrating how such factors also contributed to the development of dwellings types, distinct in their form and spatial organization. This is accomplished through an interdisciplinary approach to the survey, documentation, analysis and interpretation of the settlements’ morphology.

Outside of Yemen, Oman arguably contains the most significant, active vernacular heritage within the Arabian Peninsula. While some research exists on settlement pattern and architecture of large settlements on the plains (e.g., Manah, Nizwa, Bahla World Heritage Site and ΚIbra), little research h...