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Fat Little Fish
In the Barka Fish Market, lots of fish (that I can’t identify) from the Sea of Oman are in bundles, ready for auction or sale.
As any visitor to these pages knows, I love markets!
Under the care of a guide, I and another solo-female traveller were on our way to visit some of the adobe fortresses for which the Sultanate of Oman is famous. I knew that that would result in history-overload – so, I was especially pleased that our first stop of the morning was at the local fish and vegetable market in the little coastal city of Barka.
In its heyday, Barka was an important port, and under Ahmed (Ahmad) bin Said al-Busaidi, ruler of Oman between 1744 and 1783, the city was the capital for a period of time. Like the current capital Muscat – about 80 kilometres (50 miles) to the east (see: Between the Mountains and the Sea) – Barka is bordered by the Sea of Oman and the Al Hajar mountains.
These days, the town is best known for its old fort – and the lively fish market were are about to visit.
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Men Around the Table
The auction is in full swing when we arrive at the wet market.
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Auctioneer
I don’t understand a single word, but I admire the men’s intense focus. I love the different patterns on the men’s kuma (كمة) caps. The hat style originates in Zanzibar and is believed to be a direct result of Oman’s historical ties to its former colony.
Dried Anchovies
There is a wide variety of seafood for sale – …
Fish for Sale
… – I have no idea what most of the fish are.
Scales
Large Fish
Fisherman
The fish couldn’t be fresher: boats pull onto the beach outside, and the men bring the catch into the market.
Bagging the Fish
Customers leave with their haul.
Yellow Fish
Chopping Fish
Everywhere you look, there is something happening.
Cutting Habbar
The pharaoh cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) is the most abundant cuttlefish species in the Oman Sea, so I assume that’s what this is.
Cutting Fish
Some of the fish are huge!
Sorting Sea Bream
Several types of sea bream are available – and it is even farmed in the waters of the Gulf.
Meaty Chunks
Probably yellowfin tuna, which is one of the most important sources of livelihood for Omani fisherman. Recent production has increased markedly (see: The Times of Oman).
Thumbs Up
I love people’s willingness to be photographed. I personally avoid it at all costs!
More Little Fish
The Mouth of a Fish
Boats on the Beach
Outside, the boats come and go, and the work continues.
Lifting the Motor
The shoreline is quite shallow; the fishermen lift their outboards and come to a stop on the sand.
Man Carrying Pink Perch
The men carry their precious catches straight into the market building.
Master of his Boat
When they have finished their business at the market, …
Fisherman in the Water
… they push their little boats off the sand …
Leaving Port
… and drop their motors in preparation for leaving the harbour.
Heron
A heron watches – ever hopeful for pieces of fish.
Another Fisherman
Omani fishermen typically turn their keffiyeh (shemagh) scarves into turbans called masar.
Fresh Food Market
Outside of the fish market, the road leading to the beach is lined with fresh fruit and vegetables.
Fresh From the Farm
The produce section is less formal than the fish market: trestle tables and tailgates do the job.
I have to say, I was tempted by those carrots!
But, it was time to move onto the forts …
Until next time,
Happy Shopping!
Photos: 22October2019
