Andrew Luyten's photos with the keyword: Muscat

The S corner of the main prayer hall. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman

Marble niche detail in the Islamic Indian tradition. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat Oman.

Pietra dura niche detail in the Islamic Indian tradition. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman.

Central minaret and part of the southern facade of the main prayer hall. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman.

Looking down one of the riwaqs in the main prayer hall. The arches are in the Mamluk architectural tradition (it says in my guide book). The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman.

Someone must have fun with the dusting. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman.

This chandelier in the main prayer hall is 8m across and 14m high. It weighs 8 tonnes and contains 1,122 lamps and lots of Swarovski crystal. It is truly impressive to behold and certainly encourages lofty spritual thoughts. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman.

The minaret and entrance archway leading to the court of the main prayer hall. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman.

Looking back down the approach to the Sultan's palace. Effective and it all looks pretty solid, but on close inspection it seemed to be mainly stone cladding and silicone covering a rather less grand construction underneath.

Detail from Muttrah Souk. It would have been nice to try some candids but the Omani people are not well predisposed to having their photograph taken by strangers. So without a really sneaky camera it is almost impossible to avoid causing offence. This wasn't the most photographic of souks anyway, but this brightly decorated window panel in the ceiling caught my eye.

The palace of Sultan Qaboos. Probably out at the time otherwise I am sure he would have invited us in for coffee.

Detail from gates of the Sultan's palace. The Khanjar curved dagger symbolises the Omani identity. Once utilitarian but now a part of formal male dress. It also has a starring role alongside frankincense in the more tourist oriented souks and shops.

Detail from the corniche at Muttrah