MUSCAT

n.

or Masqat

City (pop., 1993: city, 40,900; 1999 est.: metro. area, 887,000), capital of Oman , located on the Gulf of Oman.

Situated on a cove surrounded by volcanic mountains, it came under Persian control in the 6th century BC, and the people of the region were converted to Islam in the 7th century AD. The Portuguese gained control in 1508 and made Muscat their Arabian headquarters (1622–48). Held again by the Persians (1650–1741), it later became part of the sultanate of Oman. Two 16th-century Portuguese forts overlook the town; the sultan's Indian-style palace is built at the edge of the sea.