Page 1 - TRADITIONAL-HOUSE-OF-THE-JEBALLI-PEOPLE

Зборник Матице српске за друштвене науке / Matica Srpska Social Sciences Quarterly
LXXVII, № 198 (2/2026): 235–286; Душко Р. Кузовић / Duško R. Kuzović

UDC 728(535)
UDC 39(535)
https://doi.org/10.2298/ZMSDN2698235K
ORIGINAL SCIENTIFIC PAPER
Received: 2026/5/5
Accepted: 2026/5/25

TRADITIONAL HOUSE OF THE JEBALLI PEOPLE
IN THE SURROUNDINGS OF SALALAH CITY,
DHOFAR GOVERNORATE, SULTANATE OF OMAN

DUŠKO R. KUZOVIĆ
Higher College of Vocational Studies “Sports Academy” Belgrade
Majke Jevrosime 15, Belgrade, Serbia
dkuzovic@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5191-7818
ABSTRACT: The traditional Jeballi house stands as a precious living
example of vernacular architecture on the Arabian Peninsula. Its contemporary
significance is in its continued use with minimal modifications for centuries.
Modern life gradually draws people from the villages to cities, resulting in the
abandonment of old houses. Just a few houses still preserve the original way of
life today. Studying traditional architecture is essential for understanding Dhofar
and Omani culture. Understanding traditional Jebally houses helps in the correct
assessment of modern homes, recognizes family life patterns, enriches modern
architectural design, and promotes Dhofar and Oman’s heritage.
KEYWORDS: The traditional house of the Jeballi people; Dhofar Vernacular
Architecture; Oman Vernacular architecture; Traditional house of the Arabian
Peninsula; Jeballi culture

INTRODUCTION

A small number of countries in the world can boast their own traditional
house. All countries that have a significance in modern civilization have
already explored and met their own traditional house. Simply, show me your
traditional house, and I will tell you what you can do as a community! Knowing
traditional architecture is necessary for many reasons: to understand its own
architectural history, to understand the processes in architecture (especially in