From the Introduction The small castle built at this mountain pass shows many of the features common to the local architectural style. The mud brick buildings and the circular enclosure wall are only the most prominent. While some traders rest for the night at this fortification it is not quite the same welcome sight that other fortified oases are. This small fort has been built at one of the few spots where a heavily loaded caravan could easily cross the mountain range bisecting the desert. And it has been built not so much for defense but to control traffic and collect taxes. Another downside is that, while the walls offer protection, the coffers filled with taxes and tolls make this fort a tempting target for all bandits far and wide.