Category: Culture

Oman’s culture is built on a continuous civilization that has developed for more than 5,000 years – learn more here

CARPET SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE visitors to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat are in for a treat with this carpet

Any organisation which had supplied work such as the superb Carpet of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque would wish to sign the work. The company which created the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque’s principal carpet managed to do just that and wove into the carpet their details.

Carpet of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Carpet – Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The high density of thread in the Grand Mosque Carpet , over 250 knots per sq inch, and extraordinary craftswomanship Continue reading “CARPET SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE visitors to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat are in for a treat with this carpet“

12 Days of Christmas in Oman Day Two

On the second day of Christmas in Oman, what better thing to do than start organising your gifts for those back home. Gold is always special and here is something very different

Gold & Silver Bracelet Mutrah
Gold & Silver Bracelet Mutrah

Gold & Silver Bracelets Mutrah. Silver was the traditional Continue reading “12 Days of Christmas in Oman Day Two”

Oman’s cultural tourism

Writing the revision for the Bradt Guide to Oman I needed not only focus on finishing the text & maps but also change my view point of Oman’s tourism.

Learning about Beekeeping
Learning about Beekeeping

Previously, while working in Oman’s tourism, organising a visit Continue reading “Oman’s cultural tourism”

Royal Opera House Muscat

In 2001, Sultan Qaboos set up the project, initially called ‘House of Musical Arts’; subsequently, the name ‘Royal Opera House Muscat ‘ was used, and design started in 2003.

Royal Opera House under construction 2010 - Muscat
Royal Opera House under construction 2010 – Muscat

The opera house was opened on October 12, 2011 by Continue reading “Royal Opera House Muscat”

Oman’s Language

Oman’s Language is a complicated subject as the country although officially an Arabic language state does have several other native languages. Complicating things, even more, is the importance of non-native languages.

Arabic is Oman’s official language and is taught in government schools. It is a Semitic language and does have similarity to other Semitic languages such as Hebrew & Maltese.

Oman Languages
Oman Languages

Written Arabic, as Continue reading “Oman’s Language”

David Willis Artist’s ‘Traditional Oman’

painting exhibition in Bait Al Baranda

It was good to go to David Willis Artist’s opening night of paintings under the umbrella ‘Traditional Oman’.

Haramal Dancers
Haramal Dancers

Held in Bait Al Baranda which holds periodic art exhibitions, a traditional dance Continue reading “David Willis Artist’s ‘Traditional Oman’”

Eidiya for distribution in Oman

Following morning prayers on the first day of Eid the tradition for Eidiya in Oman is that children wander around to collect their gift.

Oman Currency
Oman Currency

Eidiya is cash, typically 100 baisa from folks like me and bigger notes from family or the rich. However the appreciation of new notes make it worth going to a bit of trouble to obtain them, so I made a request for 100 notes.  Continue reading “Eidiya for distribution in Oman”

Qaranqashoo at Bait Zubair the Ramadhan childrens event

On the 14th night of Ramadhan (the middle of that month) there is a childrens celebration called ‘Qaranqashoo’ (قرنقشوه) . It traditionally was when children went knocking on the front door of neighbours houses to ask for ‘halwa’ (sweets).

Qarenqashoo in Al Harthy Complex
Qarenqashoo in Al Harthy Complex

The first part of the word is used Continue reading “Qaranqashoo at Bait Zubair the Ramadhan childrens event”