Category: History

Oman’s history stretches back over 5,000 years and overlaps with each of the better-known civilizations in the region – Egypt, Mesopotamia and Indus Valley

Jews in Sohar Oman

Records of the Jews in Sohar Oman stretch back to as early as AD 950 when Buzurq ibn Shahriyar wrote about the Jewish merchant Ishaq bin Yahuda in his book “Book of the Wonders of India.” According to this text, Ishaq bin Yahuda traded between Sohar and China some 50 years earlier, where on a visit to Sohar he apparently had goods valued in excess of 3 million Dinars.

Bertram Thomas describes Jews living west of Sohar during the initial period of Islam, one of whom met Amr bin Al As, the Prophet’s representative to Oman.

Monument Jewish Cemetery Sohar Oman
Monument Jewish Cemetery Sohar Oman

Wellstead described the Jews arriving in Muscat in 1828, from the ‘exactions and tyranny of Continue reading “Jews in Sohar Oman”

Sultan Qaboos died 10th of January 2020 – an Obituary of Sultan Qaboos

The very sad news that H.M. Sultan Qaboos died on 10th January 2020, has been announced. There will be an official period of three days mourning, and all flags in Oman will be flown at half mast for 40days.

Born on 18th November 1940, Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur Al Said was the 14th Al Said ruler of Oman. His father Sultan Said ruled Oman from 1932 to 1970 when, during a civil war in Oman’s southern province of Dhofar, Sultan Qaboos became ruler aged 29.

Sultan Qaboos London 1963
Sultan Qaboos London 1963

Sultan Qaboos, the only son of Sultan Said, was Continue reading “Sultan Qaboos died 10th of January 2020 – an Obituary of Sultan Qaboos”

UNESCO sites of Bat, Al Ayn and Al Khutm

In north-western Oman are the ancient tombs and monuments associated with the UNESCO sites of Bat, Al Ayn and Al Khutm. UNESCO’s International Council on Monuments and Sites describes Bat as ‘the most complete and best-known site of the 3rd millennium BC’.

UNESCO - Bat Tomb - Oman
UNESCO – Bat Tomb – Oman

The sites were inscribed Continue reading “UNESCO sites of Bat, Al Ayn and Al Khutm”

Rustaq Oman has some remarkable new discoveries from Iron Age

After the British Foundation for the Study of Arabia (BFSA) Annual General Meeting, there was a good chance to listen to Dr Derek Kennet talk about Archaeology in Oman and especially the Iron Age archaeology of a little-studied region in Oman .

Dr Derek Kennet BFSA Talk Archaeology in Oman
Dr Derek Kennet BFSA Talk about a little studied region in Oman

Dr Kennet has Continue reading “Rustaq Oman has some remarkable new discoveries from Iron Age”

Salut Fort Bahla Oman Archaeological Site near Bisya is well worth visiting - if its made possible by the Oman government

Salut, Bahla Oman the archaeological site is some 26km southwest of Bahla in northern Oman. It may well turn out to be at the centre of the most important Oman archaeology site.

However, it’s hardly known and is, at the moment, not ‘open’ for casual visits. If entry is permitted I have included it in my updated Bradt Guide to Oman, below.

Salut, Bahla Oman Archaeological Site
Salut, Bahla Oman Archaeological Site – scale see people on hill.

The site is at the flood plain formed by Continue reading “Salut Fort Bahla Oman Archaeological Site near Bisya is well worth visiting – if its made possible by the Oman government“

Oman at the Seminar for Arabian Studies

Interesting finds in Oman

It was good to join the Seminar for Arabian Studies at the British Museum.

Held annually  the seminar focuses on the history and archaeology of the Arabian Peninsula . It was especially nice to meet up with Ali Al Mahrouqi on July 23rd, which is Oman’s ‘Renaissance Day’. He was attending on behalf of Oman’s Ministry of National Heritage and Culture and put up a Poster of the project he is working on, which includes areas in Adam which I enjoyed visiting with him last year.

Ali Al Mahrooqi
Ali Al Mahrooqi

At this years seminar Derek Kennet gave an overview on pre-historical sites in Wadi Andam and Axelle Rougeulle talking about the first season of excavation at Qalhat which was very interesting.

Derek Kennet talks about pre-historical sites in Oman
Derek Kennet talks about pre-historical sites in Oman

Groups visiting Oman

I welcomed Groups visiting Oman around Christmas with the 2nd lead by Dr Erica Hunter of Cambridge and SOAS London Universities into a fresh and sometimes blustery Oman.

Dr Hunter and Ace Study Tours Groups visiting Oman
Dr Hunter and Ace Study Tours

The group was booked with me by ACE Study tours near Cambridge England. We travelled in Continue reading “Groups visiting Oman”