GEOGRAPHY

GEOGRAPHY

The Sultanate of Oman, with an area of 309,500 square kms, encompasses a diverse range of topography, including mountain ranges, arid deserts and fertile plains. It shares borders with the Republic of Yemen to the southwest, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west and the United Arab Emirates to the north and can lay claim to a number of small islands in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, including those known as “Salamah and Her Daughters”, and in the Arabian Sea, Masirah and the Hallaniyat islands.

Oman lies on the Tropic of Cancer in the extreme southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula, covering an area (between latitude 16.40 and 26.20 degrees north and longitude 51.50 and 59.40 degrees east), of major strategic importance.

The country’s breathtaking coastline stretches for over 1,700 kms, from the Arabian Sea and the entrance to the Indian Ocean at its south-western extremity, to the Gulf of Oman and Musandam in the north, where it overlooks the Strait of Hormuz and the entrance to the Arabian Gulf; a location that has played a vital part in Oman’s strategic development.

The Hajar mountain range, which the Omanis compare to a human backbone, forms a great arc extending from the north-west of the country towards the south-east. Their highest peak, Jabal Shams, in the Jabal al Akhdhar area of the Dakhiliyah region, reaches an altitude of 3,000 metres. In Musandam, where the Strait of Hormuz lies between the Omani and Iranian coasts, the mountains soar to a height of 1,800 metres above sea level.

Geology

Oman’s varied and spectacular landscapes are a blend of its geological history, and its climate over the past few million years. Superb rock outcrops in the Al Hajar Mountains, the Huqf and Dhofar are a paradise for international geologists. The rock record spans about 825 million years and includes at least three periods when the country was covered by ice, somewhat surprising given its present latitude and climate.
Oman, located at the southeast corner of the Arabian plate, is being pushed slowly northward, as the Red Sea grows wider. The lofty Al Hajar Mountains and the drowned valleys of Musandam are dramatic reminders of this.

In its geologically recent past it also lay at the margin of an ocean and the discovery of dark coloured Semail ophiolites, which are vol-canic rocks from that ocean, locally rich in copper and chrome, confirm this.

The Interior plains of Oman are of young sedimentary rocks, wadi gravels, dune sands and salt flats.Beneath them is a several kilometre thick stack of older sedimentary rocks that host the country’s hydrocarbon resources. Ancient salt, which comes to the surface in several salt hills such as Qarat Kibrit, play an important role in forming many of these oil and gas accumulations.

Climate

The country’s climate, like its topography is diverse, with humid coastal areas and a hot, dry desert interior. Although rainfall is generally light and irregular, Dhofar province in the south catches the Indian Ocean monsoon that falls between June and September. In the interior summer temperatures can soar to 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). Most tourists visit during the more temperate months between October and April, with visitors from the GCC countries preferring the months of July and August when the monsoon season comes to the Dhofar region.

Muscat Region

Muscat is a city among the most important on the Sea of Arabia, having held this status and position from the 11th century AD up to its occupation by the Portuguese.", wrote Omani historian, Sheikh Salem bin Hamoud al Siabi. Muscat is divided into six wilayats and is Oman's financial and trade centre. Hamad bin Said took Muscat as Oman's capital from Rustaq between 1779 - 1792 and this has never since been contested. The shining prosperous city of today has amongst its successes: a major port, Mina Qaboos; Seeb International Airport and international airline Oman Air; its own stock market, the Muscat Securities Market; a TV and radio network, Oman TV and Radio; state-of-the-art hospitals; and superior educational establishments.

However, this has not always been the case and prior to Sultan Qaboos' accession to the throne, the Oman of the early 20th century to 1970 told a very different story. Curfews were imposed on Muscat's denizens and everyone had to be within the city walls by sunset, when the cannons would fire their summons. Trades were carried out using antiquated tools and methods and cars were practically non-existent, as the road network was nothing but dirt tracks. Most people walked everywhere and a journey from Muscat City to Ruwi could take up to four hours.

Today, under the leadership of His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos, Muscat has improved beyond recognition, but has never lost its pride in its heritage and culture. The capital area is a prime example of intelligent and aesthetic development, blending the ancient and modern.

Muscat was known as the 'Governorate of the Capital' from 1960 - 1970. Under Royal Decree 30/1988, it came to be known as the 'Governorate of Muscat' and the wilayats of Muttrah, Seeb, Bausher, Al Amerat and Quriyat united to form the Muscat region. The wilayat of Muscat runs along the Gulf of Oman across a mountain range stretching from Bandar Najih to the village of Sifa on the borders of Quriyat. Muscat city was built at the outset of Arab migrations and the destruction of the Maa'rib Dam. According to Omani historian Ulema Nureddin al Salemi, Muscat was populated by Arab Omanis who were originally from Yemen.

The forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani are the capital's most prominent landmarks and were built in the 16th century AD.

Years ago, Muscat was walled in. However, the wall is now replaced by a stone moat, which the Omanis call al hosn or the fortification. Parts of the original wall still remain in which are located the three main access gates to the city: Bab al Matha'eeb, the Greater Gate and the Lesser Gate. There are a number of beautiful beaches in the Muscat area, at Al Jissah, Al Khayran and Al Sifa. Fishing is one of the traditional occupations in Muscat along with sewing fishing nets, basket weaving, tree felling, herding and folk medicine, in particular, bone setting. Famous sites include His Majesty's colourful and elegant Al Alam Palace and Al Bustan Palace Hotel, a building of great eminence throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

Each year, the Muscat Festival draws crowds of visitors to enjoy the exhibitions and events which the Muscat Municipality organises. This year, the festival will run from October 20 to November 16 with the theme, "Bridging Oman with the Cultures of the World". The main events will be held in the Shati A'Seeb Park, with other activities taking place in and around the Muscat district. Visitors will be treated to local and international folklore shows, children's and adults' theatre, poetry evenings, music concerts, modern and traditional fashion shows, painting and photography exhibitions and circus shows. For sports enthusiasts there will be beach and aquatic competitions, international cricket and hot air ballooning. There will also be a four-wheel drive adventure around Oman - "Quest for the Unknown". At the international food counter, culinary delights from over 20 countries will be available and the Omani Heritage Village will have displays of traditional Omani social and cultural activities. Timings and dates of events will be published in the local press.

The wilayat of Seeb occupies a narrow strip of coastline along the Gulf of Oman for a distance of 50km. Seeb has a number of ancient monuments, but is perhaps distinguished by its modern landmarks situated on the large highway roundabouts, and the Seeb International Airport. The wilayat is famous for its bullfighting, which is a bloodless sport and does not involve injury to the animals. Spectators assemble at a venue outside the town and form a 'human chain'. Competitors race two bulls, the sport being umpired by one known as the 'Colonel'. The bull winning the race is feted throughout the wilayat and will often fetch a better price at market.

Muttrah is home to Oman's ancient trading port and its modern counterpart, Mina Qaboos. The Muttrah Souq was originally the principal source of many diverse goods transported to the other markets in the country. The wilayat was once a particularly fertile spot, planted with date palms and watered by the afalaj (aqueducts) and sweet water wells. The crops were harvested to supply the visiting ships and the local population. Muttrah Fort is one of the most prominent of the 13 forts scattered about the area. It has six towers built by the Portuguese during their occupation and was the seat of government under the rule of Sultan Said bin Sultan al Busaidi. Sur Ruwi, one of the surrounding walls contains a gate within, which is believed to be Muscat's first access gate on the northern interior side.

Muttrah has many public gardens and picnic areas, one of the most popular being Riyam Park, which is distinguished by its huge incense burner viewpoint, located at the top of a cliff. It also has three museums: the National Museum, Bait al Zubair and Bait al Falaj (the Armed Forces Museum). Traditional industries include: perfumery, weaving, textiles, silver and gold crafting and fishing. The area has a number of hotels, some of which are managed by international chains, such as Intercontinental and Sheraton.

The wilayat of Bausher is situated between the sea and the mountains, southwest of Muttrah. Archaeological evidence indicates that Bausher has a history which dates back to 2000BC. The Battle of the Two Wastelands was fought here, when its army defeated that of the Omani Azd. The name Bausher seems to come from abu sharr meaning the 'iniquitous one', a direct reference to the great unrest which was witnessed here centuries ago. One of the most famous places in Bausher is the Bait Al Kebir (the Great House) which was owned by Thuria bint Mohammed bin Azan, a wonderful lady who was known throughout the area for her kind and generous deeds. It is now open to the public since restoration in 1992. Other tourist sites include the Ain Ghala spring, Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Qurum Natural Park, Qurum beach, the Natural History Museum and the Children's Museum. Agriculture is Bausher's main livelihood and utilises the warm waters of the 43 afalaj in the area to irrigate the citrus fruit groves and date palm plantations. There are several 5-star hotels in the district, including the Intercontinental, Radisson SAS and Holiday Inn.

Quriyat occupies a narrow strip of coastline along the Arabian Gulf. Its name comes from qariyat meaning 'villages'. The first settlers arrived in Quriyat before the emergence of Islam in Oman. Many of its inhabitants retain traditional customs, and pursue ancient crafts such as blacksmithing, saddlework, boat building, camel rearing and repairing firearms. The wilayat has extremely dramatic terrain, through which modern roads have been cut, with somewhat intimidating hairpin bends. Some villages are high up in the mountains and are completely inaccessible, except by plane. There are three strongholds in the area: Quriyat Fort, built around 200 years ago; Al Sahel fort on the coast; and Dagh Fort built during the Portuguese occupation. There are many natural beauty spots, both on the coast and inland. Wadi Daykah is a tranquil valley with fresh, clear running water, a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike. Bimma, Fans and Dhabbab are some of the pristine beaches to visit. Every variety of date palm grown in the Sultanate is found in the Quriyat district, together with groves of mango, citrus fruits, papayas, guavas, mulberries and lotus fruits.

The wilayat of Al Amerat is situated south of Muttrah and southwest of Quriyat. In the past, it has been known as Al Fatah and Al Mutahadamat. There are a number of tourist sites here, such as Wadi Sireen Nature Reserve, Wadi al Meeh, Ghar Hadhadha Cave, Jebel Saqif and the Safah al Bab well at the foot of the mountain. Date plantations and mango groves are grown here and watered by the 61 afalaj. Local livelihoods include goat herding, weaving and red ochre quarrying.

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Omani Forts

Fort Jalali

Has a formidable wall around it and access is only possible from the harbor side, up a steep flight of steps. No longer used as a prison, it has been completely renovated and is used as a museum of Omani heritage and culture for visiting heads of state and royalty. Neither fort is normally open to the public.

Fort Mirani

The western fort, like its twin Fort Jalali-the eastern fort at the other side of the harbor, was not the first fortification on the site. The rocky hilltops were strategically important long before the Portuguese became active in the area. However, both these present day forts were rebuilt by the Portuguese. Fort Mirani was completed in 1587 and still has the remains of a chapel, complete with a receptacle for holy water built into the wall. If you look over the harbor wall from the entrance to the fort you can see the name of visiting ships painted on the rocks beneath Fort Jalali.

Bait Fransa

The museum was originally built around 160 years ago as a residence for Ghaliya Bint –Salim Bin Sultan, a niece of the ruler Sultan Said Bin –Sultan. The house is delightful tall building built around a courtyard and reflecting a mixture of Arabic and Indian styles.The ceilings, constructed of wooden beams with palm coverings, complement the arched windows with their delicate lattice plasterwork. The wooden window screens open in sections to control ventilation and sunlight

Oman-Past Vs Present

Capital of Oman, Muscat

(Past)

Of the Imam Ahmed bin Said, founder of Oman’s present day ruling family’ took Sohar as the first city of Oman, from which he ruled as Wali before becoming Imam, Rostaq was at this time another of Oman’s important cities.

It was Hamad Said, however, grandson of the Imam Ahmed bin Said Al bousaidi and ruler of Oman between 1779 and 1792, who moved the capital from Rostaq to Muscat. Since that time Muscat has not been contested as capital and foremost city of Oman.

Capital of Oman, Muscat

(Present)

Here is Muscat in 1970 – no more than half a mile along its coastal length, set between the twin forts of Al Mirani and Jalali. It is as a city bewitched, inert within the enclosure of its massive wall, the gates of which close on all inside at sundown immediately the cannon sounds its wretched report; for this announces the closure of the gates and warns all who approach them of death by gunfire it they do not come bearing aloft a lamp to clearly show their faces and establish their identity.

Sultan Qaboos Port

(Past)

Sultan Qaboos Port

(Present)

This port was opened in 1974 in implementation of Royal Decree issued by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos calling for the construction of a modern port capable of handling two million to

eeb International Airporteb International Airport

(Past)

International Airporteb International Airport
(Present)

Seeb International Airport is an immediate testimony to the progress made by the Sultan and a crucial communication link with the outside world. It has undergone spectacular development and refurbishment over the past two years when work was completed on the new cargo terminal. This terminal, which handles both inbound and outbound freight, has a storage capacity of around one hundred thousand tones of goods, in the terminal itself and in the open storage area adjacent to the building.

Oman's Renaissance

On July 23, 1970, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said assumed power. His promise to his people was to renew Oman’s historic glories and open a brighter chapter of prosperity, social and economic progress, following the long period of isolation. The Omani society was rapidly transformed from a traditional society to a modem one.

His Majesty’s promise to his people was to banish the darkness of ignorance with knowledge and education.

Twenty-nine years later, Oman is continuing to reap the fruits of his wisdom and his visionary policies. Sultan Qaboos realized it would be necessary for every Omani to participate in the rebuilding of a new Oman. As a result, a new government was formed, diplomatic relations were established with the rest of the world and amnesty was granted to those opposing the old regime. Subsidized houses were provided for the needy, free education and health care were given to all Omanis. Transportation, commerce and industry had to be developed almost from scratch to ensure the progress and prosperity of the whole nation.

In 1994, Sultan Qaboos summed up his political and social policy with the statement “there is no evolution without roots.” New Oman has flourished by building upon the achievements of the past while embracing modern technology in a unique blend which reflects the strength of Omani character. This sensitive, yet vital, balance is what has kept Oman unique among its neighbors.

It emanates from the nation’s pride in its heritage as echoed by His Majesty: “WE believe that the future of our coming generations resides in their patriotic

Commitment to our fatherland, our pride in the sacred work tradition established by our forefathers, and in energetically utilizing our country’s national resources.”

Here in our beloved land, we look back at the past to help provide a platform for the present. In a period of just over a quarter of a century, the renaissance of a nation has been completed as its people rise to the occasion, beginning a new chapter in the history of the nation.

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Majan Civilization

Around the third millennium BC Oman appears in various documents as “Majan” a land whose seafaring people carried another commodity precious at the time: copper. Copper was in great demand in Sumerian cities, which referred to Majan as “The Mountain of copper”

From Majan came various other commodities valued in Mesopotamia such as wood and stone. Its shipwrights were specifically mentioned in Sumerian inscriptions of 2050 BC

This isolation continued until the first millennium when archeological sites excavated show that Oman came in contact with the Assyrian and Aryan empires. The Aryan civilization is believed to have renewed trade with Idea where Oman served as a link carrying wood, copper and spices.

The cost notable event that affected Oman in pre-Islamic was the collapse of the dam of Ma’rib in Yemen. This prompted several tribes, the most important of which was the Uzd, to migrate north to Oman. Mush of Oman was under the occupation of the Persians, whom the Uzd fought to regain control of the territory.

Islam in Oman

In the seventh century AD, a new dawn shone upon Oman with the rise of Islam. Around 630 AD, the Prophet Mohammed sent one of his messengers, Amr bin Al As, to ask Omanis to embrace the new faith. Oman was quick to embrace Islam, which sparked new life in the country and gave Omanis a renewed sense of direction and a reason for unity. Omanis played vital role in the spread of Islam to Southern Iraq and the eventual conquest of the Persian empire. Sixty years after the rise of Islam, the leader of the Uzdian tribe, Al Muhallan ibn Abi Sufra, gained control of Basra in Iraq, which subsequently became known as Basra Al Muhallab. Following the death of Al Muhallab in 702 AD, however, the Uzd’s fortune declined.

A copy of the message sent to Omanis by the Profit Mohammed

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