Oman in Brief

The mountainous terrain of the Sultanate of Oman divides the country into several areas and consequently contributes to its cultural diversity.

The interior, rich with water and fertile land, produces a climate for farming and as a result a self-sufficient society has emerged and flourished. Is the foothills to the west and in the great describe beyond, nomadic people have then own, distinct lifestyle touring the desert under the harshest of climates.

Fishermen, sailors and merchants from their bases along the coat explore the outside world. Thus, the same geographical barriers that have hindered communication between Omanis in the past, have also created a rich cultural diversity that characterizes Oman’s various areas.

Historically, Oman has been associated with characters of legendary stature. The ancient tribes of AD are believed to have inhabited the southern part of Oman and made up the civilization of Ubar.

Ubar, the ‘lost city”, was rediscovered in the early 1990s.once basking in prosperity, Dating back to 5000 BC, the city is believed to have been built by king Shadad and the people of AD, and formed the center of the frankincense trade. Camel caravans once traveled on routes. Now buried beneath golden sands. Carrying their precious cargo through the Arabian Peninsula all the way to Jerusalem. Frankincense was burned during religious ceremonies. Historical stories document the Queen of Sheba’s offering of this sacred aromatic gum to king Solomon. The remains of the prosperous city of Ubar, with its massive walls and towers, are still under archeological excavation if the region of Dhofar in southern Oman. One of the great commodities of the ancient world, frankincense, is still used by the desert tribes of Shahr to keep away evil spirits.

The people of Shahr believe that they are the direct descendants of the people of AD, preserving to lead a life that has not changed for thousands of years.

Isolated in the harsh environment of these deserts, they have maintained their ancient culture, language, and songs. More ancient than Arabic and Hebrew, and has been called the “language of birds”.

http://library.thinkquest.org/C006867/pastnfut.htm