Oman city culture

Prehistory At Aybut Al Auwal in the Dhofar region of Oman a site was discovered in 2011 containing more than 100 surface scatters of stone tools belonging to a regionally specific African lithic industry – the late Nubian Complex – known previously only from the northeast and Horn of Africa. Two optically stimulated luminescence age estimates place the Arabian Nubian Complex at 106,000 years old. This supports the proposition that early human populations moved from Africa into Arabia during the Dereaze, located in, is the oldest known human settlement in the area, dating back as many as 8,000 years to the late Archaeological remains have been discovered here from the Stone Age and the; findings have included stone implements, animal bones, shells and fire hearths, with the later dating back to 7615 BC as the oldest signs of human settlement in the area. Other discoveries include hand-molded pottery bearing distinguishing pre-Bronze Age marks, heavy flint implements, pointed tools and scrapers. On a mountain rock-face in the same district, ave been discovered. Similar drawings have also been found in the Wadi Sahtan and Wadi Bani Kharus areas of They consist of human figures carrying weapons and being confronted by wild animals. Siwan in Haima is another local Stone Age site where archaeologists have found arrowheads, knives, chisels and circular stones, which may have been used to hunt wild game. A grave at Al Ayn Oman a World Heritage site. tablets refer to a country called Magan or Makan, a name believed to refer to Oman's ancient copper mines. Mazoon, another name used for the region, is derived from the word muzn, which means heavy clouds which carry abundant water. The present-day name of the country, Oman, is believed to originate from the Arab tribes who migrated to its territory from the Uman region of many such tribes settled in Oman, making a living by fishing, herding or stock breeding, and many present day Omani families are able to trace their ancestral roots to other parts of Arabia. From the 6th century BC to the arrival of I in the 7th century AD, Oman was controlled and/or influenced by three, the and A few scholars believe that in the 6th century BC, the Achaemenids exerted a strong degree of control over the Omani peninsula, most likely ruling from a coastal center such as. Central Oman has its own indigenous so-called Late Iron Age cultural ssemblage, the. By about 250 BC, dynasty had brought the nder their control. They extended their influence as far as Oman, establishing garrisons in Oman to help control the trade routes in the Persian Gulf. In the 3rd century AD, the Sassanids succeeded the Parthians and held the area until the rise of Islam four centuries later.Omanis were among the first people to come in contact with and accept Islam. The conversion of the Omanis is usually ascribed to, who was sent by around 630 AD to invite Jayfar and 'Abd, the joint rulers of Oman at that time, to accept the faith. In submitting to Islam, Oman became an state, ruled by an elected leader, the.During the early years of the Islamic mission, Oman played a major role in the that occurred after the death of Muhammad, and also took part in the great Islamic conquests by land and sea (Iran) and beyond. Oman's most prominent role in this respect was through its extensive trading and seafaring activities in the region and the particularly during the 19th century, when it helped introduce Islam to the certain areas of and After its submission to Islam, Oman was ruled by between 661–750, between 750–931, 932–933 and 934–967, between 931–932 and 933–934, between 967–1053, and the of between 1053–1154. History of Oman A decade following 's successful voyage around the Cape of Good Hope and to India in 1497–98, the Portuguese explorers arrived in Oman and occupied Muscat for a 143-year period, from 1507 to 1650. Their fortress still remains. In need of an outpost to protect their sea lanes, the Portuguese built up and fortified the city, where remnants of their colonial architectural style still exist. An, during the fight for control over the Persian Gulf and the Indian OceanThe captured Muscat from the Portuguese again between 1581–88.Rebellious tribes eventually drove out the Portuguese, but they were pushed out themselves about a century later, in 1741, by the leader of a ribe leading a massive army from various allied tribes, beginning the current line of ruling sultans. Excepting a brief Persian invasion in the late 1740s, Oman has been self-governing ever since.No foreign power controlled the entirety of what is now Oman. The majority of the territory was always ruled by tribes, with colonial control contained to a few strategic port cities. Oman, as it exists now was never under the total sway of European colonization. A legacy that has been passed on from generation to generation; the art, the culture, the folklore and the artistry has to be seen. But there is much more in the heart of Oman to explore: the sense of respect for time, for people, and for nature. Come and taste a part of Oman's rich heritage, kept alive and unchanged for generations. It may help you understand tomorrow a little better.For its size, Oman boasts an unprecedented number of UNESCO-classified World Heritage Sites including Al-Blaid; site of the ancient city of Zafar, Bat — with its tombs dating back 3,000 years, Bahla Fort, and Ras Al-Hadd; home to the rare Green Sea Turtle. Oman's heritage features a prominent sea-faring tradition, as one would expect from a country with 1,700 Km of coastline. Many museums and galleries around the secluded and historic harbours of Muscat and Muttrah illuminate the importance of the sea and, indeed, of water generally, throughout Oman's 5,000 year-old history. Culture If you are someone who has an understanding and appreciation of history, arts, architecture and the intricacies of a civil society, Oman is the place for you. From the ancient city of Nizwa to the towns along the coast to the Capital to Salallah, all seeped in history, you can experience Oman's sense of timelessness. The Sultanate enjoys an unspoiled culture and traditional lifestyle in almost every aspect. Even in its modernity, Oman is distinctly Arabic and offers many unique old-world wonders. The Omani culture has its roots firmly deep in the Islamic religion. Oman developed its own particular form of Islam, called Ibadhism, after its founder, Abdullah Ibn Ibadh who lived during the 7th century AD. Not all Omanis are Ibadhis however; there are also Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. Omanis are not only tolerant of the beliefs of different Muslim divisions; they are also tolerant towards believers of other faiths, who are allowed to practice their religion in churches and temples. Muslims are required to pray five times each day after the call to prayer by the Imam. Beautiful, ornate mosques are found throughout the Sultanate, but they are not open to non-Muslim visitors. The holy month of Ramadan is a time of fasting and praying. For around 29 to 30 days each Islamic year, Muslims refrain from smoking, eating and drinking during the hours of fasting (from sunrise to sunset). Ramadan advances 10 to 11 days each year as it is governed by the lunar calendar. Out of respect, non-Muslim residents and visitors to the Sultanate are expected to observe the same principles in public. Oman Travel Guides The legendary home of Sinbad the Sailor, Oman retains its ancient atmosphere, coupled with luxurious hotels, striking beaches and fascinating markets. Be sure to wander the winding corridors of Mutrah Souk - the oldest market in Muscat, and marvel at the surprising tropical greenery of Salalah. Go dolphin-watching or sip Arabian coffee in an exotic majlis. Oman may be the friendliest country in the Middle East, with dramatic landscapes dotted with oases, forts and palaces that inspire exploration. Oman is the charming, sleepy neighbour to Dubai’s life in the fast lane. It is the place to come experience the real Arabia... Sinbad’s Arabia. Occupying the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman has over 2100km of coastline stretching along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. It is bordered by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. A small enclave called Ru'us Al-Jibal (“Mountaintops”) occupies the northern tip of the Musandam Peninsula at the Strait of Hormuz. This territory gives Oman its only frontage on the Persian Gulf and is separated from the main body of Oman by the United Arab Emirates. Masirah Island and Al-Hallaniyah Island are also part of Oman’s territories. Local Omanis constitute around 60% of the country’s 3 million residents. The remaining 40% are working expats of various nationalities. Outside the cities, tribal dress is colourful and faces are warm and welcoming. Oman’s capital of Muscat is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. More like a town than a city, Muscat hosts some modern buildings and splendid hotels, but the real appeal is its ancient and exotic atmosphere. The seafront is spectacular with its red sand, picturesque buildings and the ancient alleys of Mutrah Souk. White and beige villas, palaces and forts are tucked among rugged hills which meet the sea. Bushels of brilliant bougainvilleas burst over walls and street corners. The air is quiet and fresh, the roads are smooth with little traffic. Salalah sits far south of Muscat along the coast of the Arabian Sea. Known for its rich culture and wonders of nature, Salalah today is also contributing towards the economic boom of Oman. It has a modern port, schools, universities, hospitals and a wide range of accommodation. The most surprising thing about Salalah is its greenery. Salalah is blessed with an unusual amount of rain for the Middle East, resulting in mist-covered valleys lush with banana trees, date palms and fertile farmland. There is plenty to do and see in and around Salalah such as visiting the Lost City – the Atlantis of Arabia, following the Frankincense Trail - a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, and exploring isolated beaches. Oman is governed by a monarchy, ruled by the Sultan with the aid of a Council of Ministers. Sultan Qabus bin Sa’id has ruled Oman since 1970 and maintains friendly relations with the United Kingdom and the United States. Weather The best time to visit Oman is from September through April when temperatures average around 23°C in the day and 17°C in the evening. The months between May and August are particularly hot rising to 43°C with high humidity. Rainfall varies according to the region. Muscat tends to be dry, while Salalah receives monsoon rains from May to September. Bring lightweight clothing in conservative styles. A warm wrap, sweater or jacket is useful during the cool winter evenings. Light rainwear is advisable if visiting Salalah during rainy seaso Inhabited by Bedouin tribes as early as third millennium BC, Oman was acutely under-developed until the discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 1970s. Archaeological excavations have recently shown that much of Oman’s civilization predates the Arab period. he region embraced Islam during the lifetime of Mohammed in the seventh century AD. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the sultans of Muscat were powerful figures in Arabia and East Africa, who often came into conflict with the colonial powers in the region, particularly the Portuguese, who first settled here in the 16th century. Close ties have been maintained with Britain since 1798, when a treaty of friendship was concluded.British influence remains strong but the number of British advisers occupying key positions in the Omani government, headed by the hereditary ruler Sultan Qaboos, has steadily declined and is now limited to a handful of advisors. During the early years of the Sultan’s reign, which began in 1970, his top priority was to deal with an insurgency in the western part of hiskingdom, conducted by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman (PFLO) with the backing of the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen.The defeat of the insurgents served to increase both domestic and foreign pressure on Sultan Qaboos to introduce democratic reforms. A series of incremental measures have been introduced to modernise and liberalize this previously autocratic regime. Two consultative assemblies, the Majlis as-Shura and the Majlis al-Dawlah, were originally groomed to assume the functions of a bicameral parliament at the turn of the millennium. This has not happened, nor is it likely to do so in the foreseeable future.The two Majlis have some influence over domestic affairs, but no say in foreign and defence matters. Recently the franchise that elects them has been steadily expanding to include men and women over the age of 21. The most recent poll for the Majlis as-Shura in November 2003 registered little change in its make-up: no formal political parties are allowed but supporters of the Sultan are in the majority.Relations with Oman’s immediate neighbours have been cordial, especially with Yemen, since the end of the PFLO insurgency and the unification of Yemen itself. In recent years, Omani concerns have been focused further a field. In 1981, Oman was a founding member of the Gulf Co-operation Council and has played a leading role in promoting its increasing involvement in regional security issues. The country holds strategic military importance to the West and has maintained friendly relations during the last two decades.In 1994, Oman was the first Gulf state to establish official relations with Israel. Since 1998, it has also developed good relations with Iran, now extending as far as mutual security co-operation in the Gulf. Oman has major oil trades with Japan, Korea (Rep), Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The dress code is fairly liberal in Muscat, although decency is still expected. Women should wear, for example, tops with sleeves, and long skirts or trousers. Men are required to wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Swimwear should be restricted to the beach or pools. Oman History, Language and Culture History of Oman Since the accession of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said in 1970, Oman has undergone significant political, economic and industrial reform, particularly in industry, communications, transport and education. Schooling to secondary level is free for everyone and the adult literacy rate stands at 86.7%. Higher education is still relatively young (the first university, Sultan Qaboos, opened in 1986) and with 55% of the population under 20 years old, demand for tertiary education is growing. The sultan is the head of state and head of government and is advised by the Council of Ministers which acts as a Cabinet. All Omanis over the age of 21 are eligible to vote, the last elections in 2007 attracting 390,000 voters – 100,000 more than the previous elections in 2003. Oman continues to play a fundamental role in promoting regional stability. In 1981, it was a founder member of the Gulf Cooperation Council and has played a leading role in regional security issues. Throughout the last three decades, the country has been of strategic importance to the West as a staging post for Anglo-American military, naval and air operations during the assaults on Afghanistan and Close ties have been maintained with the Usince 1798, when a treaty of friendship was concluded, and British influence remains strong. Prior to this the sulta often came into conflict with the colonial powers in the region, particularly the Portuguese, who first settled in the 16th century, in an attempt to protect their eastern trade routes. However, Oman’s rich history goes back much further than that, with archaeological excavations showing that much of the civilisation in Oman predates the Arab period. The region embraced Islam during the lifetime of the Prophet. Oman Culture Religion: Predominantly Muslim, including Shi'ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and the Ibadi strand of Islam, the latter practised by 60% of the population (the only country in the world to do so). There are facilities for the worship of other religions. Around 13% of the population are Hindu. Social conventions: Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. A small gift, either promoting your company or country, is well received. Dignity and respect are key in Omani culture and public criticisms are rare. As far as dress is concerned, it is important that women dress modestly beyond the hotel grounds, ie long skirts or dresses (below the knee) with covered shoulders; men should wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Tight-fitting clothes should be restricted to hotel restaurants to avoid giving offence, although this is not strictly followed by some Westerners. Shorts should not be worn in public and beachwear is prohibited anywhere except the beach. Collecting seashells, abalone, corals, crayfish and turtle eggs is also prohibited. Dumping litter is forbidden. It is polite not to smoke in public, but generally no-smoking signs are posted where appropriate; smoking is banned in public places in Homosexual behaviour is illegal. Photography: Visitors should ask permission before attempting to photograph people or their property. 'No Photography' signs exist in certain places and must be observed. Language in Oman Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by Omani descendents from East Africa. German and French are spoken by some hotel staff while Urdu, Farsi, Hindi and Tagalog are widely spoken by Oman's large expatriate workforce.