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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”. |
