Culture
and Heritage
Culture
If you are someone who has an understanding
and appreciation of history, arts,
architecture and the intricacies
of a civil soceity, Oman is the
place for you. From the ancient
city of Nizwa to the towns along
the coast to the Capital to Salalalah,
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 Ramadhan 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). Ramadhan
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.
Heritage
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 uncganged 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 Bat—with
its tombs dating back 3,000 years,
the Fort of Bahla, and the majestic
Frankincense Route which commences
from Dhofar and includes Al-Blaid;
site of the ancient city of Zafar,
Khawr Rawri, Shisr and Wadi Dukah.
Oman's heritage features a prominent
sea-faring tradition, as one would
expect from a country with 3,165
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.
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