الملخص الإنجليزي
The study aims to trace the role of the Maritime Silk Road between
Oman and China and its civilizational impact from the 2nd to the 9th
century AH / 8th to 15th century AD. The study focuses on the stations,
major ports, associated dangers, highlights significant Omani and
Chinese travellers and traders who were involved in it, and the resulting
civilizational effects between the two countries. The study's main problem
is about answering a central question: what are the contributions of the
Maritime Silk Road, Omani and Chinese ports, sailing ships, messengers,
and travellers in establishing political, trade, and civilizational
relationships between Oman and China from the 2nd century AH / 9th AD
to the 8th century AH / 15th AD? The study adopts the descriptive
historical method in tracing the path of the Maritime Silk Road between
Oman and China and its civilizational roles and the comparative approach
in analysing texts from Arabic, Chinese, and English sources.
The study is divided into an introduction, a preface, four chapters,
and a conclusion. Chapter One focuses on the maritime routes and ports
in Oman and China from the 2nd to the 9th century AH / 8th to 15th
century AD. Chapter Two deals with Omani and Chinese ships and
maritime navigation in three sections. Chapter Three discusses Arab and
Omani maritime voyages with China in three sections. Lastly, Chapter
Four explores the aspects of political, trade, and civilizational
relationships between Oman and China in three sections.
The main findings of the study are that the maritime route
significantly shortened distances compared to land routes, were more
secure and more suitable to perishable goods than land routs; Chinese
artistic influences was clear in the decoration of some Omani mosques,
such as the Al Ain Mosque in the region of Manah and the Sawawifah
Mosque in the region of Sinaw; and that the term "Chinese ships" does
not necessarily mean that all the ships originated from China, as some of
them, including Arab ships, were designated for travel to China.
