English abstract
Since the first edition of this book which came out at quite an early stage of the
glorious Renaissance of Oman, many important events have taken place which
aptly go to foster the historical significance of the Sultanate.
It is, therefore, only fair to publish a glimpse, howsoever brief, of one or two of
such events which have a close relation with Oman›s seafaring.
As written somewhere in this book, Oman was the first Arab country to send an
envoy to the United States of America: Al Haj Ahmad bin Na›aman al Ka›abi who
arrived at New York in April 1840 in an Omani ship. The Ministry of National
Heritage and Culture took pride to celebrate the 150th anniversary of this
historical event, and the American government equally valued the anniversary
and extended fruitful and effective co-operation towards the celebration which
was patronised by the Ministry of National Heritage & Culture.
Among other topics this book tells us of the role played by the city of Sohar in the
external relations of Oman, particularly in the field of trade with China.
It is also said that Sindbad the Sailor, started his legendary voyage to Canton
from this Omani port city. This unique incident was cleverly picked upon by the
Ministry of National Heritage & Culture, and in 1980 one of the highlights of the
10th Anniversary of the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to power was a
ship Sohar going from Oman to China.
Sohar was built in Oman exactly on the same pattern as the wooden ships in the
medieval ages; no iron nails were used, the wood planks were joined by ropes
made from coconut fibres. No compass, no modern gadgets were employed. The
Captain depended on the old method: the stars to guide him.
The aforementioned are not the only events of significance, there are a number
of similar deliberations worth recording, but these two events can stand witness
to the high degree of awareness that persists with the ruling elite of the enviable
position held by the Omani navigators over the history of international maritime
navigation.
