Wednesday 11 / December / 2024
Muscat: The recent listing of Jibreen Fort and Omani historian and poet Humaid bin Mohammed bin Ruzaiq in the UNESCO programme for celebrating the 50th or centennial anniversary of the important historic events and personalities having global influence represent a qualitative addition to the Sultanate’s achievements in the intellectual and cultural fields.
The two elements have utmost significance on Oman’s cultural map.
Listing of the Omani cultural and heritage elements whether being material or moral with the UNESCO programme presents the current and upcoming generations with the reality in front of their eyes.
Dr. Sulaiyam bin Mohammed Al Hinai, a researcher in Oman’s history and assistant professor at Nizwa University, said that Oman’s history is rich in cultural elements and Omanis have since long started communicating with other civilisations.
This communication with other civilisations contributed in the creation of diverse heritage and cultures in the Sultanate of Oman, he said pointing to the listing of Omani cultural heritage a big intellectual and cultural significance and sends a message to the world on the rich heritage of the Sultanate of Oman as evidenced in the deep-rooted history.
The listing of the cultural heritage contributes to further advance development in the Sultanate. Oman has listed five scholars in the UNESCO world heritage list, including historian and poet Humaid bin Mohammed bin Ruzaiq in the UNESCO list of evidence for the efforts accorded to acquaint the world with his talent as well as showcasing the Sultanate’s cultural heritage.
Dr. Ahlam bint Hamoud Al Jahwari, a researcher and writer of history and a member of the board of Historical Association of Oman, said that the Sultanate of Oman has remarkably contributed to building human civilisations across history and succeeded through Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, in listing several cultural elements in the various programmes of the UNESCO.
The Sultanate’s achievements in this field could help introduce Omani personalities of international influence (such as Al Khalil bin Ahmed Al Farahidi; Rashid bin Omaira Al Rustaqi; Nooruddin Al Salmi ; Ahmed bin Majid and Ibn Ruzaiq and other personalities) to set an example for others and for further enhancement of the values of loyalty and national identity.
She said that the Sultanate of Oman has set 10 February every year for celebrating the Omani personalities listed with UNESCO. This date coincides with the Sultanate’s joining the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (10 February 1972), she added, pointing to the significance of organising research competitions and local and international seminars dealing with such personalities.
Dr. Badriya bint Mohammed Al Nabhani, a researcher of Oman’s history said that listing the cultural and heritage elements in the UNESCO list would help in preserving this heritage and boosting its cultural value as well as preserving the contributions made by them across history in various fields.
Researcher and writer Younis bin Jamil Al Nuamani said that Oman is known across history with diverse culture as well as diverse topography and environments. He said that Oman is working on preservation of its history and cultural heritage and is working along with the international and regional organisations dealing with the preservation of cultural heritage.
Dr. Salim bin Said Al Busaidi, Associate Professor at Nizwa University, hoped that this listing with the UNESCO programme would open the eyes of our youth to our deep-rooted heritage. “We have to preserve and list our achievements and reflect them in our school curriculums and name the streets in their memory.”
