"Sur in the Memory of Postage Stamps" exhibition opens at National Museum

Muscat: In conjunction with the selection of Sur as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2024, the National Museum inaugurated today an exhibition titled "Sur in the Memory of Postage Stamps".

This exhibition offers visitors a historical visual journey through stamps that narrate the rich history and culture of Sur.

The event was inaugurated under the patronage of Dr. Yahya Badr Al Ma’awali, Governor of South A’Sharqiyah, and will continue until 14 November 2024.

The exhibition includes around (16) themes of postage stamps documenting achievements and historical events in Sur. These stamps showcase various aspects of Oman’s rich heritage, and are a special collection owned by Abdullah Said Al Saa’di, a member of Friends of Oman Museums and an Arabic language school subject supervisor in South A’Sharqiyah.

Among the stamps displayed is the 1996 regular issue featuring traditional Omani ships, as Sur is renowned for building traditional ships like the "ghanjah", symbolizing the craftsmanship of its residents in shipbuilding, and playing a remarkable historic role in trade and navigation across the Indian Ocean. Another notable stamp on display is the "Suri Dagger" stamp, issued on 19 March 2001, reflecting the traditional craftsmanship and a symbolism for Sur culture.

The exhibition also includes the "Omani Aflaj" stamp, highlighting sustainable water management, focusing on "Falaj al-Jeela", listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, it features the 2023 " Alphabet of Omani Scripting" stamp, showcasing Oman’s history of writing and documentation, as well as Sur’s prominence as a symbol of maritime civilizations and cultural heritage. The exhibition further includes the "Omani Manuscripts" issue stamp, displaying the manuscript Madin al-Asrar fi Uloom al-Bihar by the Suri navigator Nasser Ali Al Khudouri, illustrating the deep maritime knowledge and traditions of Sur people.

It is worth noting that the National Museum's "Friends of Oman Museums" membership card offers exclusive benefits for its holders in contributing institutions, aiming to enhance the cultural role of museums and provide a rich and unique experience for cardholders.