Frankincense is the very essence of Oman

Muscat: Frankincense is the very essence of Oman.
Today, the Times of Oman invites readers to take an online journey to the land of frankincense, in a special five-chapter online opus.
The stunningly rendered project traces the origins and history of incense, and its uses through the ages. Today, Chapter 1 tells the story of ‘The Tree and Its Gifts’.
In the coming days, readers can also access new chapters, including ‘The Frankincense Trail’,
‘The Blessed Dhofar Region’, ‘6000 Years of History’ and ‘Incense Burning’.
Frankincense, also called olibanum, is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfume. It is obtained by cutting the tree bark of the genus Boswellia, which grows in Arabia, Africa and South Asia.
The English word frankincense is derived from the Old French “franc encens”, meaning superior incense.
Caravan routes were established along the Arabian Peninsula when Mediterranean civilisations discovered, and fell in love with, its aroma. Soon, frankincense became even more expensive than gold, and continued to be priced high until petroleum was discovered in Arabia.
Many experts agree that the finest frankincense is produced by those species of trees native
to Oman.
And we think you’ll agree that the best way to read all about the frankincense story is to go online at http://timesofoman.com/extra/oman_land_of_frankincense/index.html