Maryam Al Thani -

Posted by Maryam AlThani at Thursday, April 21, 2011 9:47:29 PM EDT
Hi, here's my contribution to the Gulf Encyclopedia project.


Maryam Al Thani
Gulf Societies
Gulf Encyclopedia Project

Oman
Language: The native language of Oman is Arabic. There are two forms of the Arabic language used in Oman: the standard Arabic, and the regional dialect. The standard Arabic is taught in schools and is used during official occasions, and the regional dialect is spoken on a day-to-day basis. The Arabic language is an important aspect of Omani culture, especially when it’s used to recite poetry and compose songs.

Culture and the Individual: Oman’s culture is deeply rooted in its history and heritage. One of the main representations of Omani culture is the local clothing. The national clothing for men is the dishdasha, which is a long, collarless gown. It is usually worn with a muzzar (a type of turban), and a khanjar (a type of dagger). The women wear colorful dresses over sirwals (loose trousers), with jewelry made of gold or silver. The Omani culture was also influenced by Islam, which is depicted in the countries traditional practices during the holy month of Ramadan, as well as during other religious festivities.

Folklore: Folklore is another form of cultural representation in Oman. It is depicted through music, poetry, and storytelling. Omani folklore is divided into three categories: the sea, the desert, and the urban area. One of the popular folklores in the country is Al-Razha, which is performed by men on occasions such as Eid, National Day, and weddings. In 1984, the Omani Centre for Traditional Music was established to preserve the traditional folklores and music, for the benefit of future generations.

Belief in Magic: There are several myths and legends of magic in Oman, especially surrounding the town of Bahla. There are those who believe that the potters of Bahla have ‘magic’ in their fingers, and they can create magically imbued pottery. It is said that magic is still practiced in Bahla. Many Omanis are superstitious about the place and tend to refrain from talking about it.

Museum Studies and National Heritage: There are various institutions that aim to preserve the national heritage in Oman, like the Omani Centre for Traditional Music. Another form of cultural preservation is represented by the Dhow, which is a ship that’s over a hundred years old. Oman has been a seafaring nation throughout its history, so the Dhow is a symbol that serves as a reminder of its national heritage.







Bibliography

- Valeri, Oman Politics and Society in the Qaboos State.
- Al-Kithery, Al-mooseqa al-‘arabiya (book in Arabic).