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In this gallery, you will journey back in time to explore the fascinating history of Muscat, the capital city of Oman. With a trading and seafaring legacy that spans centuries, Muscat has played a pivotal role in the history of the region. This gallery showcases a diverse collection of rare paintings, maps, and documents that illustrate the city’s rich history, providing a unique insight into Muscat’s past. Through these artifacts, you will discover the city’s evolution and development, from its early roots to its emergence as a bustling trade hub.
This 18th-century celestial globe on display is a remarkable artifact that offers a rare glimpse into the astronomical knowledge and expertise of the time. The globe is made of brass and features intricate engravings of stars, constellations, and the celestial equator and ecliptic. Celestial globes were crucial tools for astronomers and navigators, allowing them to map the stars and plan their voyages accurately.
Did you know?
The celestial globe was also used for time-keeping purposes, as it could be used to track the movement of stars and planets in the night sky.
The exhibit on display is very rare and is one of less than 20 pieces recorded in the world.
This intricate instrument was used to determine the position of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. Made of brass, it consists of a circular plate called the “mater” that is divided into degrees and marked with the positions of celestial bodies. Mounted on a rotating arm called the “rule,” the astrolabe can be adjusted to take into account the date and time of observation. Did you know? The astrolabe was a remarkable instrument that had many applications, ranging from astrological and astronomical to religious, seasonal, and daily timekeeping. The device was used to inform intellectual practices and precise calculations based on astronomical observations. It was also used to determine Islamic prayer times, the direction of Mecca towards which Muslims must pray, and the lunar calendar that informs the dates of important religious observances such as Ramadan. The astrolabe was a valuable tool in folk astronomy and in making celestial and seasonal observations. Its many functions made it an essential instrument for scientists, navigators, and scholars. |
The blue whale bones on display are from a specimen that was found washed up on a local beach. The bones were carefully cleaned and prepared for display. The bones give a sense of the immense size of the animal and the complexity of its anatomy.
As Oman is located on the migratory path of blue whales, they are occasionally spotted in the waters surrounding the country.
Did you know?
The blue whale is not only a symbol of the ocean’s grandeur but also a threatened species. In fact, Oman is a critical location for the survival of the Arabian Sea blue whale population, which is estimated to be less than 100 individuals.
These bones are a reminder of the importance of conservation and the need to protect this magnificent species from extinction.
This meteorite (named after the location it fell in Ghubara in the Wusta region of Oman) is a piece of the early solar system, and it was formed around 4.5 billion years ago. The Ghubara meteorite is a chondrite meteorite, which means that it is made mostly of small spherical particles called chondrites.
The Ghubara meteorite is significant in the scientific community because it provides researchers with a glimpse into the formation of our solar system. Studying these primitive materials from the early solar system can help us understand how the planets and other celestial bodies formed over 4.6 billion years ago. Visitors can see the chondrites, and the different rock fragments that compose it.
Did you know?
Ghubara is a piece of meteorite history. Together with the L6 chondrite Tarfa it was the first meteorite ever discovered in Oman. (1954)
The catapult projectile on display is a fascinating artifact from ancient warfare. The ball was used as a projectile for a catapult, a siege engine used to launch projectiles over walls and into fortifications.
This particular ball is made of granite and is around 20 cm in diameter, it was used to cause damage and destruction to the enemy’s fortifications. The weight of this ball is estimated to be around 20-30 kg, giving an idea of the force and power behind the launch of these projectiles.
Catapults were used extensively in ancient warfare and were considered to be one of the most powerful siege engines of their time. They were used by armies to attack fortified cities and castles, and were capable of launching projectiles over great distances.
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Interestingly, Oman has a rich history of using siege engines in warfare. The strategic location of Oman at the mouth of the Persian Gulf made it a valuable target for invading armies throughout history. Siege engines like the catapult were essential for both defense and attack during these conflicts, making this artifact an important reminder of Oman’s military history.
The rifle on display dates back to the late 19th century. It was used by the British Empire during their colonial campaigns. The rifle’s design incorporated the best features of both the Martini and Henry rifles, making it a reliable and powerful weapon.
During the time of the rifle’s use, Muscat was a significant hub for the production and trade of weapons in the region. The skilled craftsmen in Muscat were renowned for their intricate and beautiful designs on weapons, often incorporating precious metals and jewels. These decorations not only served as a symbol of wealth and status but also had practical purposes, as they could help to identify the owner of the weapon in battle.
Did you know?
The Martini-Henry rifle has an interesting variation called the Martini Muscat, manufactured by Auguste Francotte in Belgium. It is a variation of the Martini Henry cavalry carbine, and Francotte acted as the contractor for a number of smaller Liege gun makers, assembling and inspecting them for the contract, as well as manufacturing some in his own plant. Eventually, these businesses formed into an organization that we now know as Fabrique Nationale or FN.
A number of these Muscat carbines were sold to the Sultan of Oman around 1906, and the story goes that they were used to arm his Camel Corps. These carbines have undoubtedly seen action in numerous conflicts and have had a great adventure throughout their long history.
The Lee-Enfield SMLE rifle on display was the primary rifle used by the British Army during World War I and continued to be used through World War II and beyond. The Lee-Enfield SMLE, or Short Magazine Lee-Enfield, was first introduced in 1904. It quickly became known for its reliability and accuracy, making it a favorite among soldiers. Its short magazine allowed for quick reloading, making it an effective weapon in combat.
During World War I, the Lee-Enfield SMLE played a crucial role in many of the major battles, including the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Ypres. It continued to be used in conflicts throughout the 20th century, including the Korean War and the Falklands War.
The Lee-Enfield SMLE was also widely used by the British Empire and its colonies, it also played a significant role in Oman’s military history and was used by the Sultan’s Armed Forces during the early 20th century.
Did you know?
One interesting fact about the Lee-Enfield SMLE is that it was designed to be used by both left- and right-handed soldiers. This was achieved by the rifle’s bolt action, which could be easily swapped to the other side of the rifle.
The Mle 1874 Gras carbine, along with other notable military firearms, embarked on a fascinating journey to Africa and the Middle East. Exported to regions such as Djibouti and Oman, these rifles witnessed a tumultuous history, transitioning from surplus military weapons to commercial use.
One innovative aspect of the Gras carbine was its design. As the first French rifle to employ a metallic cartridge, it marked a significant leap from its predecessor, the Chassepot, which used a paper cartridge. This design innovation signified a substantial advancement in firearm technology during its time.
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Did you know that Muscat was once the main hub for arms trading in the Gulf region? This trade was orchestrated by Antoine Goguyer, a French arms dealer who managed his operations from a warehouse in old Muscat. Despite regulations forbidding such activities in various regions, the steady flow of arms into Muscat was unimpeded. These weapons found their way across Persia, reaching as far as Baluchistan and northwards into Afghanistan, significantly influencing power dynamics at both local and regional levels. In a fascinating twist, Goguyer assimilated into the local culture and later converted to Islam and took on the name Ibrahim Gogo, eventually marrying an Omani woman.
Oman’s extensive coastline, stretching over 3,000 kilometers and located at the crossroads of three seas – the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean – is home to a diverse and unique collection of marine life. Oman’s seas are home to a variety of seashells, ranging from the common to the rare and exotic.
Did you know?
Oman’s coastal waters, particularly around the Dhofar region, host an exceptional variety of cowrie shells, including the Arabian Cowrie (Mauritia Arabica). These vibrant and glossy shells have been valued as currency, jewelry, and decorative items across various cultures throughout history.