History of Oman

Sultanate of Oman located in Southwest Asia, surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and the UAE. It covers a total land area of approximately 300,000 sq km. The land area is composed of varying topographic features such as valleys and desert, mountain ranges and the coastal plain.

The country has a rich histoiry which can be dated back to 6th Century. Read on to know the transofrmation of Oman from being a territorial region to the Sultanate of Oman.

Oman: From 6th Century BC To 17th Century AD

Oman, located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, has remained a favourite destination of the traders from the pre-Islamic era itself. The merchants were able to maintain trade relations with Persia, India and Africa, lying on the north, east and south of Oman respectively, via the long stretching island that offered the advantage of not requiring to sail far from the land. This coastal stretch, along with the coastal stretch of Muscat, which is located just around the corner, is of significant value to this Arab territory.

Oman had been under the rule of either the Persian Empire or the neighbour, Yemen, from about 6th century BC till Islam made its way, which was after 1200 years. During the 7th century AD, the caliphs of Medina gained power over Oman along with the rest of the Arab nations.

However, it is only another century before Oman evolved its own local system. From 751 AD, Oman chose the imams, who ruled the region as spiritual leaders. This elective theocracy persisted for an amazingly long span of four centuries - until 1154 AD. But, then Banu Nabhan gained the power and established his dynasty, paving way for the territory to be ruled by his heirs.

The Nabhanite dynasty remained powerful in Oman for about three centuries, up to 1429, after which its authority was once again challenged by a chosen imam. The fight between imam and hereditary king or sultan from this time became a very significant feature in the history of Oman.

The early 16th century saw yet another ‘contestant’ in the scene, which were the Portuguese who had opened up their trade route to India. The Portuguese started venturing into the Gulf of Oman during 1507 and established their control over Muscat as well as neighbouring regions. Once they gained more power and strength, they attacked the island of Hormuz and captured it, becoming a permanent occupying force there.

The Portuguese remained in power in Oman for the rest of the century, but slowly started retreating after the Omanis gave them a tough answer by fighting back from the mid of 17th century. The then imam, Sultan bin Saif, re-establishes his power in Muscat during 1650.

Oman & Zanzibar – 1698 AD To 1856 AD

During the 1690s, when Saif bin Sultan was the Omani imam, the fight with the Portuguese was carried down the east African coast. Even though the Omanis had recaptured a major portion from the Portuguese, they had to face a major hurdle from Fort Jesus, which had been used as a port by the Portuguese at Mombasa. Saif was able to gain power over the Fort in 1698, after putting up a fight for almost two long years.

This victory empowered the people of Oman to eliminate the Portuguese power completely from Zanzibar as well as other coastal areas located to the north of Mozambique.

Zanzibar, located in the east African cost, had been a precious slave market for the Portuguese. Very soon, it became a significant part of the Omani empire. It was such an important part that the Sultan who ruled Oman during the 19th Century, Sa’id ibn Sultan, made Zanzibar his abode.

The picturesque garden and impressive palaces which can now be seen in this place were developed under the eye of Sa’id. He has also played a vital role in the growth of the economy of this place by introducing sugar, cloves and indigo. But, he suffered huge financial blows after he tried to put an end to the slave trade with the help of the British.

The relation between Zanzibar and Oman came to a standstill after Sa’id passed away in 1856. The rivalry which was prevailing between his two sons was resolved amicably by the adequate intervention of the British. While Majid gained power over Zanzibar and other regions located in the east African coast, Thuwaini chose to rule Oman and Muscat.

The Sultanate of Oman: Till Present

From that time till now, Oman has remained under the control of Thuwaini. Even though this dynasty is quite old, it was formally established during the 18th century by Ahamd bin Said al Busaidi, the ancestor of Thuwaini. Chosen as the imam in 1741, he was succeeded by his son in 1775. From then on, the imams who ruled Oman were the descendants of this dynasty.

From 1798 the sultans started enjoying the support of the British, who transferred Oman into a protectorate. The source of power of the imams lay among the tribes who were present in interior Oman at Nizwa. These tribal leaders used to launch attacks on the sultans from time to time. So, in 1920, the Omani sultans took the help of the British by negotiating the treaty of Al-Sib. This empowered the sultans to gain absolute power over the Nizwa region.

But that was not the end. During the 1950s, the imams and the powerful tribal leaders along with the help of Saudi Arabia started rebelling for the independence of Nizwa, which again was suppressed by the Sultans and the British in 1959. But the worst was yet to come. During 1960s, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman, a Marxist guerrilla movement, started emerging slowly in the mountain regions of Dhofar.

They slowly started succeeding in their attempt, there by posing a grave threat to the entire region. In 1970, Qaboos bin Sa'id, a Sandhurst-trained officer and the son of the then Sultan, Sa'id bin Taymur, took over the power. He, along with the British, Iranian and Jordanian troops, was able to restrict the PFLO activities by 1975.

Oman had started utilizing its currents source of wealth only from that time when Qaboos was expelled. In 1967, the national petroleum company joined hands with Shell for exporting oil across the world.

The northern extremity of Oman, known as the Musandam Peninsula, is strategically situated on Strait of Hormuz, which acts as an entry to the Gulf, and is located at 35 miles opposite of Iran. Oman is concerned with regional stability and security, given tensions in the region, the proximity of Iran and Iraq, and the potential threat of political Islam.

The diplomatic relationship it shared with Iraq had been visible during the 1990-91 Gulf war, at the same time offering support to the UN allies by offering troops to join the coalition forces. Moreover, since the US and Oman had signed the military cooperation agreement in 1980, which was renewed in 2000, Oman has been playing a vital role for establishing peace in the Middle East.

Omani Government had offered impressive support to the U.S.-led coalition against terrorism, after the US was subjected to terrorist attacks in September 2001. Oman is a signatory of most UN-sponsored anti-terrorism treaties.

Oman showcases a passion for continuous development and its people are enjoying the fruits of modernity, at the same time striving to preserve its heritage and tradition.

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