A colourful new volume dedicated to the Batinah region
By Viju James
JUST over ten years ago, a book called Regards Muscat was launched in the market. The book had a bright vermilion cover and a watercolour of a mosque with blue domes. It was from the Editions Michel Hetier, written by Michele Barrault and translated into English by Nadia Fairbrother. The same trio has now come out with Regards Batinah with credit for photography going to Michel Hetier.
Regards Batinah begins with the opening lines: Batinah — The Very Essence of Oman — No other region in Oman is so close to its geography, geology, history or traditions as Batinah. With these words, Regards Batinah is presented in seven chapters covering history, the economy, the city of Sohar, Batinah South, the forts and wadis of Batinah and Northern Batinah.
JUST over ten years ago, a book called Regards Muscat was launched in the market. The book had a bright vermilion cover and a watercolour of a mosque with blue domes. It was from the Editions Michel Hetier, written by Michele Barrault and translated into English by Nadia Fairbrother. The same trio has now come out with Regards Batinah with credit for photography going to Michel Hetier.
Regards Batinah begins with the opening lines: Batinah — The Very Essence of Oman — No other region in Oman is so close to its geography, geology, history or traditions as Batinah. With these words, Regards Batinah is presented in seven chapters covering history, the economy, the city of Sohar, Batinah South, the forts and wadis of Batinah and Northern Batinah.
A Field Guide to the Plants of Oman
A NEWLY launched book offers fascinating insights into the rich plant diversity of a country that is among the most arid in the Arabian region. A Field Guide to the Plants of Oman was unveiled at a special launch event held at Bait al Baranda recently. It offers nature lovers and plant enthusiasts a refreshing perspective on the Sultanate’s varied plant life, elements of which are also unique to this country.
A Field Guide to the Plants of Oman features 250 species of plant with about 550 full-colour images of plants, celebrating the green heritage of the Oman countryside. Authors Dr Helen Pickering and Dr Annette Patzelt have won praise for their commendable work: “This publication is the result of many months of field trips, sleeping under the stars, being stuck in the sand, long treks in the mountains, cuts, bruises and filthy clothes. I hope people will use it to get to understand the beautiful plants of Oman, on their own adventures in the wadis, mountains and deserts of the country,” the authors stated in a joint statement.
A Field Guide to the Plants of Oman features 250 species of plant with about 550 full-colour images of plants, celebrating the green heritage of the Oman countryside. Authors Dr Helen Pickering and Dr Annette Patzelt have won praise for their commendable work: “This publication is the result of many months of field trips, sleeping under the stars, being stuck in the sand, long treks in the mountains, cuts, bruises and filthy clothes. I hope people will use it to get to understand the beautiful plants of Oman, on their own adventures in the wadis, mountains and deserts of the country,” the authors stated in a joint statement.