Seafaring and trade in Oman history
By Aruna Shaji
A replica of medieval time Arab trading ship, the Sohar
Oman's maritime chapter occupies an important niche in the history of Omani civilisation. The sea, which is one of Oman's major natural resources, has sustained the people since the country was first settled. Here, where early civilisation existed at least 6,000 years ago, seafaring became a thing so close to the hearts of the Omani people. Their prowess at sea was known throughout the world.
The Gulf of Oman then was called the 'cradle of navigation'. Navigation began flourishing around 3,000 BC. Archaeological evidence suggests the foundations of Sohar Fort reveal medieval Chinese porcelain, which must have been transported from China in Omani ships. Ancient graves in Oman too contained centuries-old objects imported from far away countries. Omani sailors explored the seas depending on their excellent knowledge of astronomy. The movement of the stars guided these trade routes of 'Magan', the earliest name for Oman. The 48 stars, whose guidance Omanis frequently made use of, for navigational purposes are still identified by their Arabic names. Omanis became highly competent at predicting the weather! Historical records that date back to 4,000 BC contain details of Magan(Omani) ships, shipping wood and spices from India to Mesopotamia and returning with grains, oils, textiles and many other requirements. References to the copper trade from Magan has been mentioned in the manuscripts written during the reign of King Abi Sin who ruled from 2029 to 2006 BC.
Magan that is Oman, had close contacts with countries of Africa, the east and south-east including present day Iran, Pakistan and India, because whether by land or by sea Oman occupied a significant crossroad connecting the country with the other nations. Arabs soon dominated the Silk Route. The first Arab who arrived in China around 750AD was Abu
Obeida bin Abdulla bin Al Qasim, an Omani! Thus Omani seafarers had a long history of being greatly involved in commercial and diplomatic matters with other nations As trading increased some Omanis also began to settle on the Indian and African coasts in order to supply Arabian ships with goods and other commodities of these lands.
The ancient port of Simharun in Oman gradually became the main international sea route between the east and west. The trading routes and sailing skills went hand in hand and developed into a prosperous activity that was well recognised worldwide. Omani traders from Sur profited enormously from these commercial activities. Omanis are not only skillful seafarers but excellent shipbuilders too! In Sur, many of the fishermen were sea-borne for most of their lives and were often called 'Masters of the Sea'. Sur occupied the ideal geographical
position to become the shipbuilding centre in Oman and eventually became the most important centre of civilization on the eastern coasts.
'Bagahalas', 'Ghajars', 'Badan' and 'Sambuqs' or fishing dhows were built in Sur. As long as 700 years ago, ships that prosperously sailed from Oman to China were built with Malabar timbers sewn together with coir sealed with fish oil and sugar. Ships from Sur carried gems, gold and iron from Bombay; ivory, leather, gold and various ores from Africa and spices and timber from Cochin. It was the Arab traders who introduced into Arabia the mathematical achievements of India. Sur provided wood, gems and metals from these ports around the Indian Ocean to countries like Persia, Mesopotamia, the Mediterranean countries and Europe.
Consequently, commercial contact with Omani traders impressed other ports like Serendip, Lakshadweep, Maldives, Cochin and the eastern coasts of Africa to embrace Islam. And down the ages Muscat still remains one of the most spectacular harbours in the world. The government of Oman, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos gives full support and encouragement to the ancient art of shipbuilding in Sur. In 1980 Tim Severin, a British explorer, built a replica of the ancient traditional Omani ship with the help of the Sultanate's support. It was called 'Sohar', and it set sail on a successful voyage to far off Canton. This 'Sindbad Voyage' is recorded to the last detail in his most interesting book, The Sindbad Voyage.
Oman Observer 17th February 2002
