Back in the 3rd millennium BC. the first settlements arose on the coast of modern Oman. In the 1st millennium BC. e. local tribes were conquered by Yemenite tribes.
In the 7th century AD. The territories now occupied by Oman and the United Arab Emirates became part of the Arab Caliphate. Since then, the spread of Islam began in the region. In 751, the Muslim sect of the Kharijites, headed by a spiritual mentor – the imam – proclaimed itself an independent imamate, but after a century and a half, the imamate was again conquered by the caliphs from the Abbasid dynasty. In 1154, representatives of the local Nabhen tribe seized power. Their reign continued until 1428, when the power was again in the hands of the imams.
In 1508, Muscat and the coastal regions of Oman were captured by the Portuguese, but by 1650 the Portuguese were expelled from these lands. At the beginning of the 18th century, a civil war broke out in the Sultanate and the weakened state was conquered by the Persians. In 1744, Sultan Ahmed bin Said was able to liberate Oman from the invaders. In 1792, a struggle for power broke out among the members of the ruling dynasty, and as a result, Oman was divided into three parts: the Imamate of Oman, the Sultanate of Muscat and the so-called “Pirate Coast” (since 1971 – the United Arab Emirates). Check a2zdirectory for old history of Oman.
In the 19th century, during the signing of a number of treaties, the Imamat of Oman and the Sultanate of Muscat fell under the protectorate of Great Britain. By the beginning of the 20th century, anti-English speeches became more frequent in the protectorate, which led to the Oman imamate declaring its independence and a few years later it was nevertheless recognized as an independent state. In the middle of the 20th century, after large oil reserves were discovered in the Buraimi oasis located in Oman, Saudi Arabia presented its claims to this region. In order to avoid the seizure of the territory in 1955, the Sultanate of Muscat, with the support of Great Britain, occupied the Imamate of Oman, and its ruler Said ibn Temur announced the creation of a single Sultanate of Muscat and Oman. However, the unification of the two states took place only in 1970, when Said ibn Temur abdicated in favor of his son Qaboos bin Said. The newly formed state became known as the Sultanate of Oman. The reign of Sultan Qaboos bin Said was marked by the modernization of the political regime and all spheres of the country’s economy. Infrastructure is booming in Oman these days, new roads are being built, state-of-the-art buildings are being built, and more and more mineral deposits are being developed, the trade in which is the country’s main source of income.
USEFUL THINGS
The crime rate in Oman is low. Tourists are advised to carry a copy of their passport with them at all times. Foreigners should also avoid demonstrations. It is not advisable to take pictures of local residents without their consent, police officers, clergy and military installations. Women are not recommended to wear short skirts and sleeveless T-shirts, men – shorts. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque (limited entry is allowed to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat).
The use and distribution of drugs is strictly punishable by law. Drinking alcohol on the street is prohibited. During Ramadan, you can buy alcohol only in hotels with the condition that you will drink it in your room.
Visiting protected areas is possible only with a special permit. Diving enthusiasts are advised to always consult with local dive guides. During diving, it is forbidden to pick up corals and shells from the bottom, as well as trophies from shipwrecks.
