national records and archives permanent exhibitionthe indian ocean, after the british navy. there...
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National Records & Archives Permanent Exhibition 1
National Records and Archives
Permanent Exhibition
National Records & Archives Permanent Exhibition2
National Records and Archives
Permanent Exhibition
National Records & Archives Permanent Exhibition4
Bank Muscat(Main Branch)
Sultan Qaboos St
towards Bawshar
towards Bawshar
Muscat Expy Ghala
Intersection
HayaWater
Grand Mosqne St
Ministry ofManpower
Ministry ofHigher Education
D.G DirectorateGeneral of Tra�c
Seeb
Seeb
Intersection Airport
Muscat Intersection
Intersection College ofEngineering & Managemaent
Ministry of LegalA�airs
Illustrative Mapof the Exhibition Site
National Records & Archives Permanent Exhibition 5
Sultan Qaboos St
Working HoursMuscat Expy
towards Seeb
towards Seeb
Bawshar
Bawshar
National Records & Archives
Permanet Exhibition Map
Inquiry: 24130337
Sun to Thu
8am to 2pm
Grand Mosqne St
Sultan QaboosGrand Masqne
(Bawshar)
Public Authorityof Manpower Register
Sat
9am to 4pm
OmanL.N.G
National Records &
Archives Authority
Al Maha
Petrol Station
National Records & ArchivesPermanet Exhibition
National Records & Archives Permanent Exhibition 7
Oman enjoys a very strong and prominent history; one that dates back hundreds of years. The indings of the archaeological expeditions that have taken place during the past three decades are a great testimony to this fact.
Human civilization in Oman dates back to 10,000 BC. There are several sites where human settlements have been discovered in varied locations along the coast, in wadis and at the foot of the mountains. This, of course, helps to reafirm that Oman has been a popular place for humans to reside for years. The beauty, that we enjoy here today, was also an attractive factor to our ancestors.
Historical studies conducted in Oman revealed some interesting facts about relationships between ancient Omanis and ancient oriental civilizations in places like China, India and Mesopotamia. Also, ancient Omanis established close relations with the Mediterranean, the Nile Valley and North African tribes.
When the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him), Omanis embraced Islam with open arms and accepted it as their primary religion.
Oman has been independent throughout history, whilst also managing to maintain a political autonomy during the Umayyad and Abbasid rule. There have been certain periods when the country became under target of foreign aggression; however, Omanis continued to demonstrate their irm cultural roles spreading Islam amongst the people they encountered.
The Nabhani rule lasted for ive centuries during which the presence of Omani culture and inluence remained strong.
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Later on, when the Yarubi dynasty reigned, with Imam Nasser bin Murshid al Yarubi, as the leader, Omanis were able to make the country even more united. This strong unity helped to eliminate the foreign aggression which had previously posed as a threat. Prime waterways that linked the Arabian Gulf region with Asia and Africa were also reclaimed under the rule of Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yarubi. His powerful rulership also expelled foreign forces, not onle from Oman, but also from East Africa. This helped to ensure that the country became more civilized and, of course, a safe and peaceful place. The strong unity and irm beliefs, in fact, shielded the country and helped to protect from and expel foreign forces.
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Later on, after the Yarubi Dynasty, came the Busaidi dynasty which was founded by Imam Ahmed bin Said al Busaidi. He too played a pioneering role in protecting Oman and continued to make sure that the country was defended from foreign aggressions. Iman Ahmed was so powerful that the Ottoman Sultan asked him for help, and together they successfully liberated Basra.
Omani civilization continued to lourish under the Busaidi Imams and Sultans who together established a vast empire extending all the way to East Africa, with very strong maritime power. During the reign of Sultan Said bin Sultan, the Omani naval leet was the most powerful and largest leet in the Indian Ocean, after the British navy. There were ships carrying tens of canons onboard.
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National Records and Archives Permanent ExhibitionOman enjoys a glorious history and a great civilization. So much so that the glory the country saw, became a legacy that needed to be shared with the world. Hence, NRAA has established the Permanent Exhibition. The display of these archives was done in order to introduce visitors of the great history of
Oman.
The history of Oman has not only been narrated on paper, but long ago it was carved out on stones during the Sumerian
and Akkad times. Back then it was drawn on internationally recognized maps, depicted on currencies and stamps, and
documented in international media. The country has also been featured in lots of photographs and ilms as well.
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This Exhibition contains several hallways. All of these halls help to draw the attention of the visitors to two dimensions. The irst dimension, offers a synopsis about the ancient history of Oman. The second one helps to highlight how Omanis were able to document their history on paper and rocks, and gradually accumulating all of these into archives that are in the hands of NRAA. Today, NRAA is responsible for organizing the records that tell the history of Oman and build the national memory of this glorious country for future generations.
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Reception hall contains two glass boxes; one of which displays tools that were used for writing in the past. The other relects a stone artifact that showcases the importance of documentation for our ancestors.
Reception Hall
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This hall displays the history of documentation around the
world. Ancient civilizations started documentation by carving on rock.
The visitor of this hall will see the story of how modern civilizations started to document the history,
highlighting the importance of documenting history of nations.
NRAA is the leading body in the Sultanate of Oman that is taking the responsibilty of this noble job.
History of Documentation
Hall
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Oman Throughout History HallOman Throughout History Hall showcases an interesting brief of the history of Omanis since
the stone ages up to the current
time. The hall sheds light on the accomplishments that have been achieved throughout different
historical periods, right up until the seventies when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos took over and pioneered the renaissance of Oman. This hall also features the glorious civilization that Omanis established in East Africa, which still remains to tell the coming generations about
the Omani civilization that spread everywhere.
on
National Records & Archives Permanent Exhibition 19National Records & Archives Permanent Exhibition 19
National Records & Archives Permanent Exhibition20
Maps, Drawings,
Newspaper Clippings and
Photographs Corner
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This corner displays several maps that relect the extension of the Omani Empire throughout history. There are also drawings and newspaper clippings covering the interesting history and quality of life in Oman and Zanzibar.
National Records & Archives Permanent Exhibition22
Coins and StampsCorner
This corner displays samples of coins and stamps that document certain
incidents and notable events in the history of Oman. It also demonstrates the progression of Omani currency
which includes a silver dirham that was minted in the Sultanate of Oman between 581 to 700 A.D. The coin bears the name of Oman and
is the oldest documented coin that contains the name of Oman. It is also the oldest coin ever to be found in the Arab Peninsula.
National Records & Archives Permanent Exhibition24
InternationalRelations Corner
This section showcases
records referring to the
diplomatic and friendly
relations that Oman has
maintained with Zanzibar
and the rest of the world.
Omani Imams and Sultans
made great exchanges
with other heads of
States. These exchanges
included gifts and medals.
They also concluded
treaties and agreements
with foreign presidents
and ambassadors.
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On this table, there are an array of records, photographs and samples of Omani manuscripts in different ields. All of which have been arranged according to an archival classiication scheme.
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The pillars of the Permanent Exhibition are heavily decorated with sermon scripts and poems
which have been written and delivered by Omanis at certain occasions and
functions.
Sermons
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Glass Boxes
These boxes display original records. The idea behind this
concept is to show visitors the Omani records in their original natural form. This, of course, will allow visitors to appreciate the beauty of the inscriptions
and the types of paper and ink
that were used to craft them.
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His Majesty Sultan QaboosHall
This hall presents a ilm on the biography of His Majesty and the
blessed Renaissance of Oman. The ilm features interesting records and old photographs.
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This hall offers visitors with a chance to watch a short ilm about the achievements of NRAA and its role in preserving the national memory for the beneit of the researchers and visitors.
The journey has already started to establish a modern system for managing documents and records in
government institutions and implementing internationally recognized standards and speciications.
National Records & Archives Permanent Exhibition36
2413031224130337For inquiry
Working Hours
Sat8:30am to 3:00pm 8am to 2:30pm
Sun to Thu