It is difficult for you to access the pages of history without colliding with one of the oldest Arab kingdoms, the Sultanate of Oman. So let me take you with me to discover the folds of Oman's history, from the beginning to the present, throughout its periods of prosperity to collapse and prosperity again.
The Kingdom of Oman was the only Arab monarchy in the past, and the rest were just Emirates. After his mission, the Prophet Muhammad addressed the Kings of the earth, including two Kings from Oman, as Oman was a solid political entity.
Then Oman entered Islam, where the Prophet Muhammad said that the people of Oman believed in him although they had never seen him. The Sultanate of Oman once encompassed all parts of the East African coast. The sheer geography of Oman gave it strength because of its different borders between sea, mountains, and desert
Oman was one of the
oldest Arab countries with a rich and rich history that stretches from its
power to its mountains and endless deserts, a country that combines history,
authenticity, and power at the same time.
The existence of
the Sultanate of Oman dates back to 5000 BC, before the Islamic civilization,
and Oman were known for its trade, especially that of frankincense
The
Portuguese’s Invasion
The Portuguese were keen to take over the area. The Portuguese, noticing the importance of Oman and wanting to protect its Indian sea routes, decided to take it and colonize it for over 100 years.
The colonization of the Portuguese was cruel and violent, with many captives taken, mosques and houses demolished. Local tribes in Oman were able to save their lands and drive out the Portuguese.
The Omani Army is a powerful army that managed to drive out the Portuguese, as many of Omanis managed to burn Portuguese ships through so-called human frogs.
By the time the Omanis were able to expel the Portuguese from the border, leaving only the cities of Muscat and Matrah under colonial rule. Oman had been transformed from a victim of Portuguese colonialism to great power.
For Oman, its
experience of being colonized was not entirely negative. Oman took advantage of
its privileged position and knowledge to seize foreign countries from the
Portuguese and took Iran and Pakistan.
At that time, its territory had expanded, and it had two rulers, the Sultan and the Imam. Sometime after the death of Sultan Said, the region was divided between his two sons, one Sultan of Zanzibar and the other ruler of Oman.
Oman’s
Influence
The first signs of
communication especially the political side between Oman and East Africa were
in the first century AH.
Oman's influence expanded and reached places such as Bahrain, Zanzibar, and Pemba. Imam Saif bin Sultan’s age is considered to be a golden age. Zanzibar was an important area in Oman, so the Sultan of Oman, Said bin Sultan, decided to live there, built palaces, and strengthened the economy.
The Ya'Rubid
Dynasty
The Ya'rubids era in Oman was divided into two periods, the period of
power, which ended in the era of Sultan bin Saif II, and the period of disunity
and weakness that followed.
There was a conflict
in this period between religious scholars and tribal leaders, as well as a
tribal war that featured two leaders, Muhammad bin Nasser Al Ghafri and his
successor, Mubarak Al-Hinawi.
This dispute split Oman into teams Al-Hinawi and Al-Ghafri. During the conflict, the younger Saif bin Sultan engaged a foreign political aide that was a real threat to Oman's stability. He tried to use the Persian states to resolve his internal conflict.
Sudden, Unexpected Invasion
The Persian Empire
took advantage of this and sent soldiers to help, which turned out to be an
army for invasions. Meanwhile, Ahmed bin Said Al Busaidi emerged as the ruler
of Sohar.
Sohar was the first
line facing naval invasions, and Ahmed bin Said, the ruler of Sohar emerged as
the strongest defender against the Persian presence and annihilated the Persian
colonists.
The Omanis agreed that Ahmed bin Said to be their leader and several years later they elected him as the imam of Oman. Ahmed bin Said ruled Oman for almost 34 years and was the first one of the Al Busaidi family that still rules Oman to date. His judgment was not easy, however, as he was always opposed by the Al Qawasim.
British
Takeover of Part of the Coasts
Al Qawasim is a tribe that helped much to get rid of Portuguese occupation. Al Qawasim sawthemselves as a great force and wanted to separate from the rest of Oman. During that time, the rulers were trying to subdue their power.
Al Qawasim attacked
the British ships, so the English attacked them back, but they covered their
real purpose by tricking the imam that they were doing so to bring Al Qawasim
back to Oman's control.
The coasts of Oman, the Al Qasimi, and the sheikhs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, were all under British protection. They were unable to act without the permission of the British government.
Between Power and Weakness
Said bin Sultan tried to increase his influence in the Sahel and East Africa and announced Zanzibar as the second capital of the Omani Empire. The power of the Omani State reached its strongest during the reign of Said bin Sultan.
The British felt threatened by Omani forces and sought to divide it, as the naval fleet of Oman was at that time the second most powerful, after that of the British. Oman's power weakened, and political differences increased, and agreements between Britain and Oman, and its pressure on the emirs led to a deteriorating economic situation
The Reign of
Sultan Qaboos
Sultan Qaboos
finally seized the throne, contributing to the prosperity of the country, and
improving the lives of the people and the economy.
During the time of Sultan bin Qaboos, Oman witnessed the building of the modern Omani state. Sultan Qaboos completely transformed Oman during his reign. Sultan Qaboos had no children, so after his death his cousin, Sultan Haytham, took the rule and appointed his eldest son as heir.
Now Oman faces a significant challenge in imposing its influence and determining its future. Oman has a long story full of achievements and difficulties that are difficult to erase from history.
Written by - Aya Salahzaki
Edited by - Adrija Saha
.jpeg)
0 Comments