27-02-2025
Symposium documents Omani astronomical heritage
Muscat, Feb 27
As part of the efforts to preserve and document Omani heritage, the National Museum hosted the "National Symposium to Document the Omani Astronomical Heritage" on Thursday.
The symposium was organised by the Oman Astronomical Society under the auspices of Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and was attended by researchers and individuals interested in Omani astronomical heritage.
The symposium aimed to bring together specialists and enthusiasts from various scientific disciplines to exchange knowledge and experiences on documenting the Omani astronomical heritage. This heritage reflects the profound understanding of our ancestors regarding the movement of stars and planets, and its significance in agriculture, fishing, navigation and weather forecasting. The symposium emphasised educating future generations about this heritage as it is an integral part of Oman's identity throughout history.
Dr Ishaq bin Yahya al Shueili, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Astronomical Society, stated that the Omani astronomical heritage showcases Oman's rich scientific legacy that organised the lives of our ancestors. He emphasised that preserving this heritage is crucial for strengthening national identity and utilising it in modern astronomical studies in alignment with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 which promotes scientific research and innovation.
He announced the launch of the National Initiative to Document the Omani Astronomical Heritage. This initiative aims to collect and document traditional astronomical knowledge and highlight Omanis' contributions in this field. It seeks to bridge the past with the present and future, recognising the diminishing sources documenting this heritage over time.
The symposium featured three scientific sessions where researchers presented research papers on various aspects of Omani astronomical heritage. Topics included the distribution of aflaj water by stars and zodiac signs, astronomical patterns in water resources management, fishing seasons and sea strikes among Omanis, and agricultural astronomical heritage in the village of Sarfait in Dhofar Governorate.
Recommendations from the symposium included emphasising the importance of the national initiative to document Omani astronomical heritage, widely publishing related research, integrating Omani astronomical heritage into school curricula to enhance astronomical awareness among future generations, and bolstering Oman's position in the international astronomical community.
The Oman Society of Astronomy and Space, established on June 7, 2008, is a scientific and voluntary non-profit organisation dedicated to studying astronomy and space sciences in the Sultanate of Oman. The society brings together enthusiasts in these fields to exchange knowledge, observe significant astronomical events, educate the public, promote astronomy and space sciences in educational institutions and integrate these sciences within the community.
