2 days ago
MCSY steps up efforts to preserve Oman's oral history
Muscat – Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MCSY) is intensifying efforts to document and publish the country's oral history as part of a strategy to preserve intangible cultural heritage and reinforce national identity. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and aims to promote Omani culture in global forums.
Fahd bin Mahmoud al Rahbi, Head of Oral History Department at the ministry's Literary Forum, said the initiative reflects Oman's commitment to protect its oral traditions and cultural expressions. These include stories, biographies, folk tales, customs, performing arts, traditional crafts and the knowledge systems associated with these.
'Oral history forms an integral part of Oman's intangible cultural heritage. It is a crucial source of historical knowledge, especially in areas not captured by written records,' Rahbi said. 'Our aim is to preserve this history through research, documentation and publication, as well as through public engagement and international cooperation.'
According to Rahbi, Oman's geographical location has historically made it a crossroads of civilisations. This has contributed to the country's rich and diverse cultural heritage. Several elements of Oman's intangible heritage are already inscribed with Unesco, highlighting the global relevance of these preservation efforts.
Since 2006, MCSY has undertaken multiple field projects to record oral history across the governorates and wilayats. Local researchers have worked with elders, artisans and tradition bearers to document narratives, customs and knowledge passed down through generations. Fahd bin Mahmoud al Rahbi
The ministry has published several books as part of this initiative. Notable among these is Omani Traditional Musical Instruments, which documents the styles of Omani music, and Omani Traditional Musical Arts, a comprehensive reference on music and performance arts. Together, these publications offer a detailed record of Omani musical traditions.
Newer works include The Diving Craft in the Popular Traditions of the Batinah Coastal Community by Saeed Abdullah Mubarak al Farsi, which explores the oral traditions associated with coastal livelihoods, and The Craft of Tabsil in South Batinah by Wadha bint Mohammed al Shukaili, which chronicles the history and cultural significance of the palm-based food preservation craft.
MCSY has also supported research on frankincense traditions, culminating in the publication Frankincense and Cultural History, a collaborative project involving multiple Omani scholars.
Another recent work, Radio in the Interior of Oman, by Rana bint Nasser al Abri, explores the development of radio broadcasting in Dakhliyah from the 1940s to the 1980s, viewed through oral narratives. The Bahla Wall: The Wristband of Civilisation by Saeed bin Abdullah al Shaqsi examines the architectural and historical relevance of one of Oman's iconic defensive structures.
'Preserving our oral history is not just about protecting the past,' Rahbi said. 'It is about shaping national identity, supporting cultural diplomacy and preparing for a future that values heritage.'
