Jewel of Muscat

Just before it launches I took a look at the Jewel of Muscat, the replica of a 9^th Century West Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea) boat. This is being constructed in Muscat and will sail to Singapore where it will be the focus of a Museum about the Belitung, a wreck full of Chinese merchandise .

The boat is sewn, rather than nailed together, a technique used in Oman until the mid 20^th c .

Jewel of Muscat

The Jewel uses extreme sewing – which in most boats I’ve seen was used for structurally critical parts of a boat. Probably for a long ocean voyage, between Oman and China, every part of the boat would be considered critical.

Rembrandt Exhibition in Muscat

The Rembrandt Exhibition of etchings in Muscat is about half way through its life. Walking through a replica of his rebuilt home in Amsterdam the prints are displayed around the Ballroom wall of the Grand Hyatt .While the entrance adds a touch of drama to a visit – the Ballroom is so large, and the prints so small; that they loose the intimacy that they probably deserve.

Rembrandt Exhibition

Openings and Closings in Muscat

Openings and Closings are happening constantly as Muscat develops. Two this week are of personal interest.

drilling starts in the wadi to Bandar Jissah

Closing shortly is my favourite (and probably many others) beach in Muscat; Bandar Jissah. 23 years of swimming in the bay – around the Island, up and down the peninsulas means that its really been a question of is ‘life a beach ‘ . It’s changed during that time – from a dirt track road access, to tarmac, with small snack bar, toilets etc . Gradually more families made use of it – till at weekends it was overflowing with people relaxing . But its biggest change is now unfolding – into one of Muscat’s innumerable private beach front developments Saraya Al Jissah .

If any one can suggest an alternative swimming beach – please let me know.

the new National Museum

The National Museum’s work is now under way in Muscat. Jasper Jacob, the designer, has been working on this for many years and has been a great companion on journeys through Oman for inspiration. The overall concept is in keeping with the new ‘Mall’ down to the Palace – and will feature halls on regions of Oman and hopefully a Coffee Shop and Gift Shop.

Oman at the Seminar for Arabian Studies

It was good to join the Seminar for Arabian Studies at the British Museum.

Held annually it focuses on the history and archaeology of the Arabian Peninsula . It was especially nice to meet up with Ali Al Mahrouqi on July 23rd, which is Oman’s ‘Renaissance Day’. He was attending on behalf of Oman’s Ministry of National Heritage and Culture and put up a Poster of the project he is working on, including Adam which I enjoyed visiting with him last year.

Ali Al Mahrouqi and his Poster

At this years Seminar I found the overview by Derek Kennet on pre-historical sites in Wadi Andam and also Axelle Rougeulle talking about the first season of excavation at Qalhat very interesting.

Derek Kennet talks about pre-historical sites in Oman

Shah ‘Abbas in London – Sultan Qaboos in Iran

The British Museum’s Great Court

Walking into the Shah ‘Abbas exhibition in the British Museum’s Reading Room was almost a sense of  ‘déjà vu’ as the very English Sir Robert Sherley & wife Teresia gaze down as they did in the Tate’s ‘Lure of the East’ exhibition last year . This time they were not included because of the gorgeous costumes but for Robert Sherley’s role as Persian Ambassador from Shah ‘Abbas to various European Courts . 

A Display Case of Chinese Blue and White

In 2007 President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque which of course has a very Persian flavour to it  with the style of Shah Abbas’s dynasty throughout the interior of the building.

As Sultan Qaboos seems to like Persian art he will enjoy his visit to Iran this month. Perhaps the visit by the Omani Minister of Tourism in May to Homs and other Iranian cities was a build up to this visit - one trusts that the current political uncertainty will not affect His Majesty’s visit.

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As an update – His Majesty’s visit did not take place at the end of June but Sultan Qaboos now should visit Iran during mid-July