Modern Times

“Tears of the Gods,” as frankincense is also called, were responsible for worldwide trade relations, power, and wealth. The resin, weighed against gold, was transported by camels on the frankincense road, the oldest trade route in the world. The first recorded transport of frankincense took place in the tenth century BC when the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon. Trade within Arabia likely developed at this time due to the domestication of the camel since camels could carry heavy loads and go for several days without water, allowing trade routes to traverse barren desert areas as well. The r...

In the Nizwa region, around 100,000 people live, spread across over 40 villages and oases. The city of Nizwa is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable places in Oman. The architecturally unique fort of the city and the many green gardens and extensive palm groves give the city a distinctive and primitive charm and character. The oasis itself is quite historically significant – especially in the 17th century, Nizwa was a thriving center of religion, philosophy, trade, and art. The markets of the city and the various sights in and around Nizwa lead many who have visited Nizwa to speak of a state...

Classically viewed, a Bedouin is a desert dweller who wanders as a nomad through the desert. Historically, nomads generally moved from grazing land to grazing land to ensure the survival of their herds and their respective tribe. The people in the coastal regions of Oman settled down long ago. In the fishing villages and smaller trading ports, people have lived as 'Hadr' for centuries—a term used to describe settled coastal dwellers. The Bedu (the term for desert tribes in Oman), on the other hand, have mostly settled down in recent decades. How many Bedouins are there in Oman? The country i...