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History of Oman Oman The Sultanate of Oman rests on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, where the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea meet. Inland, the landscape transforms into the arid, barren expanse of the “Empty Quarter,” typical of the interior of the Arabian Peninsula. This vast area is traditionally inhabited by nomadic Bedouins and intersects with crucial oil and gas pipelines. Oman before Islam Oman stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally, with a history tracing back 10,000 years. Following the Islamic era’s advent in the seventh century AD, Oman witnessed control by various powers such as the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians, who recognized its strategic significance in global trade. This positioning facilitated connections with Persia to the north, India to the east, and Africa to the south, enriching Oman’s cultural and economic landscape through vibrant exchanges. The Ancient History of the Sultanate of Oman Arab immigration to Oman traces back to the ninth century BC, while the conversion to Islam occurred in the seventeenth century. Muscat, the vibrant city, serves as the capital of the geographical region known as the Sultanate of Oman. Throughout its history, Oman faced various denominations, including Portuguese control from 1508 to 1648 AD. Subsequently, the Ottomans took charge, but in 1741 AD, Ahmed bin Said successfully expelled them, establishing rule by his descendants. Sultan Ahmed’s reign saw expansion into North Africa, with Zanzibar briefly serving as the Omani capital until it fell from Omani control in 1861. History of government in Oman Muscat and Oman endured the Persian Empire or Yemeni rulers’ control from the sixth century BC until approximately 1200 years following Islam’s arrival. In 751 AD, they established a local system for appointing clerics as spiritual leaders, which persisted until 1154 AD when the Banu Nabhan dynasty instituted the hereditary rule, reigning for three centuries until 1429 AD. Later, a shift occurred towards an elected imam system, sparking a power struggle between the imam and the ruling king. Portuguese intervention began in 1507 AD when they seized Muscat and its surroundings, extending their dominance to the island of Hormuz. They emerged as the predominant naval power from the Gulf of Oman to southern Africa. However, in the mid-seventeenth century, the Omanis, under Imam Sultan bin Saif, successfully challenged Portuguese control, reclaiming Muscat in 1650 AD. Oman’s independence During the eighteenth century, Oman expanded its influence, occupying territories such as Mombasa, Mogadishu, Zanzibar Island, and Portuguese holdings in East Africa. The first Sultanate was established in Muscat in 1775 AD, marking a significant milestone. Subsequently, in 1798 AD, Britain forged its initial treaty with Muscat, wherein ruler Said bin Sultan became reliant on British support. Following Said bin Sultan’s demise, a succession dispute among his sons ensued, leading to political fragmentation and Muscat’s loss of control over interior regions. In 1920 AD, the Seeb Treaty was signed between Sultan Timur of Muscat and the Imam of Oman, formally acknowledging the Emirate of Oman’s independence under the Sultan’s sovereignty. After the Imam’s passing in 1954 AD, Sultan Said bin Taimur was appointed for succession, marking a transition in Oman’s leadership. Recent history of the Sultanate of Oman Oman has gone through many events recently, including: In 1749 AD, Al Said, the founder of the present-day state, ascended to power in the Sultanate of Oman following a fifty-year struggle for succession, during which the British obtained concessions from Al Said in exchange for supporting his claim to the throne. By 1913 AD, Oman had split into two entities, with religious imams governing the interior regions and sultans ruling Muscat and the coastal areas. Conflicts escalated in the 1950s with the discovery of oil, as the Sultan in Muscat controlled dealings with foreign powers, while the Imams held sway over oil-rich territories. This led to tensions, culminating in the Sultan and his allies gaining control of the interior regions in 1959 AD after a four-year struggle, thereby unifying the coast and interior of Oman. Throughout the twentieth century, Oman experienced frequent conflicts between sultans and imams until 1959 AD, marking the expulsion of the last Ibadi imam from the country. In 1970 AD, a palace coup saw Sultan Said bin Taimur, who had governed since 1932 AD, ousted by his son Qaboos bin Said. Qaboos vowed to institute a modern government and harness the nation’s oil wealth for development. In 1971, Oman joined both the Arab League and the United Nations. The enduring border dispute with Yemen found a resolution in 1992, with both nations agreeing in 1997 to delineate new border maps. In 1997 AD, Sultan Qaboos granted women the right to stand for election to the state advisory body, and in 2003 AD, he extended the right to vote to all citizens aged 21 and above. In conclusion, Oman’s journey through history reflects a tapestry of resilience, adaptation, and cultural richness. From its pre-Islamic roots as a hub of trade and civilization to its modern-day position as a progressive nation in the Arabian Peninsula, Oman has overcome challenges and embraced change while preserving its heritage. As it continues to evolve, Oman stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people and the visionary leadership that has guided its path toward progress and prosperity.