Memories of Mutrah, Oman (eBook)

'Memories of Mutrah, Oman: Fishing Village to Vibrant City' brings forth the fishing background of the villages of Sur on the East Coast of Oman, and Mutrah. Sur is where the trading ships from India would sail to during the monsoon season before sailing onto Zanzibar on the East Coast of Africa. Fishing was always the lifeline for local inhabitants along the coast of Oman. Today fishing is still a main export as freezer loads are driven daily from villages to Dubai to sell. A wadi forms the main alleyway of the market area known as Mutrah Souq. Dating as far back as 600 years the local inhabitants have gathered here to exchange news, reflect on the health of their families, and purchase food and living requirements from this traditional marketplace. The first shops were built in the souq around 300 years ago. They were small with shelves for displaying goods and had no roof. The souq was a functional souq back then. Shops sold rat traps, brushes, ropes, foodstuffs, and fish along with traditional Omani fabrics from India. Today, Mutrah is a vibrant city, still catering to the local population as it has over the centuries while retaining the feel of a small fishing village. On the arrival of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Al Said in Muscat in July 1970, the development plans of his father were put forward making Muscat the capital. He also set out plans for his 'Muscat Capital Area' consisting of joining Mutrah and the main port area to Muscat via a corniche. Mutrah is also a popular tourist destination offering the wonders of a traditional souq along with a new fish and vegetable market complex, featuring restaurants and cafés. The Mutrah Fort has undergone renovations allowing visitors to walk up the many steps and take in the scenic view over the port and Mutrah city.

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"e;Memories of Mutrah, Oman: Fishing Village to Vibrant City"e; relates to the memories of the merchants of Mutrah souq, their family life, and history as passed down from generation to generation. They tell of the good and the not-so-good times. Mutrah was a happy, lively place where the local inhabitants would gather to exchange news, reflect on the health of their families, and to purchase food and living requirements from this 600-year-old traditional marketplace. Their purchases were made from large wheelbarrows with a tray, these would move around to different locations each day. The lifeline for the small villages was fishing and trading dates. Many families from the coastal towns of Sur and Mutrah were traders, trading with the monsoons from India to Sur and onwards to Zanzibar in East Africa. Fathers would take their young sons along teaching them the maritime and navigation trade. Two of these sons are now Oman's top Entrepreneurs and visionaries, each heading a business empire. Today, Mutrah is a vibrant city still providing for the people as it has over the centuries while retaining the feel of a small fishing village with an active fish market and a very popular souq. On the arrival of Sultan Qaboos in Muscat in 1970, the development plans of his father were put forward, making Muscat the capital. He also set out plans for his 'Muscat Capital Area' consisting of joining Mutrah and the main port area to Muscat via a corniche, built with cement imported from India. Port Sultan Qaboos is a tourism port, welcoming the many cruise ships that visit Oman during the main tourist season from October to March. Mutrah Souq sells original artifacts of silver jewelry, fabrics, khanjars (ceremonial swords), frankincense, perfumes, and basic kitchenware. Original Omani designs in silver and gold still exist and feature an Omani imprint, proving their authenticity. The late Sultan Qaboos bin Al Said brought the whole country into the twenty-first century by providing healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure for all. As a center of trade, Mutrah has always been a melting pot of nationalities and cultures, making this city unique.