Muscat:
The National Museum has opened the exhibition “Wilayat Sur in the Memory of Postage Stamps,” running in Muscat until 14 November 2024. The exhibition, launched in conjunction with Sur’s selection as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2024, presents a unique historical and visual journey of Sur’s culture and achievements, as documented through postage stamps.
The event was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr Yahya bin Badr Al Maawali, Governor of South Al Sharqiyah. Featuring 16 collections of postage stamps, the exhibition showcases milestones in Sur’s rich history, including traditional crafts, maritime heritage, and iconic symbols, many of which come from the personal collection of Abdullah bin Saeed Al Saadi, a passionate philatelist and member of the Friends of Oman Museums.
Among the highlights are the 1996 stamp series dedicated to Omani ships, spotlighting Sur’s renowned shipbuilding tradition, particularly the “Ghanja” vessels that played a vital role in Indian Ocean trade. Other notable displays include the “Al Khanjar Al Souri” stamp from 2001, capturing the craftsmanship of the Sur dagger, and the 2023 “Omani Writing Alphabet” stamp, underscoring Oman’s legacy in maritime navigation and cultural heritage. The “Omani Falaj” stamp also pays tribute to the art of water management, featuring Falaj Al Jila, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The exhibition further includes rare manuscripts, such as “The Mineral of Secrets in Marine Sciences” by Omani navigator Nasser bin Ali Al Khadhuri, illustrating the deep maritime knowledge of the people of Sur.
Dr Fatima bint Mohammed Al Balushi, Director General of Museum Affairs at the National Museum, spoke at the opening ceremony, emphasising the role of postage stamps in connecting Oman’s history to the world. “Each stamp carries a story of its own era,” she noted, “and we are delighted to share this curated collection from Abdullah Al Saadi, whose stamps mark the rich history of Sur.”
Al Balushi also highlighted the “Friends of Oman Museums” membership, offering exclusive benefits such as free entry to museum events and training opportunities, aimed at enhancing public engagement with Oman’s cultural heritage.
Speaking on behalf of Oman Post, Al Saadi described how stamps serve as “ambassadors” of Oman’s history, adding, “Oman Post narrates our journey, highlighting our achievements and cultural beauty.” He explained that the idea for this exhibition arose from the stamps Oman Post issued to honour Sur, showcasing the landmarks and heritage of this historic region.
With its carefully curated displays, the National Museum’s latest exhibition invites visitors to experience Oman’s story through the lens of postage stamps, reflecting the country’s enduring maritime legacy and its cultural evolution.
