Muscat history

The history of Oman and its capital, the city of Muscat, is rooted in deep antiquity. Settlements in this territory existed for several millennia BC, and the first written mentions of the city appear in the 1st century AD. The Greek geographer Ptolemy called it the "Hidden Port" (Cryptus Portus), emphasising its convenient and protected location. Growing from a small fishing village, Muscat began to transform into a significant trading centre from the 9th century, playing a key role in maritime trade between Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Muscat owes its growth and prosperity to several key factors. Firstly, its strategic position in a natural harbour on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, reliably protected by rocky mountains, made it a safe anchorage for ships. Secondly, the city was an important hub on the "Incense Route" and a major market for the trade of pearls, dates, and spices, attracting merchants from all over the world. Finally, its political history was eventful: in the 16th century, the city was captured by the Portuguese, who built the famous forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani. However, in the mid-17th century, Omani rulers from the Yaruba dynasty expelled the invaders and made Muscat the capital of a powerful maritime empire whose influence extended to the shores of Africa.

Since ancient times, Muscat has been a true melting pot of cultures. Arab, Persian, Indian, African, and even Portuguese influences can still be traced in its architecture, traditions, and cuisine. The city's economy was based on shipbuilding, fishing, and international trade. Local shipyards were famous for building traditional Arab dhow vessels, while bustling markets offered goods from around the world, forming the unique and colourful character of this metropolis on the Arabian Peninsula.

Key Milestones in the History of Muscat

• 1st Century AD — The first written mentions appear of a port settlement on the site of modern Muscat, which the Greek geographer Ptolemy called the "Hidden Port" (Cryptus Portus).
• 7th Century — The inhabitants of the region embrace Islam, contributing to the growth of Muscat as a trade and scientific centre.
• 1330 — The famous traveller Ibn Battuta visits and describes Muscat as a "small settlement".
• 1507 — The Portuguese fleet under the command of Afonso de Albuquerque captures the city, beginning a nearly 150-year period of Portuguese rule.
• 1649–1650 — Imam Sultan bin Saif of the Yaruba dynasty successfully recaptures Muscat, expelling the Portuguese and initiating the city's transformation into the capital of a powerful maritime empire.
• 1744 — Imam Ahmed bin Said comes to power, founding the ruling Al Said dynasty, which governs Oman to this day.
• 1891 — The Sultanate of Muscat and Oman becomes a protectorate of the British Empire while retaining internal self-government.
• 1970 — Sultan Qaboos bin Said ascends to the throne and launches a massive modernisation programme known as the "Omani Renaissance", which radically transforms Muscat and the entire country.
• 1971 — Under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos, Oman joins the UN and the Arab League, strengthening its position on the international stage.
• 2001 — The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque opens, becoming one of the most impressive architectural masterpieces of modern Muscat and the entire Islamic world.
• 2011 — The Royal Opera House Muscat opens — the first opera house on the Arabian Peninsula, becoming an important cultural centre of the region.
• 2020 — Following the passing of Sultan Qaboos, his cousin Haitham bin Tariq Al Said becomes the new ruler of Oman, continuing the country's course of development.

Key Stages of Muscat's Modern Development

The modern appearance of Muscat is the result of rapid transformations that began in the second half of the 20th century. From a relatively isolated port city, it has turned into a thriving metropolis while preserving its historical and cultural heritage. Below are the main milestones that defined its development.

• Beginning of the "Omani Renaissance" (1970). The accession of Sultan Qaboos bin Said to the throne became a turning point in the history of not only Muscat but all of Oman. A course was set for large-scale modernisation, financed by revenues from oil exports discovered in 1964. This period ended years of isolation and kickstarted rapid economic and social growth.
• Large-scale Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development. From the 1970s, a radical reconstruction of the city began. While Muscat was previously effectively limited to the walls of the old city, thanks to a new master plan, it expanded significantly. The modern Port Sultan Qaboos, an international airport, expressways, hospitals, schools, and new residential areas were built, turning it into a modern capital.
• Economic Diversification. Realising the dependence on oil revenues, the government began actively developing other sectors of the economy. Muscat became an important logistics, trade, and financial hub. Special attention was paid to tourism development, leading to the construction of world-class hotels and the creation of tourism infrastructure.
• Opening of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (2001). This event became a landmark for the cultural and spiritual life of the city. The mosque, built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone, is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture and a symbol of the nation's prosperity. It is famous for one of the world's largest hand-woven Persian carpets and a huge chandelier adorned with Swarovski crystals.
• Emergence of the Royal Opera House (2011). The opening of the first opera house on the Arabian Peninsula strengthened Muscat's status as a regional cultural hub. The building, combining traditional Omani architecture and modern technology, has become a venue for performances by world stars of opera, ballet, and classical music, promoting cultural exchange.
• Implementation of "Oman Vision 2040". This long-term programme, launched in 2021, defines the future development of the city and country. Its main goals are creating a sustainable and diversified economy, reducing reliance on oil, attracting foreign investment, and developing human capital to ensure Muscat's prosperity in the future.

Muscat's architecture is a unique phenomenon where strict adherence to tradition blends harmoniously with modern technology. Unlike many other capitals in the region, you will not see glass skyscrapers here. The entire city adheres to a unified architectural code: buildings must be low-rise, predominantly white or sand-coloured, and include elements of traditional Omani architecture. This creates a cohesive and recognisable look that reflects respect for history and culture.

Traditional Architecture and Defensive Structures

Muscat's historical appearance was shaped by its location, climate, and rich history. The heart of the old city — the districts of Old Muscat and Mutrah — still retain features of traditional Arab urban planning. It is characterised by houses made of mud and limestone, with thick walls to protect against the heat, small windows, and internal courtyards for ventilation. Crucial elements include carved wooden doors and balconies, as well as latticed "mashrabiya" screens, which allow light to penetrate while maintaining privacy.

A special place in the architectural landscape is occupied by monumental forts built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The fortresses of Al Jalali and Al Mirani, guarding the entrance to the bay, are striking examples of military architecture of that time. They fit organically into the rocky terrain and have become an integral part of the city panorama, symbolising its strategic importance throughout the centuries.

The Era of the "Omani Renaissance" and Modern Development

The true transformation of Muscat began in 1970 with the rise to power of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. This period, called the "Omani Renaissance", was marked by rapid construction, which, however, was carried out with great attention to preserving the national style. New buildings, roads, and entire districts were designed so as not to disturb the historical harmony.

Landmark buildings of this era that shaped the modern look of the capital include:

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (2001) — a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture, combining Omani, Persian, and Egyptian motifs. It is distinguished by majestic domes, elegant minarets, and luxurious interior decoration, including a giant Persian carpet and Swarovski chandeliers.
• Al Alam Royal Palace (1972) — the ceremonial residence of the Sultan, representing a bold example of modern architecture with bright blue and gold mushroom-shaped columns. The building combines Arab and Indian motifs, symbolising the country's openness.
• Royal Opera House Muscat (2011) — the first opera house on the Arabian Peninsula, whose pink limestone building resembles a traditional Omani fort but is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Muscat's urban development proceeded from the historical centre towards the west, along the coast. New districts appeared, such as Ruwi, Al Qurum, and Madinat Qaboos, becoming business and residential hubs. Thanks to strict building regulations, the city expanded as a unified ensemble, preserving its unique style, which can be described as modern traditionalism.

Notable Figures in the History of Muscat

The history of Muscat and all of Oman is closely intertwined with the activities of outstanding rulers, navigators, and thinkers who left a deep imprint on the development of the city and the state. Below are some of the key figures from different eras.

• Ahmad ibn Majid (c. 1421 – c. 1500) — a legendary Arab navigator and cartographer, hailing from Oman. He is called the "Lion of the Sea". He is the author of numerous works on navigation, including the famous "Book of Benefits in the Principles of Navigation". It is believed that he was the pilot who guided Vasco da Gama's squadron from the coast of Africa to India in 1498.
• Imam Sultan bin Saif I (died 1679) — a ruler from the Yaruba dynasty who played a decisive role in liberating Oman from Portuguese rule. In 1650, he finally expelled the Portuguese from Muscat, making the city the capital of a powerful maritime power and initiating the "Golden Age" of the Omani fleet.
• Said bin Sultan (1791–1856) — one of the most powerful rulers of the Al Said dynasty. During his reign, the Omani Empire reached its zenith, and its influence extended from the coast of East Africa to Persia. In 1832, he moved the capital from Muscat to Zanzibar, turning it into a major trading centre.
• Nur ad-Din Abdullah ibn Humayd as-Salimi (1869–1914) — a prominent Islamic scholar, historian, and reformer, known as one of the revivers of the Ibadi Imamate in Oman in the early 20th century. His works on theology and history still command great authority in the Islamic world.
• Sultan Qaboos bin Said (1940–2020) — the ruler considered the architect of modern Oman. Coming to power in 1970, he began the era of the "Omani Renaissance" — massive economic and social reforms that turned an isolated country into a prosperous and modern state. During his reign, Muscat was radically transformed: the Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, a modern port, and an airport were built.
• Haitham bin Tariq Al Said (born 1955) — the current Sultan of Oman, cousin of Sultan Qaboos. He ascended the throne in January 2020 and continued the country's modernisation course. Before his accession, he served as Minister of Heritage and Culture and led the development of the long-term development strategy "Oman Vision 2040".