History of Salalah

Ancient Roots and Foundation

The history of Salalah is inextricably linked with the ancient Dhofar region. Although the modern city in its current form took shape relatively recently, settlements in this territory have existed for millennia. The ancient port of Al Baleed (part of the medieval city of Zafar), which flourished between the 8th and 16th centuries, is considered the historical core and predecessor of Salalah.

The first mentions of the wealth of this land appear in the works of ancient geographers, and later in the notes of famous travellers Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta, who described a bustling port where ships flocked from all over the Indian Ocean.

Factors of Formation and Development

The transformation of the settlement into an important regional centre was driven by a combination of unique factors:

• Frankincense Trade: This was the main engine of the economy. Dhofar is one of the few places on the planet where trees yielding the highest quality frankincense grow. The ancient "Frankincense Trail" began right here.
• Climatic Phenomenon: Thanks to the monsoon season, known as the Khareef, the region received enough moisture for agriculture, which distinguished it favourably from the arid deserts of the Arabian Peninsula.
• Geography: Access to the Arabian Sea allowed for the establishment of direct trade ties with India, East Africa, and China.

Early Culture and Economy

In the early period of its history, the region was a cosmopolitan trading hub. The economy relied on the export of aromatic resin and Arabian horses, which were exchanged for spices, textiles, and rice from Asia. The cultural landscape was formed under the influence of the Islamic traditions of the Sultanate of Oman and constant interaction with overseas merchants, which is reflected in the unique architecture of local forts and mosques.

Key Historical Milestones

• 8th Century — The beginning of the active development and flourishing of the port of Al Baleed, the ruins of which are today located within the limits of modern Salalah.
• 1295 — Marco Polo mentions this region in his records, noting its key role in the global frankincense trade.
• 1329 — The famous Arab traveller Ibn Battuta visits the city, describing its rich markets and lively trade.
• 1879 — The Dhofar province, centred in Salalah, is finally integrated into the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman.
• 1940 — Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the future ruler who would become the architect of the modern Omani state, is born in Salalah.
• 1958 — Sultan Said bin Taimur moves his permanent residence from Muscat to Salalah, making the city the de facto capital for this period.
• 1970 — A change of power takes place in Salalah with the accession of Sultan Qaboos to the throne, marking the beginning of the "Omani Renaissance" era.
• 1977 — Opening of Salalah Airport for civil flights, ensuring regular connection of the region with the outside world.
• 1998 — Launch of the deep-water Port of Salalah, which quickly became one of the largest transit hubs in the Indian Ocean.
• 2000 — The Al Baleed Archaeological Park and related sites are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the "Land of Frankincense".
• 2007 — Completion and opening of the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, which became the main architectural landmark of the city centre.
• 2015 — Commissioning of the new international airport terminal, designed to handle millions of passengers per year.

Stages of Formation and Development

The path of Salalah from an ancient transit point to a modern metropolis is a story of constant adaptation and strategic growth. The city has passed through several key stages, each of which radically changed its appearance and role in the region.

• The Era of the "Frankincense Trail" (Antiquity – Middle Ages):

  The formation of the city as a global trade centre. The export of valuable resin turned local ports (Sumhuram and Al Baleed) into the wealthiest hubs connecting Arabia with India, China, and Rome. This laid the cultural foundation and the region's openness to the outside world.

• Political Centre (Mid-20th Century):

  The period when Sultan Said bin Taimur resided permanently in Salalah effectively made the city the administrative centre of the south. This preserved the region's significance even during the country's period of relative isolation until 1970.

• Beginning of the "Omani Renaissance" (1970s):

  The rise to power of Sultan Qaboos marked the start of large-scale urbanisation. The first modern schools, hospitals, and paved roads appeared in the city, transforming Salalah from a traditional settlement into a modern city with developed social infrastructure.

• Creation of a Global Logistics Hub (1998):

  The opening of the Port of Salalah was an economic breakthrough. Transforming the city into one of the region's largest container terminals diversified the economy, reducing dependence on agriculture and creating thousands of jobs.

• Cultural Recognition (2000):

  The inclusion of "Land of Frankincense" sites in the UNESCO World Heritage List secured Salalah's status as a cultural capital. This stimulated the restoration of historical monuments and the development of archaeological tourism.

• Tourism Boom and Khareef Festival (2000s – Present):

  The institutionalisation of the monsoon season as a tourism brand. The development of infrastructure to host guests (hotels, resorts) and the holding of the annual festival have made tourism the second most important pillar of the city's economy.

• Transport Modernisation (2015):

  The opening of the new international airport terminal expanded the city's capabilities to receive direct flights from Europe and Asia, definitively securing Salalah's status as an independent international destination.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Landscape

The architecture of Salalah differs strikingly from the familiar images of the Arabian Peninsula. While most cities in the region grew in a struggle against the desert, Salalah was formed in harmony with the tropics. The urban planning concept here resembles a "garden city": low-rise buildings in white and sandy colours are interspersed with vast plantations of coconut palms and bananas. Buildings are designed taking into account the humid climate and monsoons, which gives the city a sense of spaciousness and freshness.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Several historical layers intertwine in the city's appearance, creating the unique visual code of Dhofar:

• Ancient Architecture (8th–16th Centuries): Witnesses to the era of flourishing frankincense trade — the ruins in Al Baleed Park. Local limestone and coral stone were used here. Massive walls and strict geometric forms served as protection, while the layout of mosques reflected early Islamic canons.
• Dhofari Vernacular (Traditional Style): In the old districts, especially near the coast, houses adapted to the heat and humidity have been preserved. They are distinguished by thick walls, small loophole windows to keep the interior cool, and internal courtyards. A characteristic detail is the carved wooden doors and shutters, reminiscent of close trade ties with India and Zanzibar.
• Modern Omani Style (Since 1970): The period of large-scale modernisation brought a unified architectural standard. New buildings, whether residential homes or government institutions, combine modern technologies with traditional elements: crenellated parapets, arched windows, and domes. The mandatory use of light tones in facade finishing helps reflect solar heat.

Iconic Structures

The visual portrait of modern Salalah is defined by several key objects that have become the city's calling cards:

• Sultan Qaboos Mosque: The architectural dominant of the centre. The huge dome and two slender minarets are a model of modern Islamic architecture. The building impresses with elegant decor, marble finishing, and intricate carving, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and grandeur.
• Al Husn Palace: The royal residence located by the sea. Although access inside is closed to the public, the outer walls and gates of the palace complex attract the attention of tourists. The palace architecture embodies the traditional power and privacy of an Eastern ruler's residence.
• Clock Tower (Burj Al Nahda): An elegant stele built in the 1980s. Its form is stylised with traditional motifs, resembling a torch or an Omani dagger (Khanjar). The tower is decorated with black and white mosaics and gold elements, serving as a symbol of the region's renaissance and modernisation.
• Al Haffa Souq: A place where architecture serves commerce. The traditional covered rows (souq) preserve the atmosphere of an old Arab city, allowing one to feel the spirit of the past amidst the aromas of frankincense.

Distinguished Personalities

The history of Salalah is rich with the names of rulers, travellers, and legendary figures whose destinies are intertwined with this ancient city.

• Sultan Qaboos bin Said (1940–2020)
  Sultan of Oman, Reformer
  Born in Salalah and spent his childhood here. He is the creator of the modern Omani state. His personal attachment to his hometown contributed to the large-scale infrastructure development of the Dhofar region.
• Sultan Said bin Taimur (1910–1972)
  Ruler of Muscat and Oman
  Father of Sultan Qaboos. In 1958, he moved his permanent residence from Muscat to Salalah, effectively making the city the country's administrative centre for many years. He lived in the Al Husn Palace.
• Prophet Ayoub (Job)
  Biblical and Quranic Prophet
  A revered religious figure. On Jebel Ittin, overlooking Salalah, lies a tomb attributed to this prophet. It is one of the most visited sites by pilgrims and tourists in the region.
• Ibn Battuta (1304–1377)
  Great Arab Traveller and Geographer
  Visited the city (then known as Zafar) in 1329. In his works, he left a detailed description of daily life, the frankincense trade, and betel cultivation, which is an invaluable historical source about medieval Salalah.
• Cheraman Perumal (Tajuddin)
  Ruler from the Chera Dynasty (India)
  A legendary Indian king who, according to tradition, embraced Islam and set off on a pilgrimage. He died in Salalah on his return journey. His tomb is a symbol of the long-standing historical ties between Oman and India.
• Bertram Thomas (1892–1950)
  British Explorer and Wazir
  The first European to cross the great Rub' al Khali desert. He began his famous expedition in 1930 precisely from Salalah, where he served as an advisor to the Sultan.
• Prophet Imran
  Religious Figure
  In the centre of Salalah is an unusually long tomb (about 30 metres), attributed to Prophet Imran (associated in Christian tradition with the father of the Virgin Mary or Old Testament patriarchs). An important shrine for local residents.