Culture of Oman

Culture of Oman:

   

      Oman is deeply rooted in the religion of Islam. The Culture of Oman is very strongly depicted by the Religion in Oman which has made up its own kind of Islam after its founder Abdullah ibn Ibadh, known as Ibadhism. Both the Sunni and Shia Muslims are found in Oman. Occasions like Ramadan,the Islamic month of fasting and other Islamic festivities are very important features of Omani culture. The people of Oman are not only tolerant towards the belief of different Muslim divisions but they are tolerant towards other religion as well where the followers of different religion are allowed to go to the temples and churches.

       The history of Oman dates back to thousands of years and the Omanis are rightly very proud of their history and heritage. In Oman there are different national dresses for men and women which varies slightly in different areas. The women wear very colorful outfits which mainly comprises of a dress worn over trousers called sirwal and a headdress called the lihaf. The dresses of the women vary from region to region but all of them are mostly very colorful and well decorated. The jeweleries worn by the ladies are mainly made of gold though the traditional metal is silver. The traditional footwear of the women are wooden platform shoes called qurhaf. Now instead of that most of the people wear western type of footwear or sandals. The national dress of the men are very simple, consisting of a collarless gown with long sleeves which goes till the ankle and is called the dishdasha. The dress is worn with certain accessories that includes a khanjar, a cane or stick called assa and a turban called the muzzar. The dresses of the people which depict the Culture of Oman , are so colorful that pictures of people wearing these traditional costumes are used in the stamps of Oman.

                The Culture in Oman has various other features as well. Oman has been a seafaring nation almost for eternity. A permanent symbol of the Culture of Oman is the traditional Dhow. The ships which are over hundred years old, are now used for fishing, tourism and exporting. One of the largest vessel of its time is Shabab Oman which is still very much active and seaworthy. Being an important ambassador of Oman, she visits many countries and also participates in various international events and celebrations. The ship serves as a reminder of ancient maritime history of Oman and is an important feature of the Culture at Oman.

The other important features of the Culture of Oman include the traditional folk dances which come under the Music and Dance in Oman. Not only this the traditional Art and Crafts in Oman also forms an important part of the Omani culture along with the various fortified buildings, mosques and houses which is included under the Architecture of Oman.