Page 24 - Liwa18-E

Ali Mohamed Al Matroshi

1. Islam from which the inhabitants derived their simple conceptions of the
universe with its celestial bodies, as well as of other worlds. They used
the teachings of Islam to explain and comprehend natural and human
phenomena;

2. Natural environment, with its diversity, that helped its inhabitants gain
knowledge of the natural phenomena and racked their brains to make the
most of its resources;

3. Cultural contacts and exchanges with other peoples, such as the Arab Gulf
countries, India, Persia, East Africa and the island of Socotra;

4. Written cultural material, namely books and some magazines;

5. Broadcast media (Radio).

• The Educated and Enlightened Group in Society during that Era:

Different people had different levels of education and knowledge at different times
and places; the then Emirati society was no exception. Some groups were more
knowledgeable and educated than others. Those falling under the latter group were
broad-minded and far-sighted intellectuals and had better judgement. The most
enlightened groups during that era were:

a. Rulers and ruling families members

b. Dignitaries and notables

c. Writers and teachers

d. Poets and men of letters

e. Nakhodas (ship captains)

• Local Libraries in the Emirates during the Pre-Union Era:
Educated people have always been keen on acquiring the knowledge and educational
tools that will meet their needs, enhance their expertise, improve their performance,
hone their skills, satisfy their quest for knowledge and are rewarding both mentally
and spiritually.

Since the Nineteenth century, and perhaps before, educated individuals from
different classes in the Trucial States have acquired collections of books. Such
collections differed in their titles and topics according to the interests, dispositions,

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