Page 7 - Arabiab Studies (IV)

Introduction

This present issue of Arabian Studies concentrates on Oman,
though articles on the history, political background, languages,
social structure and tribes of Oman have of course figured in
earlier issues. After the accession of H.M. Sultan Qabus, this
formerly little-known province of Arabia became open to scholars
for research. More recently the wise decision was taken to appoint
a Minister of the Cultural Heritage in the person of H. E. Sayyid
Faysal bin ‘Ali. In 1976 the Minister invited a group of scholars
(including the Editors) to make recommendations on what to
preserve of Oman’s historic past and advise how this might be
done. The rapid changes that have taken place in Oman, like other
Arab countries, have meant that some of the traditional and highly
attractive architecture has disappeared, but the effort is being
made to restore some of the fine castles of the interior. When the
country was closed, very little was known outside Oman of its
literature—now a collection of Arabic MSS has been assembled in
the Ministry and, it is envisaged, will form a part of a national
library. The richness of this literature, particularly in the fields of
history, Islamic law and theology, will be apparent from the
valuable preliminary studies made by two members of the 1976
advisory group in Muscat. How Muscat and Oman were viewed by
European travellers can be seen in the comprehensive Biblio­
graphical Notes.
New economic circumstances have, as elsewhere, greatly
changed the pattern of ordinary people’s lives, so that many
traditional crafts and occupations are in the process of
disappearing. The Editors would point to the two articles con­
cerned with the rapid vanishing of the Bedouin way of life that is
taking place in the Peninsula. Sa‘Id Salman’s poignant cry from the
heart is that of a Bedouin who has lost his heritage. J. S. Birks’
dispassionate appraisal of what has already happened, of their own
volition, to the BanI Qitab of Oman is, in its very objectivity, no
less dismaying.
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