MUSCAT: In 1980, Oman made history by becoming the first Arab country to send its own ship on a journey around the world, highlighting the nation’s rich maritime heritage. The vessel chosen for this remarkable feat was the “Sohar,” a faithful replica of an ancient Omani wooden ship that once plied the seas along historic trade routes. Constructed using traditional shipbuilding techniques, the Sohar set sail from Muscat with a mission to retrace the path of Omani sailors who, for centuries, connected the Arabian Peninsula with faraway ports in Asia and beyond.
The project was conceived as a living tribute to Oman’s seafaring legacy, demonstrating the craftsmanship, navigational skills, and daring spirit of its people. Building the Sohar involved skilled shipwrights using centuries-old methods, including hand-stitched coconut-fiber rope and teak planks to mirror the authenticity of the original vessels. This painstaking effort not only revived forgotten techniques but also offered the world a glimpse into the maritime ingenuity that once made Oman a hub of regional trade and exploration.
When the Sohar embarked on its journey from Muscat to Canton, China, it symbolically reconnected two great civilizations along a route historically traveled by Omani traders. The voyage, spanning thousands of nautical miles, tested the endurance of the crew and the resilience of the ship while showcasing Oman’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its past. Along the way, the ship received enthusiastic welcomes at various ports, where it served as a floating ambassador of Omani culture and history.
This historic expedition elevated Oman’s profile on the international stage and reinforced national pride in its maritime identity. It also inspired renewed interest in traditional navigation and shipbuilding practices at a time when such knowledge risked fading into obscurity. The Sohar’s journey remains a landmark achievement that not only commemorated Oman’s past but also laid the foundation for future cultural and educational initiatives centered on its seafaring heritage, ensuring that the spirit of exploration continues to shape the nation’s narrative.
