The Sultanate of Oman, commonly known as Oman, is located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, connecting the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. It neighbors the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.
Despite its significant geographical position, many people are unfamiliar with this country.
History and Revival of Oman
Oman is one of the oldest countries on the Arabian Peninsula, having experienced the Yaruba Dynasty (1642-1743) and the Said Dynasty (1749-1870).
During the late Yaruba Dynasty to the mid-Said Dynasty, Oman reached its peak, with territories including present-day Oman, eastern Yemen, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, southwestern Iran, eastern Somalia, coastal Kenya, coastal Tanzania, northern Madagascar, and the Comoros Islands. It was the most powerful nation along the Indian Ocean coast at that time.
However, by the end of the Said Dynasty, Oman began to decline, and its territories fragmented. Due to religious reasons, Oman was very closed off, rejecting foreign technology.
Sultan Said bin Taimur, from 1958 onwards, did not leave his palace in Salalah for years and neglected state governance.
Economic and Social Conditions
At that time, Oman was primarily reliant on traditional agriculture and animal husbandry. The population lived in poverty, with an infant mortality rate as high as 75%.
Diseases such as trachoma, sexually transmitted diseases, and malnutrition were widespread.
The country had only three schools, and the literacy rate was below 5%. Although Oman had rich oil and gas resources, high development costs prevented British colonizers from exploiting them.
Internal Division and External Conflict
Oman was divided by British colonizers into the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman and the Imamate of Oman, leading to long-term division and continuous internal and external conflicts.
In 1962, tribal chief Musallam bin Nufl, with Saudi support, founded the Dhofar Liberation Front, triggering the Omani Civil War.
Although the insurgents received support from Saudi Arabia, the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, and the Soviet Union, internal factional splits made it difficult for the uprising to succeed.
Coup and Reforms
The British intervened and supported Said's son, Qaboos, to stage a coup, deposing his father.
In 1970, Qaboos ascended to the throne and declared the country as the "Sultanate of Oman." Under Qaboos' leadership, Oman gradually stabilized.
He pardoned opponents, merged the Dhofar province, and implemented comprehensive reforms, developing national plans and seeking international support through diplomatic means.
Peace and Development
Qaboos focused on internal stability and peaceful relations with neighboring countries.
Oman adopted a policy of neutrality, non-alignment, and good-neighborliness, actively participating in international affairs, advocating dialogue to resolve disputes, maintaining close ties with the US and the UK, and developing a diversified foreign policy.
Modern Oman
In a peaceful internal and external environment, Oman leveraged its abundant mineral and oil resources to become a modernized nation, with gradually improving living standards for its people.
Although Oman is an Islamic country, the status of women has gradually improved. Women enjoy equal educational benefits and can participate in politics. In 1994, Qaboos appointed a woman as Undersecretary for Development.
Despite its important geographical location, Oman has chosen a low-profile and peaceful strategy, focusing on internal development and international peace.
This approach has allowed Oman to maintain rare stability and development in the tumultuous Middle East.
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