Verbally narrated history is also a vital part of Omani cultural heritage

Muscat: The immaterial cultural history, including the verbally narrated from generations is an integral part of the history of civilization of Oman.

Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Rahbi, Head of the verbally narrated history section at the Literary Forum, at the Ministry of Culture , Sports and Youth, said that the Sultanate of Oman is rich in cultural heritage and several elements of this cultural heritage are registered in the UNESCO related lists.

There is a unity in cultural diversity of Oman's topography and environment.

On the experience of the Ministry of Culture , Sports and Youth in collection, documentation and dissemination of verbally narrated history in the Sultanate of Oman, he said that this history is part of the Omani immaterial cultural heritage.

This verbally narrated history is reflected in the Omani traditions and forms of verbal expression.

He said that the objectives and vision of the Ministry of Culture , Sports and Youth consider culture as a basic pillar of society contributing to enrichment of contemporary human culture. He said that the Ministry has for years adopted a project, dated back to 2006, for preservation of the verbally narrated history of Oman.

The Ministry has for long worked on documentation of the Omani traditional arts and issued two publications on the Omani traditional musical instruments and the Omani traditional arts, which are part of the folk art.

The Ministry of Culture , Sports and Youth has also issued a book on the narrated history of the Nana art, prepared by poet and researcher Ali bin Said Al Ma’ashani. The book documented the history and origin of the Nana art, a folklore art common in Dhofar and documented the names of old and contemporary poets of the Nana art . ------ONA