Upholding Oman’s legacy in shipbuilding
Despite challenges like labor shortages, traditional techniques endure, sustaining Oman’s shipbuilding industry. For modern craftmen like Ali Juma Al Araimi, preservation efforts are crucial to passing this proud heritage to future generations.
Published: 03:08 PM,Aug 03,2024 | EDITED : 07:08 PM,Aug 03,2024
Upholding Oman’s legacy in shipbuilding
Oman’s rich maritime heritage is embodied by its sailing vessels, renowned for their ability to traverse seas and connect Oman to the world. Omani sailing vessels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the most famous being the “jalboot,” “boom,” and “ganja.”
Ali Juma Al Araimi, a shipbuilder in Sur, stands as a living testament to the craftsmanship of Omani artisans. He emphasizes that this craft requires fundamental skills, including the precise handling of wood and a mastery of the intricacies of this refined art.
The factory is located in Khor Al Bath, a few kilometres from the city of Sur covers an area of 7,000 square metres and employs 20 people.
“The use of wood is still prevalent in shipbuilding to this day, despite the widespread use of modern materials,” said Al Araimi. “This is partly due to the growing demand for wooden ships for tourism purposes.”
A rich historical legacy
From its earliest days as a hub of trade and exploration to its current position as a key player in the global maritime landscape, Oman’s relationship with the sea is as enduring as the tides that lap its shores.
At the heart of Oman’s maritime legacy lies its ancient mariners, the Dhofar culture, whose seafaring expertise dates back to 2500 BCE. These skilled navigators traversed the Indian Ocean on dhows, showcasing Oman’s early mastery of maritime trade routes and exploration.
Throughout history, Oman’s strategic location at the crossroads of East and West propelled it into prominence as a vital link in the Indian Ocean trade network. From the bustling port city of Muscat, Omani merchants traded in goods ranging from frankincense to pearls, extending their influence far beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
The peak of Oman’s maritime power came during the 17th century under the Al Said dynasty. Omani sailors ventured as far as East Africa and Southeast Asia, establishing trade routes and leaving a lasting imprint on the region’s history. Muscat flourished as a center of commerce, attracting traders from across the globe.
Central to Oman’s maritime heritage is its tradition of shipbuilding, which dates back centuries. Craftsmen were renowned for their expertise in constructing dhows, utilizing techniques passed down through generations. Today, while modern shipbuilding methods have been adopted, traditional dhow-building techniques endure, serving as a testament to Oman’s maritime legacy.
In the modern era, Oman continues to harness the power of the sea for economic development. Investment in port infrastructure and maritime services has positioned the Sultanate as a key player in global trade and tourism. Additionally, Oman’s naval forces play a crucial role in safeguarding its maritime interests and ensuring security in the region.
As Oman navigates the currents of the 21st century, its maritime heritage remains a source of pride and inspiration. From ancient seafarers to modern sailors, the Sultanate’s relationship with the sea continues to shape its history and identity, casting a ripple effect that echoes across the ages.
Modern challenges and triumphs
“Ship production has declined in recent years,” he added, “due to a shortage of skilled labour and rising raw material costs. As a result, production is now on-demand, with most of the consumers of these ships being for tourism purposes.”
Despite the decline, workers believe that the whole shipbuilding industry is still flourishing as what they do is inextricably linked to the development of fishing, leading to a surge in demand for vessels for their multifaceted applications in fishing and trade.
Two primary methods are employed in Omani shipbuilding: The first involves meticulously aligning wooden planks and securing them with hand-drilled holes, followed by fastening them with ropes. The second method utilizes the “nail.”
Omani-made ships are distinguished by their exceptional sturdiness and strength, enabling them to withstand the test of time, with some reaching centuries-old lifespans. Oman has a rich history of building numerous ship types, among the most prominent being the “baghlah,” one of the oldest and largest Omani ships. Built in Sur during the 17th and 18th centuries, the baghlah could carry a payload of approximately 500 tons, making it well-suited for long-distance voyages.
The “ganjeh” is another Omani vessel, constructed in the Wilayat of Sur. Characterized by its sizable dimensions and 400-ton capacity, the ganja is employed for deep-sea navigation. Ganjah renowned for its exquisite bow and rectangular stern, can reach lengths of up to 50 meters.
The “sambouk” holds the distinction of being one of Oman’s earliest ships, surpassing its Arabian Gulf counterparts in size. Utilized for voyages to India, Africa, and South Asia, the sambouk could carry a payload of up to 500 tons, with its size varying according to its intended use.
As to the future of traditional ship building in Oman, Al Araimi said that it is necessary to fuel interest to the industry in order to keep it going. At its current rate that only near family members are inclined to venture into this proud heritage, he said everyone has to work together to preserve the knowledge and keep the industry going in the years to come.
Ali Juma Al Araimi, a shipbuilder in Sur, stands as a living testament to the craftsmanship of Omani artisans. He emphasizes that this craft requires fundamental skills, including the precise handling of wood and a mastery of the intricacies of this refined art.
The factory is located in Khor Al Bath, a few kilometres from the city of Sur covers an area of 7,000 square metres and employs 20 people.
“The use of wood is still prevalent in shipbuilding to this day, despite the widespread use of modern materials,” said Al Araimi. “This is partly due to the growing demand for wooden ships for tourism purposes.”
A rich historical legacy
From its earliest days as a hub of trade and exploration to its current position as a key player in the global maritime landscape, Oman’s relationship with the sea is as enduring as the tides that lap its shores.
At the heart of Oman’s maritime legacy lies its ancient mariners, the Dhofar culture, whose seafaring expertise dates back to 2500 BCE. These skilled navigators traversed the Indian Ocean on dhows, showcasing Oman’s early mastery of maritime trade routes and exploration.
Throughout history, Oman’s strategic location at the crossroads of East and West propelled it into prominence as a vital link in the Indian Ocean trade network. From the bustling port city of Muscat, Omani merchants traded in goods ranging from frankincense to pearls, extending their influence far beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
The peak of Oman’s maritime power came during the 17th century under the Al Said dynasty. Omani sailors ventured as far as East Africa and Southeast Asia, establishing trade routes and leaving a lasting imprint on the region’s history. Muscat flourished as a center of commerce, attracting traders from across the globe.
Central to Oman’s maritime heritage is its tradition of shipbuilding, which dates back centuries. Craftsmen were renowned for their expertise in constructing dhows, utilizing techniques passed down through generations. Today, while modern shipbuilding methods have been adopted, traditional dhow-building techniques endure, serving as a testament to Oman’s maritime legacy.
In the modern era, Oman continues to harness the power of the sea for economic development. Investment in port infrastructure and maritime services has positioned the Sultanate as a key player in global trade and tourism. Additionally, Oman’s naval forces play a crucial role in safeguarding its maritime interests and ensuring security in the region.
As Oman navigates the currents of the 21st century, its maritime heritage remains a source of pride and inspiration. From ancient seafarers to modern sailors, the Sultanate’s relationship with the sea continues to shape its history and identity, casting a ripple effect that echoes across the ages.
Modern challenges and triumphs
“Ship production has declined in recent years,” he added, “due to a shortage of skilled labour and rising raw material costs. As a result, production is now on-demand, with most of the consumers of these ships being for tourism purposes.”
Despite the decline, workers believe that the whole shipbuilding industry is still flourishing as what they do is inextricably linked to the development of fishing, leading to a surge in demand for vessels for their multifaceted applications in fishing and trade.
Two primary methods are employed in Omani shipbuilding: The first involves meticulously aligning wooden planks and securing them with hand-drilled holes, followed by fastening them with ropes. The second method utilizes the “nail.”
Omani-made ships are distinguished by their exceptional sturdiness and strength, enabling them to withstand the test of time, with some reaching centuries-old lifespans. Oman has a rich history of building numerous ship types, among the most prominent being the “baghlah,” one of the oldest and largest Omani ships. Built in Sur during the 17th and 18th centuries, the baghlah could carry a payload of approximately 500 tons, making it well-suited for long-distance voyages.
The “ganjeh” is another Omani vessel, constructed in the Wilayat of Sur. Characterized by its sizable dimensions and 400-ton capacity, the ganja is employed for deep-sea navigation. Ganjah renowned for its exquisite bow and rectangular stern, can reach lengths of up to 50 meters.
The “sambouk” holds the distinction of being one of Oman’s earliest ships, surpassing its Arabian Gulf counterparts in size. Utilized for voyages to India, Africa, and South Asia, the sambouk could carry a payload of up to 500 tons, with its size varying according to its intended use.
As to the future of traditional ship building in Oman, Al Araimi said that it is necessary to fuel interest to the industry in order to keep it going. At its current rate that only near family members are inclined to venture into this proud heritage, he said everyone has to work together to preserve the knowledge and keep the industry going in the years to come.