MUSCAT: Erik van Scherpenzeel, a dedicated photographer from the Netherlands, was wholeheartedly documenting the early stages of Sultanate of Oman’s renaissance, way back from 1970 to 1974. He recently offered his exceptional collection as a special gift to the Sultanate of Oman, based on his deep love for the country and on his keenness to enrich its national archives. His collection illuminates this pivotal era of the country's modern history.
After his engagement in the1970s, Scherpenzeel visited the Sultanate of Oman for a second time, in the 1990s and produced another collection, which he collated with the earlier one under the title “Oman, Past and Present”.
In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), Scherpenzeel said that over the past four years he spent in the Sultanate of Oman in the early 70s, he was able to document a large number of scenes and landmarks of the governorates which reflected the social, cultural and heritage of the country, in addition to its geographical, topographical and geological features.
Now, after 50 years, the Sultanate of Oman has seen a comprehensive transformation, thanks to the country’s ability to keep pace with the events of the age as they unfolded.
Scherpenzeel said that photos are more truthful in projecting reality at a time the rhythm of life is changing at a rapid pace, crisscrossing with all aspects of social interactions.
He affirmed that he was already in the Sultanate of Oman by June 1970, three weeks prior to late Sultan Qaboos accession to power in the country.
“Life in the Sultanate of Oman was marvellous and Omani people were gentle, noble, sociable and truthful in their friendship,” said Scherpenzeel, noting that one could move freely in the fascinating landscape and that one could even sleep safely on the golden dunes.
Scherpenzeel said he could still remember his visit to Sur and the long trip to the easterly wilayat from Muscat on a four-wheel vehicle on the rough roads. Everywhere he went, he could observe Omani people’s devotion to Islamic religion and sound Arabian habits and traditions of hospitality.
Oman’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Shaikh Dr Abdullah bin Salim al Harthy, said that these sincere reflections represent a model of the Sultanate of Oman’s soft power that distinguishes Omani people among nations of the world.
Dr Al Harthy added that, when he visited Scherpenzeel at his home in the Netherlands, he was astonished at the man’s amicable reaction. “It was as if he had known me for a very long time. His warm welcome unveiled his deep love to Oman and his thorough knowledge of the country, the reputation of its people and the grandeur of its leadership.”
Many things struck me as I entered Scherpenzeel’s home: Every corner is adorned with an image from the Sultanate of Oman. Not only that, his bedroom is bedecked with historical paintings, books, mementos and even old rifles from the Sultanate of Oman, Dr Al Harthy said.
What baffled me more was the fact that Scherpenzeel made accounts of Omani villages and countryside in such details that gave me the impression that I was listening to an academic in Omani history and civilisation and this is documented in photographs, Dr Al Harthy added.
The ambassador said that he visited Scherpenzeel to thank him for the gift he presented to the Sultanate of Oman and to express gratitude for such a humanitarian gesture. - ONA
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