Bandar al Khairan, located approximately 25 km from Muscat, is not just a destination for swimming and snorkelling in its turquoise waters. It is a natural oasis with a wealth of hidden treasures waiting to be explored. Among these treasures are ancient burials, rock carvings and rare geological formations.
To truly appreciate the archaeological sites in this area, visitors need to take the initiative to hike through the vast mountain plateaus. Hiking along the rocky edges overlooking the sea bays offers a unique panoramic view. After an exciting trip, visitors can relax and capture beautiful photographs of the semi-circular beaches surrounded by mountains that provide shade from the sun.
Signs along the hiking trails indicate the presence of archaeological sites, cautioning visitors not to disturb them. One of the most significant sites is a mountain rock with petroglyphs on the top of a high plateau. These rock drawings reveal ancient art and visual languages, transporting observers back to distant times.
These rock formations serve as historical documentation, bearing human signatures and expressive paintings. The significance of these rare paintings transcends time, becoming valuable from scientific, cultural and historical perspectives. Mohammed al Wahaibi, a history and geography teacher, describes Oman as an open geological museum, highlighting the symbols and meanings embedded in each rock drawing.
“Oman is an open geological museum, and it is considered one of the best geological stations in the world. These drawings have symbols and indications, and each drawing on a rock has its own meaning. Each word carved in a rock slab is considered a part of a linguistic dictionary and an art album. There are many interpretations, and what we see here in Muscat can be seen easily in many other places in Oman,” he told the Observer.
Such artistic pages documenting historical, cultural and social stages can be found throughout the country, from the northern to the southern regions of Oman. Photography enthusiasts rush to document these discoveries, constantly uncovering new rock art. The advent of social media has played a vital role in locating and sharing these sites, allowing for wider dissemination of their content.
The drawings on these rocks depict interlocking lines and various faces of people, animals and birds. Fully comprehending their scientific explanations requires multiple visits and detailed analysis. Reflecting on their visual content is crucial in uncovering their mysterious secrets.
In addition to the rock drawings, the shores of Bandar al Khairan boast beautiful and rare rock formations shaped over time by natural erosion factors. These formations add an additional aesthetic value to the area. Visitors traverse the beaches and are captivated by the geological formations resembling animals and birds. The presence of large rocks in lower areas provides insights into the region's geological history.
“To ensure the preservation of these sites for future generations, special restoration and protection operations are needed throughout the Sultanate of Oman. It is not enough to rely solely on existing literature; active efforts must be made to safeguard these invaluable treasures,” an Omani geologist recommended.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY YAHYA AL SALMANI
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