With the beginning of the summer season, which extends from May until October, the quantity of salt production in the traditional method in the Wilayat of Quriyat increases. By the end of October, production quantities decline due to lower temperatures which reduce the level of water evaporation.
For centuries, natural salt producers in this wilayat have relied on using traditional tools that were passed down from father to grandfather.
In this spacious site called ‘Khoor Al Melh’ the production process goes through several stages. The salt water is initially retained in basins designed in a way that allows them to store quantities of water for long periods. After about a week, the salt deposited on the floor of the ponds is collected in an area called locally (Al-Band), then the process of drying and purifying it begins, after which comes the stage of storing it in cloth or plastic bags, then marketing it in local markets.
In the past, salt producers in this wilayat relied on animals such as donkeys and camels to transport this product to markets. And excess quantities were exported to India and East Africa by ships that were anchored near ‘Burj Al-Sirah’ which is located on the marine coast of the Quriyat. Today, four-wheel drive cars and trucks are used to transport bags of salt for distribution to local markets in various wilayats of the Sultanate.
The estimated quantities produced from this site during the summer period reach around 400 tons. This quantity meets the needs of the local market. The price of 30 kilograms of salt is only two riyals, which is a very cheap price when compared to the international market prices. However, those working in this field are calling on the competent authorities to develop this exceptional site and establish a modern factory in which a new technology will be used to produce salt. “The site could be qualified to produce large quantities of high-quality salt that can be invested in exporting this local product abroad”, an Omani investor told the Observer.
In the past, the Omanis called this product the ‘White Gold’ because of its multiple uses and abundant financial returns. It was used in preparing ‘Al Maleh’ meal which is a popular traditional meal that is prepared on the basis of ‘Yellow Fin and Long Tail Tuna’. These fish are cut, cleaned, then saturated with natural salt and stored for long periods in metal containers. This popular meal is still widely accepted in various parts of the Sultanate and the Arab Gulf countries.
The use of natural salt is not limited to preparing traditional meals, but it is also used to feed livestock, as natural salt is mixed with fodder as it is one of the healthy nutrition options recommended by livestock breeders in the Sultanate.
In addition to its economic benefits, ‘Khoor Al Melh’ is today considered one of the tourist attractions in the Sultanate. Many tourists stand in amazement as they watch pools of white crystals divided into squares, and then approach dozens of piles of white salt hills that dot the horizon of this place.
‘Khoor Al-Melh’ which is located on the coastal strip of the village of Daghmar (6 KM south Quriyat), is considered the most important environmental and archaeological landmark in the state. Historical studies indicate that some conch and human waste dating back to the third millennium BC has been discovered.
The ponds of this site are owned by more than 500 citizens who are trained in producing natural salts. They pass this traditional craft on from generation to generation. Each of them has its own basins. This site has been divided into several divisions in length and width, and each basin is given a name that distinguishes it. Among the most famous of these names are: Sangoor, Al-Mantoola, Al-Malqoot, Al-Safa, Al-Jawari, Al-Jifri, Natalah, Al-Wadi and Al-Tariq.
These divisions are separated by signs recognized by the owners of this site. But these divisions and marks may disappear after heavy rains that cause floods. These floods destroy and wash away the creek basins and fill them with sand, stones, and waste. In such cases it is difficult to distinguish each basin separately. But that does not last long. The site owners usually meet and cooperate to remove all the waste that was swept away by the floods, then they re-plan the site and create new ponds that are compatible with the previously agreed upon divisions.
According to historical references, various ancient civilizations in the world expressed the economic, ideological and social importance of this product. People have used it since ancient times to prepare many foodstuffs, and salt is considered one of the oldest mineral industries and has social value in the Roman, Chinese, Indian and Egyptian civilizations.
In 1912, Ernest Jones published a research article on the human obsession with salt, in which he considered that this phenomenon hides an irrational obsession that carries multiple connotations in the subconscious. In support of this theory, Jones mentioned the strange custom practiced by the people of Abyssinia, whereby they would offer their guests a piece of stone salt and then lick it whole.
Salt was also used in ancient times, carrying with it a meaning that goes beyond its natural properties. Homer called it the “divine substance,” while Plato described it as the substance that is especially cherished by the gods. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans sprinkled salt on sacrifices and offerings. Perhaps the first historical use was the ancient Pharaohs’ use of salt in mummification. The beliefs of the Pharaohs are strongly focused on the idea of immortality, and the creation of mummies came within the framework of their belief in the necessity of preserving the body while waiting for a new life. Based on these beliefs, salt's ability to preserve the body gave it mythical importance.
Many of the peoples around the world tend to believe that ‘evil spirits’ cannot tolerate salt, which can expel them, and it is difficult to think of any other substance that has received any equal share of importance in human thought and living more than salt has.
For Christians, salt is not only associated with long life, but also with wisdom. The Catholic Church not only provides holy water, but also provides holy salt or “salt of wisdom because they believe that salt is a pure nutritional element.
For the ancient Hebrews (Jews) they considered salt a symbol of the eternal nature of the covenant God made with the children of Israel called (the covenant of salt). On Friday night, the Jews dipped Saturday bread in salt. For the Jews, bread is a symbol of food that is considered a blessing from God, and dipping it in salt preserves it. He preserves the agreement concluded between God and His chosen people.
The importance of salt has expanded beyond temples and churches to affect the nature of life in the palaces of rulers and kings. One of the French stories tells of a princess who expressed her feelings towards her father ‘The King’ by saying to him: “I love you as I love salt.” This comparison angered her father, so he ordered her exiled from the kingdom. The king did not realize the value of salt until he was later deprived of it, and then he realized the depth of his daughter’s love for him.
Anyone who attempts to explore the social importance of salt will find that salt has a strange force in repelling evil spirits. In traditional Japanese theatre, salt was sprinkled on the stage before each performance to protect the actors from evil spirits and envious people. In Africa, salt is believed to repel evil spirits, and salt has a strange power to nullify magic.
Several references mention that ‘Via Solaria’, the first major Roman road to transport salt to Rome. The Romans were in dire need of salt for the soldiers and horses, and the soldiers were paid a handful of salt, hence the word Salary and the phrase ‘Worth his salt’ or ‘Earning his salt’ meaning ‘He or she deserved his reward’.
The Romans considered salt to be a necessary element in building the empire, which made them build Salt Areas” in other places during their expansion campaigns, establishing a number of “salt shops” on the shores of the sea. The Mediterranean coast witnessed an active movement of marine ships along it, and was founded by the Phoenicians, then the Romans, Byzantines, and Muslims. The salt produced in Alexandria was highly prized, especially the type known as ‘Fleur de Sel’ which is light white crystals of salt.
Moreover, royal tables in the middle ages and the Renaissance were decorated with vessels filled with salt and taking the shape of sailing ships. This was a symbol of the “ship of state.” Considering that salt symbolizes health and the preservation of food, then the health of the ruler is part of the stability of the nation.
During the British colonial era, Indian tribes were offering salt as a guarantee of their loyalty to the British. In Gujarat, the western coast of India, salt was produced in a 9,000-square-mile marshland known as the Rann of Kutch. There was also the Orissa region on the eastern coast, which was also an ideal location. To produce natural salt. The Indians called the salt fields Khalaris, and the salt that was produced through natural evaporation under the rays of the sun was called Kartach.
Historical references assert that “the first cases of imposing taxes on salt were in China by the legendary Emperor Huangdi before 2700 BC, and China was not the only country to do so. The centers of the ancient world, such as Athens, Rome, and later France, imposed taxes on salt”.
While Chinese history recorded a monopoly on white powder, since the seventh century BC, when the Chinese emperors wanted to protect the precious commodity from trade depression, and salt represented a percentage ranging between 80 to 90% of the national income of the Chinese Empire in the fifth century BC, which enabled the state By imposing taxes on salt and controlling its trade with other countries.
The modern industry sector indicates that salt is used in more than 14,000 uses, including manufacturing pharmaceuticals, melting ice, fertilizing agricultural fields, making soap, and dyeing fabrics.
From here, it can be said that salt has been able to retain its social, ideological and societal importance to this day. We still use it as an essential ingredient in most of our tables, and there are those who still guard those who practice their religious and social rituals with the presence of white salt crystals, seeking blessings and seeking refuge from evil and envy.
“In line with this economic and social importance, the competent authorities must include this site in the list of their development plans and programs that are in line with Vision 2040, which encourages policies to support the local community and achieve self-sufficiency”, the investor adds.
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