For thousands of years, the Sultanate of Oman has been known for producing the finest frankincense, with trees growing in the Dhofar Governorate in the south of the Sultanate. Historians attribute the growth of this tree in the southern region to the availability of the appropriate climate and calcareous soil suitable for its historical, economic, and medical importance. Visitors to the Dhofar Governorate can explore the sites where these trees are located, often found in areas behind the mountains, along with low slopes and wide valleys (wadis).
Frankincense is harvested in seasons determined by the profession from March to June, with another stage of harvesting beginning after the Al-Khareef season until winter. The quality of frankincense is measured by its pure color free of impurities, with prices increasing according to its quality levels.
Today, frankincense products occupy a significant space on the shelves of markets, whether traditional markets or modern shopping malls. Among the most important markets that display this product are Souq al Hafa in Salalah, Souq Muttrah, and Souq Nizwa. Frankincense products are often wrapped in plastic bags and displayed next to Al Mijmar, the tool used to place the frankincense so its scent can spread throughout the house or area, especially during social and religious occasions.
Frankincense prices vary according to type and quality, ranging from RO 3 to more than RO 50 per kilogramme. One of the most famous and finest types is Al-Hojri Frankincense, still in great demand among citizens and residents of the Sultanate. Frankincense is not only used for social and religious occasions, but some people buy it to treat diseases such as joint inflammation, improve stomach function, treat asthma, and skin allergies. Therefore, some workers in this field extract various types of frankincense oils according to customers' requests.
Historical sources indicate that the trade in frankincense, horses, and dates played a vital role in deepening relations between Dhofar and regions such as the Levant, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome, India, and China for thousands of years. The frankincense produced by Dhofar was an important economic boom, used in religious and funeral rites in ancient temples and monasteries until recently.
Several studies confirm that frankincense is a sacred product, believed by some societies to repel spirits and be a reliable source of optimism, happiness, and healing. The Egyptians also used it in mummification and treatment.
Excavations have found traces of frankincense in the port of Samahram, the Hanoon region, and Andhoor oasis, indicating commercial contact between the inhabitants of southern Arabia and the Mediterranean at that time. These areas were particularly famous for collecting the finest types of frankincense in the Arabian Peninsula.
Government agencies are making efforts to preserve frankincense trees due to their historical and future importance by increasing the planted area and number of trees. Environmental surveys continue to identify the plant density of this species and study the current status of the trees. The environmental authorities in the Sultanate continue their interest in the frankincense tree, monitoring its growth in the Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve.
To ensure the proliferation of this tree in its natural habitat, the Wadi Dawkah Reserve was established, containing a large number of frankincense trees planted alongside local perennial trees. Wadi Dawkah is listed on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List, with a density of frankincense trees extending over an area estimated at 5 square kilometers, containing more than 5,000 frankincense trees. Additionally, the Dhofar Municipality supervises the Frankincense Park located in Wadi Adawnib, containing more than 1,200 frankincense trees.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY YAHYA ALSALMANI
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
