As I prepared to deliver a keynote address at the summer school in Germany titled "Co-constructing Oman: Global Knowledge Production and the Making of National Identity," I felt the weight of engaging a diverse audience in critical discussions about Oman’s evolving national identity.
Organised by an esteemed interdisciplinary team from Johannes Gutenberg University, Goethe University, and Heidelberg University, and funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, the summer school took place from September 29 to October 5.
Its goal was to deepen our understanding of Oman while exploring the intricate interplay of historical data, citizen science, and relationships between local and foreign scholars.
Oman’s rich history makes it a compelling case study for these discussions. Its contemporary identity is shaped by historical narratives and ongoing dialogues among scholars, the government, and institutions, as well as the voices of Omanis on social media. Omanis have utilised social media to examine and challenge their national identity, co-creating their narrative alongside the government.
A key aspect of the summer school was the emphasis on creating safe spaces for discussing topics from various perspectives, highlighting the fluidity of historical narratives. We explored how research—ranging from archaeological findings to social media activities—addresses contemporary needs, particularly in relation to Oman Vision 2040, reinforcing the dynamic nature of national identity formation.
As scholars presented their work, it became clear that these narratives carry significant political and social weight, reshaping our understanding of Oman’s past and future. Local communities, often regarded as mere subjects of research, are increasingly becoming active participants in the scientific process. Projects involving Omani citizens in archaeological excavations and ethnographic studies exemplified this participatory approach, fostering a sense of ownership over their heritage.
This democratisation of knowledge enriches the field by integrating local perspectives. Throughout our discussions, we questioned how this involvement might challenge traditional power dynamics in academia and promote a more inclusive narrative of national identity. The relationship between foreign and local scholars in a postcolonial context sparked rich conversations, highlighting the tension between collaboration and appropriation and the ethical implications of knowledge production in Oman.
Ultimately, the summer school underscored the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in understanding the complexities of national identity formation in Oman. The interplay of historical data, citizen science, and collaborations among scholars highlighted the need for a nuanced approach to knowledge production that honours the voices it seeks to represent.
Throughout the summer school, I was continually inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment of the participants. Their diverse backgrounds fostered an enriching environment for dialogue and collaboration. It became clear that the future of Omani scholarship hinges on fostering an inclusive academic community where local voices are amplified, and external expertise is thoughtfully considered.
As I left Mainz, I carried not only the insights gained from our discussions but also a renewed commitment to fostering collaborative scholarship that respects and elevates local narratives while considering external lenses. The experience was a testament to the power of collective inquiry in shaping our understanding of identity in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Personally, I was struck by how, despite our diverse voices and backgrounds, each of us had fallen in love with Oman at some point. For some, it was as a 13-year-old German boy discovering its landscapes; for others, during their first trip to Musandam. For many, it was the moment they were born in Oman, while for others still, it was the serendipitous experience of being sent to the country for nation-building research or archaeological digs.
Amidst the myriad of voices and experiences, we all discovered a shared passion for Oman — a passion that transcended borders and united us in our quest for understanding, respect, and a collective future.
Najma al Zidjaly
The author is Associate Professor of Social Media and Omani Arab Identity, Sultan Qaboos University, najmaz@gmail.com
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