The National Museum Inaugurates an Exhibition Highlighting the Historical Ties Between Oman and Bahrain
Date: November 14, 2024
Overview
The National Museum, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated an exhibition titled “Historical Images of the Leaders of the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain” on Thursday, November 14, 2024. This event marks the eighth session of the Oman-Bahrain Joint Committee, attended by prominent figures from both countries, including HE Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.
Highlights from the Ceremony
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Fatma bint Mohammed Al-Balushi, Director-General of Museum Affairs, emphasized the importance of photography in capturing historical moments, stating that the exhibition symbolizes the enduring relationship between Oman and Bahrain. She noted that the images serve as motivation to strengthen cooperation between the two nations, reflecting the positive legacy left by their leaders.
Cultural Cooperation Agreement
In October 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the National Museum of Oman and the Bahrain National Museum, solidifying cultural and museum collaboration between the two nations. The memorandum was signed by HE Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi and Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah al-Noaimi, Minister of Information from Bahrain.
Exhibition Artefacts
The exhibition features a variety of significant artefacts and photographs reflecting Oman-Bahrain relations:
- A soft-stone stamp seal dating back to 1600-1100 BCE, from the Majan and Dilmun civilizations.
- A painting titled “Ruined Mosque at Bahrain – Arabian Gulf” by Captain Charles Golding Constable from 1843.
- A replica of a letter from Sayyid Nader bin Faisal al-Busaidi to Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, dated 1924.
- A commemorative shield presented to Sultan Qaboos in 1982 for the King Fahd Causeway foundation.
- A ceremonial dagger belonging to Sultan Qaboos from the late 20th or early 21st century.
Museum Publication
The exhibition also introduces a museum publication, “Collections of Maritime Science”, which explores the manuscript “Collection of Benefits of the Principles and Foundations of Seamanship” by the Omani navigator Ahmed bin Majid al-Saadi, referencing Bahrain multiple times.
Visual Presentation
Visitors to the exhibition were treated to a visual presentation created by the Ministry of Information, highlighting the enduring fraternal bonds between Oman and Bahrain.
Exhibition Duration
The exhibition is open to the public for one week, offering an immersive experience into the rich history and deep ties between Oman and Bahrain.
