Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Multiculturalism
Oman's population is predominantly Arab, although the country's imperial history has
resulted in intermarriage with other groups, particularly from East Africa. As such, some
Omanis speak Swahili better than Arabic. An Indian merchant community has existed in
Muscat for at least 200 years, and people of Persian or Baluchi ancestry inhabit the Bati-
nah coast. The Jibbali people form a separate group in Dhofar. Many Jibbali live a mostly
nomadic life with their own distinct customs; their language, completely distinct from any
other, is dubbed 'the Language of the Birds'. Kumzari, the compound language spoken in
parts of the Musandam Peninsula, is a mixture of Portuguese, Arabic and Farsi. Omani
people have a strong sense of tribe and their tribal names (for example, al-Nabhani, al-
Wahaybi, al-Balushi) indicate very clearly to which area they belong. Some families, such
as Al-Abris from Wadi Sahten, can be pinpointed to specific wadis in the Hajar Moun-
tains.
Attracted by work and modern amenities, many people are moving to the capital, Mus-
cat, which is spreading along the coast towards Seeb. In an effort to stem this flow, graded
roads, electricity and water have been supplied to even the smallest
willayat
(village). It is
not unusual in even these far- flung outposts of the country to see expatriates (mostly from
India) working in shops and clinics.
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Religion
About 75% of Omanis follow the Ibadi sect of Islam, an austere form of Islam that es-
chews decadence of any kind, even in mosque architecture. That said, modern Omanis
tend to be pragmatic in their interpretation of religion, are tolerant of other forms of
Islamic worship and allow expats to express their own religions in and around Muscat.
Magic plays a tangible role in the spiritual life of many Omanis. The 'evil eye' is not
mere superstition; it is regarded as a hazard of everyday life. Amulets containing verses
from the Quran, or hung around the necks of infants, are considered an effective way of
warding off such problems. An expat member of the Magic Circle (an exclusive and inter-
national society of professional magicians which vows never to reveal to the public the
tricks of its trade) was once invited to do a magic show in a village: when he conjured a
white rabbit from his hat, his entire audience ran away.
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