Bisya and Salut Visitor Centre attracts over 7,000 visitors
Published: 05:07 PM,Jul 08,2024 | EDITED : 09:07 PM,Jul 08,2024
Archaeological excavations at Bisya and Salut Visitor Centre
About 7,546 visitors of various nationalities have visited the Bisya and Salut Visitor Centre in Wilayat of Bahla since its opening in February 2023 until May end.
These figures were revealed by The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) recently.
The Centre aims to prepare archaeological sites for tourism and to satisfy the visitors' knowledge about the historical significance of the Bisya and Salut archaeological area, as well as the history of archaeological research in the region.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Tamimi, Director, the Bisya and Salut Archaeological Site Department, at the MoHT said that the centre explores the history of human settlement in the area and the cultural exchange between Oman and ancient civilisations.
The establishment of the centre is part of the MoHT’s efforts to develop the site following archaeological excavations and the maintenance of archaeological sites in the Bisya and Salut area, as well as the initiation of pathways to the archaeological sites.
He added that the roles of the centre are part of MoHT's plans to establish centres at several archaeological sites to provide information and present it more accessible and in various display methods.
The centre features display boards summarising the history of archaeological research in the area, different patterns of human settlement, types of tombs, and trade relations that existed between neighbouring civilisations, as confirmed by archaeological excavations. The centre is equipped with modern tools to enhance information delivery, including interactive screens throughout the centre.
In the field of scientific research, the Director explained that the centre operates through its various departments to complement the Ministry's efforts in surveying, scientific documentation, and regular monitoring of archaeological sites. The centre also oversees archaeological expeditions and provides support to researchers and enthusiasts in the fields of history and archaeology.
Al Tamimi pointed out that the archaeological artifacts on display are distributed across three main sections or halls namely the Bronze Age Hall, the Iron Age Hall, and a section for World Heritage Sites.
These sections collectively house 344 different archaeological pieces selected to support scientific texts in the exhibition halls. They represent various periods of human settlement in the region, highlighting the scale and nature of economic activities such as agriculture, trade, and mining.
The exhibits vary from tools, stone and pottery utensils, seals, and bronze artifacts. Some pieces underscore external influences, reflecting Oman's relations with neighbouring civilisations in the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and Persia.
He said that in the World Heritage List section, each Omani site listed in the World Heritage List has been allocated a dedicated display box with specific explanations provided. Additionally, the centre includes a laboratory for archaeological pieces, a children's corner, a cafe, and a collection of interactive screens offering various content to visitors. He emphasised that visitors will be able to build a smooth and comprehensive understanding of the site through this unique experience, using special carts from the center building to explore archaeological sites. They can also access interpretive points at each site, linking them to the information presented in the exhibition halls of the center.
Al Tamimi also explained that many meetings have been held with civil society institutions to formulate a sustainable partnership programme. This includes preparing and implementing a series of events tailored to different segments of the local community, with a strong focus on knowledge-building for young people. The centre has set up a special corner for children that combines playful and educational elements, aiming to instill targeted information. Additionally, the centre has provided local community institutions with the opportunity to organise events and programmes both indoors and outdoors within its facilities.
He said that as part of its duties and responsibilities, the Bisya and Salut Visitor Centre has begun hosting several trainees in the field of archaeological excavations, tourist guidance, and the management and organisation of community engagement events.
Al Tamimi also stated that the Bisya and Salut Visitor Centre provides outdoor spaces to attract various events for government entities, private organisations, and civil society institutions.
These events support efforts to promote and raise awareness about the site, such as exhibitions for small and medium-sized enterprises, productive families, visual arts exhibitions, and hosting sporting events like hiking between archaeological sites and evening gatherings. The centre also activates a series of annual events such as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, International Museum Day, World Tourism Day, which serve as opportunities to focus messages aimed at different segments of society and involve them in their execution.
Al Tamimi also affirmed that a field classroom has been equipped and prepared to accommodate workshops, camps, and expeditions. These facilities are dedicated to programmes that combine classroom and field applications. In 2023, about 13 activities were implemented, and a diverse program package has been prepared for the 2024.
These figures were revealed by The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) recently.
The Centre aims to prepare archaeological sites for tourism and to satisfy the visitors' knowledge about the historical significance of the Bisya and Salut archaeological area, as well as the history of archaeological research in the region.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Tamimi, Director, the Bisya and Salut Archaeological Site Department, at the MoHT said that the centre explores the history of human settlement in the area and the cultural exchange between Oman and ancient civilisations.
The establishment of the centre is part of the MoHT’s efforts to develop the site following archaeological excavations and the maintenance of archaeological sites in the Bisya and Salut area, as well as the initiation of pathways to the archaeological sites.
He added that the roles of the centre are part of MoHT's plans to establish centres at several archaeological sites to provide information and present it more accessible and in various display methods.
The centre features display boards summarising the history of archaeological research in the area, different patterns of human settlement, types of tombs, and trade relations that existed between neighbouring civilisations, as confirmed by archaeological excavations. The centre is equipped with modern tools to enhance information delivery, including interactive screens throughout the centre.
In the field of scientific research, the Director explained that the centre operates through its various departments to complement the Ministry's efforts in surveying, scientific documentation, and regular monitoring of archaeological sites. The centre also oversees archaeological expeditions and provides support to researchers and enthusiasts in the fields of history and archaeology.
Al Tamimi pointed out that the archaeological artifacts on display are distributed across three main sections or halls namely the Bronze Age Hall, the Iron Age Hall, and a section for World Heritage Sites.
These sections collectively house 344 different archaeological pieces selected to support scientific texts in the exhibition halls. They represent various periods of human settlement in the region, highlighting the scale and nature of economic activities such as agriculture, trade, and mining.
The exhibits vary from tools, stone and pottery utensils, seals, and bronze artifacts. Some pieces underscore external influences, reflecting Oman's relations with neighbouring civilisations in the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and Persia.
He said that in the World Heritage List section, each Omani site listed in the World Heritage List has been allocated a dedicated display box with specific explanations provided. Additionally, the centre includes a laboratory for archaeological pieces, a children's corner, a cafe, and a collection of interactive screens offering various content to visitors. He emphasised that visitors will be able to build a smooth and comprehensive understanding of the site through this unique experience, using special carts from the center building to explore archaeological sites. They can also access interpretive points at each site, linking them to the information presented in the exhibition halls of the center.
Al Tamimi also explained that many meetings have been held with civil society institutions to formulate a sustainable partnership programme. This includes preparing and implementing a series of events tailored to different segments of the local community, with a strong focus on knowledge-building for young people. The centre has set up a special corner for children that combines playful and educational elements, aiming to instill targeted information. Additionally, the centre has provided local community institutions with the opportunity to organise events and programmes both indoors and outdoors within its facilities.
He said that as part of its duties and responsibilities, the Bisya and Salut Visitor Centre has begun hosting several trainees in the field of archaeological excavations, tourist guidance, and the management and organisation of community engagement events.
Al Tamimi also stated that the Bisya and Salut Visitor Centre provides outdoor spaces to attract various events for government entities, private organisations, and civil society institutions.
These events support efforts to promote and raise awareness about the site, such as exhibitions for small and medium-sized enterprises, productive families, visual arts exhibitions, and hosting sporting events like hiking between archaeological sites and evening gatherings. The centre also activates a series of annual events such as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, International Museum Day, World Tourism Day, which serve as opportunities to focus messages aimed at different segments of society and involve them in their execution.
Al Tamimi also affirmed that a field classroom has been equipped and prepared to accommodate workshops, camps, and expeditions. These facilities are dedicated to programmes that combine classroom and field applications. In 2023, about 13 activities were implemented, and a diverse program package has been prepared for the 2024.