It is lovely that nature could speak?

Looking at the tree bark, touching it and listening to the rustling of the leaves in the breeze, being a host for numerous birds, would it not be fascinating to hear what the trees have to say? There are some ancient trees in Oman that could explain the geological history too to a great extent.

From frankincense trees, the baobab and coconut trees of Dhofar to millions of date palms in addition to the indigenous trees and wild olive trees over Al Jabal Al Akhdhar there is history linked with them and even folk stories. Trees enjoy special status in Oman as you can see at a road leading to City Amphitheatre, Qurum Nature Park. On the middle is a tree which now has become a mini round about.

The marvellous rock garden of Duqm created by the wind erosion is also an example of how fascinating ‘Time’ is leaving its mark while wind continues to sculpt.

It is not just ancient man-made structures that depict history, the landscapes reveal its journey from underneath the water to surface with its fossils and shells. The seashores of Oman have been witness to ancient trade seeing off dhows leave to coasts across the oceans to reach lands. The layers of the mountains in Oman and the dramatic Al Hajar can tells us stories going back millions of years ago and one of them could be the tectonic evolution, which is why Oman is such a fascinating geological park for the world audience. It is all out there from the mark of avalanche in Jiddat Al Harasis to the highest point in Oman on Jabal Shams.

The ancestors left behind clues through their artefacts that are being unearthed by archaeologists helping us understand human history and life. They created rock art for us to decipher through which we can take a peek to those years. Drawings of hunting and lifestyle of the ancient era can be seen engraved on rocks in Al Amerat, Muscat to other parts and from the rocks of Dhofar all the way to the rocks of Musandam. In Khasab, Musandam what can be found on rocks are even poetic verses etched on rocks forever probably by even the travelling poets.

Now we love numbers from mobile numbers, to zip codes to computer codes as numbers also have significant importance for memory to security. We would save our precious memories and it would have to be in the digital space and cloud technology.

The Sultanate of Oman is celebrating this week its 52nd anniversary of the National Day marking the modern Renaissance. On this day and age where digital is the space to be, there continues to be ways that keep traditions alive. We often think why is it necessary to hold on to traditions? But it is only when we realise how important identity is and that is when we reflect on what makes us who we are.

At a time when traditional souqs are questioned about survival while online global markets thrive, the traditions spoke again by becoming a tourist attraction. The reason is there is a world of seekers looking for unique experiences and cultural experience tops it. The ancient souqs are being renovated and old houses are being made to heritage inns. An interesting element completing the whole experience is the Omani cuisine. Throughout the governorates the youth have come up with projects inspired by traditions and the global experience.

While it is natural for some people to wonder what is the big deal in speaking about the olden days, it is important for us to understand the power of oral history. In the past people sang songs and recited poetries and kept the historical stories alive passing from one generation to the other. History is also an important part of our identity.

In this world today it is not the people of the land alone who have a story to tell and find joy on this day but thousands of expatriates too who could work shoulder to shoulder and experience the beginning of the modern renaissance of the Sultanate of Oman.

History of a land is also the story of the people and stories have emotions and we as people stay attracted to emotions and that is why it feels good to collectively experience a reflection and celebration of a nation.

This year sees the 52nd anniversary of the modern renaissance and the dreams and hopes are newer as the world continues to evolve and Oman, an important player in the maritime history, is today a key link in the world of logistics. The nation is focusing on human resources and further development in energy, resources, education, financial sector moving towards diversification and digitalisation.

As the nation marches forward may its roots and identity remain intact.