The life and legacy of two distinguished Omani personalities — Abu Muslim al Bahlani (Nasir bin Salim al Rawahi), the poet and journalist, and Ibn Ruzayq (Hamid bin Muhammad al Nakhali), the historian and man of letters — will be highlighted at a seminar organised by the Ministry of Education, represented by the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, on August 26–27 in Zanzibar.
Part of Unesco's programme marking the 50th and 100th anniversaries of historic milestones and influential global figures, the seminar will feature academics, researchers and educators from Oman and Zanzibar. The sessions will introduce these cultural icons internationally, review their intellectual contributions and underscore Oman’s efforts in presenting its heritage to the world.
The event is jointly supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth; the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism; the National Records and Archives Authority; the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science; the University of Nizwa; the University of Technology and Applied Sciences; the Omani Society for Writers and Literati; and the Oman Astronomical and Space Society. Unesco previously recognised Other Omani figures honoured by Unesco include Al Khalil bin Ahmed al Farahidi (2006), Rashid bin Omeira (2013), Shaikh Nur A’Din al Salmi (2015) and Abu Mohammed al Azdi (2015).
Eng Abdulwahab al Busaidy, member of the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space and the Oman Historical Association, told the Observer from Zanzibar that the first day will focus on Abu Muslim al Bahlani, featuring papers on his biography, poetry, media role, symbolism of place in his works and his contribution to strengthening Arab–African cultural ties.
“The second day will spotlight Ibn Ruzayq, exploring his biography, methodology in historical writing, global influence, and legacy in Arab and foreign archives,” he added.
His own paper, The Royal Printing Press in Zanzibar and its Role in Publishing the Works of Abu Muslim al Bahlani, will examine how Al Bahlani’s writings fostered deeper Arab–African cultural relations.
“These seminars embody Unesco's vision of highlighting the educational, cultural and scientific roles of member states by documenting figures and events of global significance,” said Dr Mahmoud bin Abdullah al Abri, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
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