Muscat, Sept 10
In the quiet corners of a small shop in Muttrah Souq, history lingers on the shelves like a bridge between past and present.
Akhtar al Balushi continues a family legacy that began with his grandfather Othman and later his father Rasool Bakhsh, before he inherited the passion for antiquities and transformed it into a cultural identity that introduces Oman to the world.
Among his prized possessions are Samurai swords from the Far East, ancient artefacts and pottery dating back nearly 1,500 years, as well as rare treasures such as ambergris and an astonishing collection of 19 types of meteorites, sourced from Africa, Asia, and even pieces that trace back millions of years in cosmic history.
These treasures have not remained hidden behind walls. They have attracted global figures, including prime ministers from Canada and the United Kingdom, along with renowned Arab and international celebrities who visited Al Balushi in Muscat to witness his collection firsthand. Many, as he recalls, stood in awe before the Samurai swords or the meteorites, remarking that such pieces deserve to be displayed in major world museums.
For Al Balushi, this pursuit is not merely about collecting rare items, but about delivering a cultural message — preserving human memory and connecting generations to the roots of civilisation. He dreams of transforming his collection into a dedicated museum, opening its doors to the public and researchers alike, to serve as a hub for education and culture in the Sultanate of Oman.
Looking ahead, he revealed his aspiration to acquire a lunar meteorite, a fragment from the surface of the moon, which he believes would make his collection truly one of a kind. He also stresses the need for greater institutional support in the Arab world to regulate and protect the antiquities market, affirming that with the right framework, Arab names can shine globally in this unique field.
Al Balushi’s message to the youth is clear: “Begin with genuine passion, not with profit alone. The world of antiquities requires patience, knowledge and responsibility. Above all, we must treat these pieces as living memory — not merely as commodities.”
Within the walls of his shop, time seems to stand still, as if the space itself has transformed into a miniature museum telling the stories of millennia.
It is a testament that a passion rooted in the legacy of a grandfather and father can become a cultural bridge carrying Oman’s name onto the world stage.
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