MUSCAT, NOV 30
The National Museum opened the exhibition 'On the Frankincense Trail: Armenia' on Sunday, under the auspices of Abdullah bin Hamad al Riyami, Head of the Cultural Cooperation Department at the Foreign Ministry.
The exhibition, organised in partnership with the History Museum of Armenia and the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the Sultanate of Oman, is the first in a new series that highlights how frankincense helped shape cultural exchange between different peoples and regions across history. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until May 30, 2026.
Al Riyami described the exhibition as a continuing path of cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Armenia, noting that it reflects the shared interest of both sides in celebrating heritage and encouraging cultural understanding. He said, "the event stands as a result of the shared desire of both countries to strengthen cultural cooperation.”
The Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Oman, Hrachya Poladyan, said the exhibition shows a strong and genuine desire for cultural cooperation on both the Armenian and Omani sides. He said, "The exhibition is a bridge for dialogue between our cultures and a step toward spreading the values of peace." He emphasised the deep cultural connections that link the two peoples and highlighted the importance of sharing heritage to build stronger understanding.
Dr Davit Poghosyan, Director of the History Museum of Armenia, highlighted the cultural value of the objects, saying that they are “very beautiful, and also very spiritual, carrying a lot of values inside.” He noted that frankincense traditions form an important link between Armenia and Oman, showing how ancient customs brought different civilisations closer together. He explained that two Armenian censers from the 13th and 18th centuries are placed side by side with Omani pieces to help visitors see the connections, allowing them to observe both similarities and differences in spiritual and artistic practices.
Dr Poghosyan expressed his hope that visitors would recognise the deeper meaning behind these objects, explaining that this exhibition reveals “the interesting connections and cultural dialogues between two traditions, two nations, and also the common things for humanity,” and helps people understand “how important cultural dialogue is for peace and for recognising what humanity shares.”
As the first exhibition in the “On the Frankincense Trail” series, the event aims to deepen cultural dialogue between Oman and different parts of the world. It highlights frankincense as a shared element of global heritage and an important symbol of Oman’s cultural identity.
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