AL RUSTAQ: The documentary exhibition held in conjunction with the symposium 'Al Batinah South Governorate in the Memory of Omani History' highlights Omani history and the cultural and civilisational legacy of Al Batinah South Governorate by displaying more than two thousand historical documents and items that document multiple aspects of the Sultanate of Oman's journey across various eras.
The exhibition, which continues through 30 October and is organised by the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Al Batinah South, features 11 documentary, informational, and interactive corners presenting a diverse collection of documents, correspondence, photographs, maps, speeches, manuscripts, and drawings, alongside newspapers, magazines, historical publications, collectibles, and ancient preservation and archiving tools.
The exhibition corners encompass several themes, including: The history of Al Batinah South Governorate through historical documents, the Sultans of Oman and Zanzibar during Al Busaid State, private documents and international relations, manuscripts, and the history of documentation and archiving. This allows visitors to view historical evidence reflecting the political, social, economic, and religious dimensions of life in Oman, as well as the extent of its relations with other countries and peoples.
Dr Hanan Mahmoud Ahmed, Director of the Documentary Exhibitions Department at the National Records and Archives Authority, stated that the exhibition comes within the framework of the authority's efforts to document the history of Omani governorates and cities and highlight their rich historical and civilisational heritage. She noted that the annual exhibition is held in one of the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, alongside mobile documentary exhibitions organised throughout the year according to programmes supporting the authority's vision and objectives in preserving national memory and making it accessible to society.
Dr Hanan mentioned that the exhibition aims to enhance awareness of Omani history, consolidate national identity among generations, and encourage researchers and interested parties to utilise documents and archives as essential sources for studying history. It also encourages holders of private documents to register them with the authority, thereby contributing to preserving the history of families, tribes, and social life in various wilayats across the Sultanate of Oman.
She pointed out that the exhibition employs modern display methods and digital and interactive technologies to present historical content in a manner combining knowledge and experience through digital content, artificial intelligence technologies, virtual reality, video films, and audio presentations, in addition to designating platforms for children and persons with disabilities, and organising accompanying cultural activities and competitions that contribute to broadening the scope of benefit from its contents.
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