Page 47 - 2022UNESCO ICDH Newsletter_vol.4

A Glimpse Into Oman's Documentary Heritage Humaid Siaf Al Nofli | Director of the Department of Culture, The Oman National Commisson for Education, Culture, and Science

6. The first Omani manuscript on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register: Finally, Oman's documentary heritage needs improvement measures such
First: Information about the manuscript: as:
The first Omani manuscript to be included on the Memory of the World Register is 1. To raise awareness, at all levels of society, on the importance of
“Ma'dan al-Asrar fi Ulūm al-Bihar” (The Secrets of Marine Sciences). documentary heritage.
The manuscript enjoys significant scientific value, as shown below: 2. To set clear visions about the role documentary heritage can play in
• It covers the rules of maritime science, the command of ships using marine
equipment and accurate calculations, the description of the compass and its parts, sustainable development.
the identification of ships’ route and longitude and latitude lines, star sights, and 3. To consider the priorities of sustainable development in Oman and find
the drawing of some of the ports the author visited. out the role documentary heritage can play.
• Many ports were mentioned, some of which have been abandoned and their 4. To form alliances between those interested in documentary heritage
conditions changed due to climatic factors and political, social, and economic issues to solve problems and think outside the box of their individual
conditions. institution.
Second: Information about the author of the manuscript:
The author of the manuscript is the navigator Nasser bin Ali Al Khadouri (1870 - 1968), 5. To actively participate with decision makers to place libraries and
born in the city of Sur on the east coast of Oman. archives in local development plans.
1. The author was a famous captain known in Oman and other places like India, 6. To hold workshops and other events in cooperation with international
Sind, Malbar, Eastern Africa, the Comoros, Seychelles, Arabian Gulf States, Persia, organizations to build the capacity of those working with documentary
and Iraq. heritage.
2. He died at the age of 98 years, leaving writings based on practice and experience 7. To demonstrate the impact documentary heritage can have on achieving
as well as theoretical scientific study. SDGs by showcasing best practices in this field.
3. He combined several sciences including mathematics, astronomy, maritime
navigation, meteorology, geography, and biology.
4. He focused on the applied aspect using monitoring and measuring tools such as In conclusion, the Sultanate of Oman strives to confidently preserve and
compass, square, astrolabe, sextant and ship speedometer. sustain its documentary heritage for future generations.

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