Event to renew interest in traditional markets

A unique event has been planned in the Governorate of North Sharqiyah to revive its traditional markets, coinciding with the 47th National Day.

Titled ‘Journey of the Past Time’, it will be held on November 30 and December 1.

These markets, known as ‘Maseela market’ in the wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, was flourishing in commerce. No less famous is the Qanater market in the Wilayat of Ibra as well as Al Muzairib market in the Wilayat of Al Qabail. The latter was revived recently.

Preparations are currently on by the Al Rabee Sports Team and the Challenging Team for Adventures to launch the event under the supervision of the Department of Sports Affairs and the Department of Tourism, North Sharqiyah.

It aims to revive the traditional markets and emphasise their economic importance through commercial caravans, including camels, besides those arriving on foot from various governorates of the Sultanate.

Talal Shuaibi, Director of Tourism Department, North Sharqiyah, said the event is the first of its kind to be held in the Sultanate with a focus on tourism and the country’s historic markets.

“The event comes as part of celebration of Sultanate’s 47th National Day in a unique heritage style,” said Saleh bin Saeed al Habsi, Head, Challenging Team.

It is being organised to “revive interest in the country’s heritage and instill a sense of patriotism” among participants by celebrating the achievements of the blessed Renaissance under the leadership of al His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.

It is also being held to encourage all sections of society to encourage the preservation of Omani craft and promote it by artisans in all the three markets represented at the event.

Khamis bin Eid al Obeidi, Head of Al Rabee Sports Team, encouraged the people to revive old Omani markets that had a prominent role in the past and find income sources for them.

Besides requesting the government and the private sectors to join in the efforts to preserve the country’s heritage, he also wanted the markets to highlight in the country’s tourist destinations.

Abdullah al Harthy, Director, the Department of Sports Affairs in North Sharqiyah, said the supervision by the department is a “gesture of appreciation for Omani history and heritage”.

The starting point of the event — Maseela market — will see an official presence and representation from different sections of society on Thursday. It will have a number of programmes, after which the “road show” will leave for the Qanater market, where popular songs will be presented.