Muscat: The National Museum today celebrated the premiere of the documentary film "al-Khanjar," produced by RT Arabic in partnership with the Ministry of Information.
The event took place under the patronage of Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, the Minister of Information, and was attended by numerous esteemed guests and individuals with a keen interest in media and museum-related topics.
During his address at the ceremony, Jamal Hassan Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, remarked, “The unveiling of the documentary film 'al-Khanjar' marks a pivotal moment in highlighting one of the most significant cultural symbols of Oman, which is a vital component of the nation’s identity and rich heritage.
The Omani khanjar was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022.
This important initiative, developed in collaboration with RT Arabic, emphasizes the partnership between the National Museum and the State Hermitage Museum, focusing on the symbolism and narrative surrounding the Omani khanjar and its historical journey. It showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of Omanis in safeguarding this authentic symbol.”
He further stated, “At the National Museum, we are dedicated to sharing Oman’s cultural narrative with the world and fostering international collaborations in the fields of culture and museology, which in turn bolsters cultural tourism and opens new avenues for this sector. This documentary serves as a compelling illustration of the significance of cultural cooperation in presenting facets of Omani heritage to a broader audience, thereby enhancing Oman’s reputation as a global cultural hub.”
Anisa Murad, the Director of the Programs Department at RT Arabic, expressed that the creation of this film was not merely an effort to document the history of the Omani khanjar and the transfer of a remarkable piece from the National Museum in Muscat to the State Hermitage Museum in Russia. It also served as a chance to delve into Oman’s rich traditions and its remarkable cultural resilience in the face of globalization, which helps preserve its national identity. She noted a significant parallel with Russia, which similarly seeks to uphold its cultural heritage in an ever-evolving world.
The 28-minute film invites viewers on a historical journey, tracing the evolution of the Omani khanjar and showcasing its transformation in design from the 17th century, during the Imamate of the al Yarubi Dynasty, to the elegance of the Saidi khanjar. This iconic item has retained its importance and continues to be a vital aspect of Oman’s cultural identity and a national emblem.
The film takes audiences across diverse landscapes—deserts, wilderness, plains, mountains, and expansive seas—to examine the various styles of Omani khanjars, which vary by region. It addresses the question of what elevates the Omani khanjar to a symbol of prestige and dignity, remaining a true representation of identity that withstands the pressures of globalization.
The narrative transitions from the Sultanate of Oman to the Russian Federation, revealing a distinctive khanjar that belonged to Sultan Hamoud bin Mohammed al-Busaidi, the Sultan of Zanzibar, who ruled from 1896 to 1902. This khanjar has been loaned from the National Museum in Muscat to the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, where it is now displayed in the "Oman Gallery" of the renowned museum.
The documentary was produced by Anisa Murad, directed by Karim Najib, with a soundtrack composed by Ahmed and Mohamed Saleh. It features artisans and restorers of khanjars from the Sultanate of Oman, alongside staff from the National Museum.
The film was filmed in multiple locations across the Sultanate of Oman, such as the National Museum, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House Muscat, the Oman Across Ages Museum, and the wilayats of Nizwa and Sur, as well as in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Following the film's premiere, there will be a series of events, including a discussion session with the film's producers from RT Arabic, aimed at journalists, writers, and literary figures, along with a film screening day for the Russian community. Furthermore, a training workshop on documentary filmmaking will be offered to media students from various colleges in Oman.
It is important to highlight that the film's trailer was unveiled during the events that took place after the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, marking Oman’s inaugural participation as a guest country.
Special screenings of the film will be arranged as part of cultural exhibitions both in Oman and internationally.
