The National Museum organized a cultural evening at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, titled “Omani Cultural Evening,” in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Moscow, and the State Hermitage Museum.
This event was part of Oman's participation as the guest of honor at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, held from June 5 to 8.
The cultural event is a component of the “Oman Hall” initiative, launched at the Hermitage Museum in 2020. The second edition of the Oman Hall, titled “The Omani Empire: Asia and Africa,” was inaugurated in December 2023.
The Omani delegation, led by Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, met with the Russian delegation, headed by Maxim Gennadievich Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.
During his speech, Jamal Hassan Al Moosawi, Secretary General of the National Museum, highlighted the strong relationship between the National Museum and the State Hermitage Museum, moving beyond strategic cooperation to genuine friendship. He emphasized that the event is part of the “Oman Hall” initiative, focusing on the theme of the second edition, “The Omani Empire: Asia and Africa.”
Al Moosawi stressed that this cultural event demonstrates positive aspects of human experiences in a multipolar world, reflecting equitable and fair development opportunities for nations and peoples, which is the central theme of the 27th forum.
The evening featured captivating performances by the renowned Omani musical group "Skills," under the leadership of Yusuf Said Al Foori.
In addition, guests had the opportunity to explore the "Oman Hall" and immerse themselves in the enlightening "Omani Empire: Asia and Africa" exhibition. This exhibition vividly portrays the rich history of the Omani Empire across both Asia and Africa, shedding light on the pivotal role played by Omanis in expelling the Portuguese from East Africa and establishing the expansive Omani Empire. It showcases the profound Omani cultural influences in East Africa, spanning various aspects such as social, religious, political, economic, and architectural domains.
Within the exhibition, visitors can marvel at 28 remarkable artifacts that offer a glimpse into the captivating history of the Omani Empire in Asia and Africa. Among the notable artifacts on display are those associated with the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, as well as artifacts linked to the Russian Federation. One such artifact is a curved single-edged sword called "Kittarah," dating back to the al-Busaid dynasty between the 11th and 13th centuries AH (17th and 19th centuries CE). This sword is believed to have been used in duels aboard Omani Empire fleets. Other intriguing items include a Saidi dagger owned by Sultan Hamoud bin Mohammed al-Busaidi from the late 19th century, an 18th-century chair from Oman and Zanzibar, and exquisite jewelry and garments attributed to Sayyida Salma bint Said al-Busaidi (1844–1924). Notably, Sayyida Salma wrote her remarkable autobiography in German, titled "Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar."
Furthermore, during the international economic forum, a significant agreement was signed with the State Hermitage Museum to launch the second edition of the "Hermitage Corner" exhibition at the National Museum in October. This upcoming exhibition will delve into the realms of political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges between the Central Asian khanates and the Russian imperial court in St. Petersburg.
The State Hermitage Museum is renowned for its extensive complex of ten buildings, which includes notable structures such as the Winter Palace. Its collection showcases artifacts from various civilizations, including Eastern Europe, Russia, Greece, Rome, the Near and Far East, and Central Asia. Among its treasures are ancient to modern coins, weapons from Western Europe and the Middle East, and a multitude of archaeological discoveries.
With a workforce of 2,500 individuals, including approximately 250 experts in art and archaeology, the Hermitage attracts around 5.3 million visitors each year. Within its walls, it houses an impressive array of artistic and historical pieces, such as over 17,000 paintings, 12,000 sculptures, more than a million coins and medals, over 800,000 archaeological artifacts, around 360,000 applied arts items, and more than 600,000 graphic artworks.
Notable figures present at the event included Hamood Salim Al Towaiya, the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Russian Federation; Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism; Eng. Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology; and Professor Dr. Mikhail Piotrovsky, the General Director of the State Hermitage Museum. Additionally, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as cultural and museum enthusiasts, were in attendance.
It is noteworthy that the National Museum has embraced the "Oman Hall" initiative as part of its cultural cooperation efforts. This initiative involves establishing exhibitions that represent the Sultanate of Oman in museums and cultural institutions worldwide. These international exhibitions serve as a platform to foster cultural understanding and communication between Oman and other nations, offering a comprehensive glimpse into Oman's rich history and vibrant present.
