My Visit to Bait Al Baranda Museum

My visit to Bait Al Baranda Museum was impressive and informative journey. It took me through the years. I saw the history of Oman and Muscat in particular. 

We really need to know more about our culture our history. This museum gives different aspect of history land, mountains, civilization who lived in Oman in the past. Kingdoms that rule the country and much more. I advice you all to visit and gain from the treasure shows there.  

The History of Bait Al Baranda

The History of Bait Al Baranda.

Bait Al Baranda " Literlly translated means " The Veranda House" The name derives from the distinctive feature of the veranda Extending across the first floor . It is also known as Bit Nasib After its first owner, Nasib Bin Mohamed , who never moved in but built it in the late 19th century as his alternative residence. The building appears to have been built in two or three phases . The inscription above  the front door dated 1350H ( 1931AD) probably gives the construction date of the front part.In 1909, the house was rented out to the American Mission for use as a clinic. It wasn't until 1933. When the Al-Rahma Hospital was built in nearby Mutrah, that the mission moved out, and the house became inhabited by foreigners.

Women's Traditional Attire from Muscat

Women have many several attire in Muscat and other cities in Oman. They are different in shape, size and usage from a place to another. Bait Al Baranda shows many types of jewelries and women beauty tools which were used in the past by Omani women.     

The Battle for the liberalization of Muscat from Portuguese

Oman was under the rule of Portuguese for many years. Omanis fought to get their freedom and liberalize their land.

Then, all Oman land was liberalized from Portuguese  except Muscat because it was the capital of the enemy.

Finally, the battle of liberalization of Muscat was very important in Oman history because it made Oman fully freedom from enemies and it was united again under an Omani government.

Omani Farmer Dress

Bait Al Baranda displays how Omani farmer dress and the tools which he used to take care of trees in the farm. These dress is very similar to the new Male Omani dress (Dishdasha). Omanis has a special dress which is used by them only.

It also displays a basket used by the farmer to carry his tools and fruits. It was made from palm tree. Omanis used to made their own tools from the limited resources available to them. Palm tree is the famous and best tree in Oman because it can afford the hot weather.
It also demonstrates a robe used by the farmer to climb the palm tree. The robe was made from palm tree leaves as well.

Folk Art of Muscat

Bait Al Baranda shows many musical instruments used by Muscat citizen in their occasions such as wedding, Eid festival, war and so on. 

These musical instruments carry a lot of historical value because they show how Omani used to express their feeling. In addition, Omanis has a special tune in using these instruments. They also used with poems and dancing which is vary from one location to another and from event to event as well.

Existence of Muscat in Global Maps

Bait Al Baranda shows global maps mentioning in 1565 and 1654. Muscat was known to Arabian and non Arabian sailors all over the world.

Omani sailors was famous in the last century as one of the best sailors in the middle East. The geographic location of Oman with more than 1700 km beach land gave Oman an important role in the past trade path which increased its relationship with other countries.

Prophet Mohammed letter to the Kings of Oman

Bait Al Baranda exhibits a copy of Prophet Mohammed  letter to the Kings of Oman, Jaifer and his brother Abd Al Jalandi

The letter written in Arabic.  

This letter shows that Oman was a recognized country in the past.

Please find the translation below:

"In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah to Jaifer and ‘Abd Al-Jalandi.

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance; thereafter I invite both of you to the Call of Islam. Embrace Islam. Allah has sent me as a Prophet to all His creatures in order that I may instil fear of Allah in the hearts of His disobedient creatures so that there may be left no excuse for those who deny Allah. If you two accept Islam, you will remain in command of your country; but if you refuse my Call, you’ve got to remember that all your possessions are perishable. My horsemen will appropriate your land, and my Prophet hood will assume preponderance over your kingship."

Muscat's geographic location in the Earth since 750 Million years till today

Bait AL Baranda presents Muscat's geographic location in the Earth since 750 Million years till today. It is really amazing. Oman have moved up and down to where the weather was very cold and some parts of Oman was actually covered by sea.