Omani EmpireThe Omani Empire (Arabic: الْإِمْبَرَاطُورِيَّة الْعُمَانِيَّة) was a maritime empire, vying with Portugal and Britain for trade and influence in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. After rising as a regional power in the 18th century, the empire at its peak in the 19th century saw its influence or control extend across the Strait of Hormuz to modern-day Iran and Pakistan, and as far south as Cape Delgado in what is now Mozambique.Sultan bin SaifSultan bin Saif bin Malik (Arabic: سلطان بن سيف اليعربي) (died c. 1679) was the second of the Yaruba dynasty of Imams of Oman, a member of the Ibadi sect. He ruled from 1649 to 1679. He completed the work of his predecessor, Nasir bin Murshid, in driving the Portuguese out of Oman. Their last base in Muscat fell to his forces in January 1650. He built up Omani sea power, taking the fight against the Portuguese to their bases in India and East Africa.Nasir bin MurshidNasir bin Murshid (Arabic: ناصر بن مرشد) (died 14 April 1649) was the founder of the Yaruba dynasty of Imams of Oman, a member of the Ibadi sect. He ruled from 1624 to 1649. He took power during a chaotic period when the former dynasty had collapsed and the interior of the country was lawless, while the Portuguese held the main coastal ports. In a series of campaigns he established his authority over the Omani tribes.Saif bin SultanSaif bin Sultan (Arabic: سيف بن سلطان) was the fourth of the Yaruba dynasty Imams of Oman, a member of the Ibadi sect. He ruled from 1692 to 1711, during which Omani presence became firmly established on the coast of East Africa.
NizwaNizwa (Arabic: نِزْوَى, romanized: Nizwā) is the largest city in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate in Oman and was the capital of Oman proper. Nizwa is about 140 km (87 miles) (1.5 hour drive) from the Omani capital Muscat. The population is estimated at around 83,544 people. Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in Oman, and was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Its Jama (grand mosque) was formerly a center for Islamic learning.
MombasaCity in Mombasa County, KenyaCity and city county in Mombasa County, KenyaMombasa ( ; also US: ) is a coastal city in southeastern Kenya along the Indian Ocean. It was the first capital of British East Africa, before Nairobi was elevated to capital status in 1907. It now serves as the capital of Mombasa County. Buildings in the Central Business District are blue and white, representing the Indian Ocean.
RustaqRustaq (Arabic: ٱلرُّسْتَاق, romanized: Ar-Rustāq) is a town and Wilayah (District) in the Al Batinah South Governorate of northern Oman in the Western Hajar Mountains. Rustaq was once the capital of Oman, during the era of Imam Nasir bin Murshid al Ya'arubi.
SoharSohar (Arabic: صُحَار, romanized: Ṣuḥār), officially: Suhar, is the capital and largest city of the Al Batinah North Governorate in Oman. An ancient capital of the country that once served as an important Islamic port town on the Gulf of Oman, Sohar has also been credited as the mythical birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor. It was historically known as Mazūn (مَزُوْن).
Muscat GovernorateMuscat (Arabic: محافظة مسقط) is a governorate of the Sultanate of Oman. Its provincial capital is Muscat, which is the largest city and only metropolis of Oman. Muscat Governorate, commonly referred to as Muscat City, is the seat of government and contains Oman's first cruise and cargo port and oil port. It had a population of 1,302,440 in July 2020. The current Governor of Muscat is Bilarab bin Haitham.
East AfricaRegions of the African Union: Northern Western Southern Eastern CentralEast Africa, also known as Eastern Africa or the East of Africa, is a region at the eastern edge of the African continent, distinguished by its unique geographical, historical, and cultural landscape. Defined in varying scopes, the region is recognized in the United Nations Statistics Divisionscheme as encompassing 18 sovereign states and 4 territories.
PortugalPortugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country in Southwestern Europe. Mainland Portugal is located on the southwestern portion of the Iberian Peninsula, and bordered by Spain to the north and east. Portugal also includes the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean. The country has a population of 11.4 million, and Lisbon, its capital, is the largest city.
ZanzibarSemi-autonomous region of TanzaniaZanzibar is a Tanzanian semi-autonomous region off the coast of East Africa. It is located in the Indian Ocean, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja Island (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba Island. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre, Stone Town, is a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site.
ImamImam (; Arabic: إمام, imām; pl.: أئمة, a'immah) is an Islamic leadership position. In Sunni Islam, an Imam generally refers to a religious leader, scholar, or the person who leads Muslims in prayer. The position is not necessarily hereditary or divinely appointed. Thus in Sunni Islam, anyone can study the basic Islamic teachings and become an Imam. In Shia Islam, the Imams are absolute infallible leaders after the Prophet.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.