Muttrah Through Time Words Art and the Legacy of Cultural Coexistence

Muttrah in Words and Art of Yore For centuries, the historic port city of Muttrah has captivated the imaginations of travellers, historians, and artists alike. Situated strategically along the coast of the Sea of Oman, Muttrah’s enduring charm is found not only in its physical landscapes but in the vivid accounts, photographs, and artworks that have preserved its identity across generations. Beginning from as early as the 16th century, Muttrah featured extensively in the journals, maps, and paintings created by Western travellers. These historical records offer an enduring snapshot of the city’s geography, cultural coexistence, and multicultural roots. According to Dr. Hilal al Hajri, “Muttrah’s multiculturalism during the 19th and 20th centuries was a result of its strategic location, economic activity and the interactions of diverse communities. The city’s demographic makeup or composition contributed to the vitality of the city’s social and cultural life.” Dr. al Hajri explained that Muttrah’s coastal location gave it vital maritime access to trade networks stretching to India, China, Persia, and East Africa. This positioning turned the city into a vibrant nexus for the exchange of goods, ideas, and beliefs. Historic travellers described Muttrah as a place where cultures intersected deeply. American traveller Edmund Roberts painted a picture of its multicultural fabric, observing the interaction among Baluchis, Indians, Persians, Africans, and Arabs. He was particularly struck by the bustling Muttrah Souq, a centre buzzing with trade and flowing with caravans loaded with dates, wheat, and grapes. British explorer James Bent referred to Muttrah as “The Commercial Centre of Oman Kingdom”, highlighting the market’s role as a space where different ethnic groups interacted economically and socially. Though neighbourhoods were organized along cultural lines, the souq served as a powerful equalizer. William Palgrave also noted the dynamic nature of Muttrah’s souq, remarking upon the variety of merchandise—from Omani daggers and carpets to imported mangoes—signifying the city’s deep trade connections. Likewise, Edward Stack reflected on the city’s distinctive architecture, praising the Mashrabiyas and comparing them to Mediterranean designs, underscoring the city’s blend of East and West. Exploring art’s role in preserving this history, Prof. Fakhriya al Yahyai, Professor of Art at Sultan Qaboos University, has meticulously examined over 105 photographs and 42 ancient paintings of Muttrah, along with several modern visual works. In her assessment, “Social life contributed in enriching the city’s visual image by depicting scenes of daily interactions among people, traditional activities, local events, popular celebrations; and customs and traditions that conveyed the community’s character and humanitarian warmth.” She emphasized that the city’s traditional architecture— with its narrow alleys, forts, and old houses—is a defining feature of Muttrah’s visual memory. These elements project the city’s layered heritage and fortified history, reflecting a resilient urban structure that has navigated centuries of change. According to Prof. al Yahyai, foreign artists portrayed Muttrah not just as a strategic hub but also as a mosaic of Omani customs, beliefs, and visual aesthetics. Their work, often from a classical or orientalist perspective, focuses on revealing both the beauty and the complexity of Eastern life during their era of exploration. While Muttrah has inevitably embraced some degree of urban change, its soul has not been lost. Prof. al Yahyai believes new generations still relate to it as their ancestors did, thanks to the city’s enduring features like its waterfront, souqs, and heritage architecture. “The city’s strategic geographical location, traditional architecture, old markets and waterfront are all elements that preserve the visual and historical identity of the place,” she said. These images—old and new—evoke pride and belonging among Muttrah’s residents. They serve as more than art; they are vessels of collective memory. As Prof. al Yahyai noted, they are a “means of reviving Muttrah’s heritage and reinforcing its cultural identity in collective memory.” To ensure the legacy continues to flourish, she recommends national-level initiatives. “Investment can be made in archiving old artworks and photographs that documented the city’s landmarks and making them available through permanent exhibitions in national museums or via interactive digital platforms,” she said. Additionally, she encourages contemporary Omani artists to reimagine the city through modern lenses, inspired by Muttrah’s enduring themes—its markets, sea, architecture, and people. Through words and visuals across time, Muttrah endures—not only as a physical location but as a powerful symbol of cultural harmony and artistic inspiration in the Arabian Peninsula. Team V.DIR-EM-UAE