Travels in Arabia: Travels in Oman

by James R Wellsted, Ibn Al Hamra (Compiler)

Overview

DISCOVER OMAN IN THIS GROUNDBREAKING TRAVELOGUE INTO OMAN FROM ALMOST 200 YEARS AGO.

In 1835, James Raymond Wellsted embarked on an intrepid journey through the mysterious land of Oman and beyond - becoming the first Westerner to reveal its wonders to the world.

Now, modern readers can join Wellsted on his journey of discovery in this one-of-a-kind travelogue. Inside you'll find:

• A fascinating glimpse into fabled Arabian cities like Muscat through Wellsted's vivid descriptions and compelling narrative.
• A visit to the land of the Bani bu Ali - after thir battles with Britain 15 years earlier.
• Insight into Oman's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes from an explorer who ventured farther than any European before him.
• Wellsted's perilous attempts to become the first Westerner to reach the elusive Wahhabi capital at the Arabian peninsula's heart.
• Insightful illustrations of daily life and encounters with Oman's hospitable people, captured by an explorer with over 13 years in the region.
• Modern, place specific, colour photography paired with Wellsted's timeless chronicle, brings his groundbreaking 1835 expedition to life.

Experience the wonder of discovering Oman and Arabia for the first time all over again. Join the adventure that Queen Victoria herself endorsed - pick up this exceptional travelogue today!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781998997015
Publisher:	Arabesque Travel
Publication date:	06/08/2021
Series:	Oman in History
Pages:	244
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.51(d)

About the Author

JAMES RAYMOND WELLSTED WAS BORN IN 1805. BY 1821 HE WAS SURVEYING THE PERSIAN GULF UNDER CAPTAIN DANIEL ROSS. He was commissioned as a Midshipman (an apprentice officer) in the Bombay Marine (future Indian Navy) on 27 May 1823. Charles Malcolm, superintendent of the Bombay Marine (Indian Navy) employed Wellsted as his secretary in 1828. Wellsted writes that he joined the survey ship Palinurus, as Second Lieutenant on 12th October 1830. The ship charted the coast and Wellsted also travelled overland; as the only member of the ship he visited the Sinai Peninsula and then with Lieutenant Carless journeyed between Cosseir (modern Quseer) and Thebes (Luxor). Lieutenant Wellsted's next assignment was again on the Palinurus, with Captain Haines, on a survey of the eastern Arabia and the Hadramaut which began in October 1833. Wellsted's 'Memoir of the Island of Socotra' covered the period 10th January - 7th March 1834, during which his party of eight people explored the island. However, it was his 'Travels in Arabia', Volume 1, (Travels in Oman) that cemented appreciation of Wellsted. This was dedicated in December 1837, with her permission, to the new Queen, Victoria.

Table of Contents

Introduction — this edition page v

Introduction page 1

1. Arrival in Maskat 6

2. Maskat''s Population and Trade 13

3. Journey from and Return to Maskat 20

4. Travel from Maskat to Beni-Abu-Ali 30

5. Beni-Abu-Ali''s History and Environs 38

6. Culture of Jailan 46

7. Travel through Bediah 56

8. Meeting Lieutenant Whitelock in Seemed 67

9. Ascent from Neswah to Jebel Akhdar 80

10. Descent from Mountains to Neswah 91

11. Violent Fever grips the Party 104

12. Moving from Burka to Suweik 115

13. From the Coast to the Mountains 124

14. Barriers to Farther Travel 132

15. Description of Northern Oman 141

16. Seaborne Confict 150

17. Culture of Persian Gulf 160

18. Agriculture of Batna Coast 167

19. Agriculture and Livestock 175

20. Commercial Aspects of Oman 190

21. Festivals and Ornaments of Women 203

22. Arab Culture and Governance 211

23. The Imam of Oman 220

24. Political Relations of the Imam 226

25. Arrival in Ba-l-haff Yemen 235

26. Ruins of Nakab el Hajar Fortress 245

Appendix 257

Index 265

Photographs 277

Notations 279