The Forgotten Maritime Power of Suhar

Arab and European historians agree that many of the stories about Sindbad were inspired by the real journeys of Omani sailors from Suhar. During the medieval period, Suhar was one of the most important trading ports on the Indian Ocean. From here, ships sailed to India, China, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.

The sailors of Oman were famous for their bravery, navigation skills, and advanced shipbuilding techniques. They built powerful wooden ships from teak wood, perfectly adapted for long ocean voyages. These real expeditions became the foundation for the legendary adventures later known as the stories of Sindbad.

Ancient historical records describe Suhar as “the gateway of Arabia to the world.” It was not only a commercial center but also a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions brought by traders from distant lands.