The Oriental paradise of The Thousand and One Nights has long been romanticized by writers, and for good reason. Yet the delights of this mysterious land go beyond just fables and tales. Today, the fascinating charm of Oman is being explored by Somewhere on Earth, a documentary that invites you to discover and fall in love with the Sultanate of Oman in the south of the Arabian Peninsula.
Oman is a dream destination that offers everything – from pristine beaches along the endless coastline, to breathtaking mountains, vast deserts, and fascinating history. The documentary starts with a glimpse of the nomadic Bedouins, people who used to call the desert their home. Bedu, as they are called in Arabic, literally translates to “desert dwellers.”
But Oman is more than just sand and dunes. The far south of the country, in the region of Dhofar, hides a rare and precious treasure – frankincense. The tree that yields this valuable resin has been guarded for 2000 years, with farmers dedicated to its protection. Mossin, one such farmer, devotes most of his time to taking care of these trees. It’s inspiring to see people so dedicated to preserving nature and ancient traditions in this fast-paced world.
Moving north, we come across the Hajar mountains in the Gulf of Oman, where Saïd dwells. Saïd’s life is in harmony with the seasons of his date palms. He takes care of them for they are all he has. Following the ancient wisdom passed down from his ancestors, Saïd still tends to his palms in the old-fashioned way, using nothing but his hands and a few simple tools. It’s heartening to see traditions still being valued in these modern times.
Further north, in Balat Sayt in the Green Mountain of Djebel Al Akhdar, lives Ahmed and his son. Ahmed is an arif, a water master, a guardian of knowledge and a living memory. His life’s work is managing the scarce and precious water resources of the region. In the mountains, the risk of drought is high, making the knowledge that Ahmed has, invaluable in preserving the delicate ecosystem that exists here.
The documentary takes us on a mesmerizing journey across Oman, discovering the country’s history and traditions, all while taking in the stunning landscapes and meeting the friendly, hospitable locals.
Watch the Somewhere on Earth documentary and discover the beauty of Oman that this article could only begin to describe.
