Muscat – Oman’s cultural heritage is taking centre stage in Belarus with the opening of The Splendour of Silver: Treasures from the Omani Court, an exhibition organised by the National Museum at the Vitebsk Museum of Local Lore as part of the 35th International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar.

The exhibition, which opened on Wednesday, follows a successful showing at the National Art Museum in Minsk in December 2025 and will remain open until August 16. It marks Oman’s first participation in the internationally renowned cultural festival, reflecting growing cultural cooperation between the sultanate and Belarus.

The opening ceremony was attended by Jamal bin Hassan Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum. The Belarusian side was represented by Marat Sergeyevich Markov, Minister of Culture, and Alexey Vladimirovich Guida, Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.

The exhibition presents a carefully curated collection of silver artefacts from Muscat and Zanzibar. Through jewellery, ceremonial objects, traditional dress and decorative pieces, it highlights the central role silver has played in Omani society, not only as a symbol of royal prestige but also as an important part of everyday life, identity and craftsmanship.

Speaking at the opening, Al Moosawi described Oman’s participation in the festival as a historic milestone that strengthens cultural dialogue and people-to-people relations between the two countries. He said the exhibition is the result of close cooperation established after heritage and culture memoranda of understanding signed in 2018, which have led to joint museum, research and educational initiatives.

Al Moosawi added that the exhibition provides Belarusian visitors an opportunity to discover Oman’s rich artistic traditions through objects reflecting the creativity and craftsmanship of Omani silversmiths over the centuries. He also informed that new collaborative projects are under development to preserve and promote the shared cultural heritage of both nations.

The exhibition is organised into different sections covering the Omani khanjar, the culture of fragrance, silver craftsmanship, traditional dress and the attire of prominent Omani figures in East Africa.

Among the highlights are rare silver khanjars, ceremonial jewellery, traditional clothing, and historic perfume bottles from the first Amouage Gold fragrance collection, crafted from crystal, 24-carat gold and silver. Also on display are a shield and a matchlock firearm from the private collection of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and jewellery belonging to Sayyida Salma bint Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, offering visitors a rare insight into the history and cultural legacy of the Omani court.