Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in collaboration with Oman Historical Society, launched a book titled Oman Zaman: Traces of the Past, on Monday at National Museum of Oman. Authored by Margaret Kapenga Shurdom, the book presents a vivid portrayal of life in the sultanate during the 1950s, drawn from her American family’s experiences.

Margaret’s connection to Oman spans from 1948 to 1983, a time that allowed her a deep engagement with Omani society.

The book’s launch was graced by the presence of H E Salem bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, alongside the author and an assembly of dignitaries and witnesses to the era’s historical richness.

This English language publication, soon to be available in Arabic, offers a window into the past in three comprehensive chapters, enriched by an array of over 300 photos, illustrations and personal correspondences. These elements collectively narrate the social fabric of Omani life in those times.

Complementing the book’s launch, a mini-exhibition featuring artwork and photography was inaugurated. Among the displayed works are paintings by the author’s grandmother, artist Evelyn Underwood, who drew inspiration from her 1950s sojourn in Oman.

Her artistic lens captures more than 30 scenes depicting the architectural and urban landscapes of Muscat, Muttrah and beyond, accessible to National Museum visitors for three days.

The tome spans the years 1948 to 1970, a seminal yet lesser-known chapter in Omani history, largely unfamiliar to the younger generation. This literary effort aims to encapsulate and convey the cultural and historical wealth of Oman to contemporary and future audiences, ensuring the nation’s storied past remains a touchstone for its cultural identity.