오만해양제국의 융성과 추락

The Rise & Fall of Omani Oceanic Empire

Archaeological evidence suggests that an early form of civilization existed in Oman at least 5,000 years ago. The Omanis were among the first Arabs to embrace Islam, back in 7th century AD, and Oman became an Ibadhi state ruled by an elected religious leader, the Imam. Oman's position on some of the world's most important trade routes between Africa and Asia has given it a unique dimension. The Portuguese arrived by force in 1507 with a view to protecting supply lines to the east. They were driven out of their main bases, first from Hormuz in 1622, eventually from Muscat in 1650, by Sultan ibn Saif Al-Ya'aribi. During al-Ya'aribah Dynasty(l624-1744), Oman entered the prosperous period and many of its great buildings and forts were built. But tribal warfare over the election of a new Imam halted this expansion and Persian forces invaded the coastal areas. In 1744, Omani tribes elected Imam Ahmad ibn Said, founder of the present Al-Busaidi Dynasty. He expelled the Persian invaders, united the country, restored Oman's fortunes and moved the capital from the interior to Muscat. The Omani empire reached the height of its power in the mid-19th century under Said ibn Sultan. He extended control all the way to Zanzibar and Mombassa in Africa, and to parts of Persia, Pakistan, and India. When Said ibn Sultan died in 1856 the empire was divided between his two sons. One became the Sultan of Zanzibar and the other, the Sultan of Muscat and Oman. Thereafter the fortunes of Oman as a maritime power declined, accelerated by the introduction of steamers. This put the Omanis at a disadvantage since their ships ceased to be competitive in the carrying trade. The British exacerbated this situation by pressing Oman to end the trade in slaves and arms for which it had been known. Many of the sultan's advisers were British and the army itself was commanded by British officers.