Oman Postal Stamp Book 2022
Issued National Records and Archives Authority A book about Omani postage stamps. The book contains 326 pages of evidence on Omani stamps, from 1944 to the present day. It covers the history of stamps in Oman, from the time they were annotated with British currency to the declaration of postal independence in 1966. Each stamp issue is accompanied by information about the occasion and date of issue, as well as the stamp catalog numbers in the most famous international catalogs. Omani postage stamps serve as a record of important events in Oman throughout different periods, as well as a tribute to the people and figures who played a significant role in Oman's history.
Regarding the publication, Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Duwayani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority, stated: “The Authority is proceeding with the utilization of all documents, photographs, and materials that document the bidding, construction, and completion phases of the project. These are available to researchers and scholars, in addition to the studies it conducts, based on the Authority's existing stock or the records of those who have registered their documents with it. It is important to address a noteworthy topic: postage stamps. The Sultanate of Oman is among the oldest countries in the region to utilize postal services. Omanis have managed and supervised postal operations since 1856. Another post office was established in Jawar in 1868, when it was part of Omani territory. Omanis have managed and supervised postal operations since 1966. The Authority is presenting this publication on stamps to introduce them to those interested and raise awareness of their importance. We look forward to future publications on envelopes and postal correspondence in a future issue of the Authority's publications series.” On this occasion, we would like to emphasize the Authority’s support for the efforts of other entities in the country and its contribution to spreading the civilizational, historical, and cultural aspects and achievements of the Omani people throughout the ages.
Postal services in the Sultanate
The first postal service in the Sultanate began in 1856, when a post office was opened in Muscat. Indian stamps were used on envelopes bearing the Muscat seal until December 19, 1947, when Pakistani stamps were introduced. English stamps were used on the local currency from April 1, 1948, until April 29, 1966.
On April 30, 1966, the first set of Omani stamps appeared under the name Muscat and Oman. This initial set consisted of 12 stamps, featuring images of the national emblem and a collection of castles in the Sultanate. The currency used was the rupee and the baisa. In 1970, the Saidi rial was introduced in the Sultanate, and a second set was issued in denominations of rial and baisa. The Sultanate of Oman issued its third regular set at the beginning of 1971. On July 23, a commemorative set was released to celebrate National Day.
The Sultanate's commemorative and ordinary postage stamp issues were diverse, encompassing numerous local and international occasions. National identity was a prominent feature of Omani postage stamps. Nationalism was the central theme of these issues, most notably National Day on November 18th each year. Stamps commemorating this occasion featured images of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, may God have mercy on him, and highlighted achievements of the Blessed Renaissance, such as the opening of Seeb International Airport (now Muscat International Airport) and Port Qaboos in Kuwait in the early 1970s. Other national achievements in education, health, agriculture, and social development were also addressed, as well as religious occasions like the Hajj pilgrimage and the opening of new mosques. Military events, such as Police Day and Armed Forces Day, were also commemorated. Stamps also highlighted the Sultanate's tourist attractions on several occasions, and sporting events, particularly the Gulf Cup and the FIFA World Cup, were also featured.
Read also: Whales and Dolphins of Oman
In the field of environment and wildlife, the Sultanate's natural environment and biodiversity are reflected in its stamps. A regular series was issued in 1982 featuring flowers, shells, birds, and animals, followed by stamps on palm trees and honeybees, and then stamps on fish, frankincense, whales, dolphins, butterflies, marine life, terrestrial creatures, and turtles. Birds, wildflowers, horses, and coral reefs have appeared on commemorative stamps for Environment Day in various years.
Oman's connection to the sea has been celebrated on postage stamps throughout the country's history, with ports such as Muttrah, Shinas, and Muscat appearing on stamps that reflect Oman's maritime ties. The influence of the sea is evident in the design of stamps commemorating national occasions, such as National Day, Police Day, and Armed Forces Day. In 1996, a series of stamps were issued naming voyages after Omani ships to honor the Sultanate's maritime heritage. The Ghanja and its sister ships continue to carry mail from Oman to the world. The voyages of the Sohar, following in the footsteps of Sinbad's voyage to Canton, China in 1981, and the Shabab Oman's 1986 voyage to New York, following the route of the Sultana in 1840, are also commemorated on stamps. The Jewel of Muscat, launched in 2010, is another example.
The Sultanate's stamps have been used to commemorate numerous important regional and international events, such as meetings of the Supreme Council of Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, celebrations of Arab Postal Day and the Palestinian cause, as well as international events designated by the United Nations, such as International Women's Year 1975, the International Year of the Child 1979, and the International Year of Peace 1986. The stamps have also documented the Sultanate's peaceful policies, most notably the 1998 stamp commemorating the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said's receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize.
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