Publications
Managing Archaeological Heritage in the Land of Frankincense: The Al Baleed Archaeological Park as a Model for Sustainable Valorisation
A sustainable model for managing archaeological heritage has been successfully demonstrated through the Al Baleed Archaeological Park in Oman, part of the UNESCO Land of Frankincense site. This approach integrates stratigraphic excavation, digital recording, 3D modeling, and augmented reality to enhance public accessibility while preserving scientific documentation. The study highlights how combining these methodologies fosters community engagement, promotes sustainable territorial development, and balances preservation with social use of heritage. This holistic strategy offers a scalable template for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites seeking to valorize archaeological assets responsibly.
Political Conditions in the Northern Arabian Peninsula and its Influence on the Trade of the ancient Yemen from the (4th Century BC – 2nd Century AD)
A shift from land to maritime trade routes via the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf marked a significant transformation in ancient Yemen's economic foundations, driven by political instability in the northern Arabian Peninsula. This study reveals that the region's strategic location at the crossroads of ancient trade networks led to successive dominance by empires like the Seleucids, Ptolemies, Romans, Parthians, and Nabataeans, culminating in the Taurus dynasty's control. However, political deterioration and the rise of pomegranate control accelerated the transition to maritime routes, capitalizing on monsoon winds and reshaping Yemeni trade. The research employed historical methods to analyze these conditions, highlighting how frankincense-based economies pivoted toward agriculture due to this shift.
Overgrazing strongly impedes the natural regeneration of the endemic Boswellia species on Socotra Island
Overgrazing significantly hinders the natural regeneration of endemic frankincense trees (Boswellia spp.) on Socotra Island, threatening their survival. A two-to-three-year experiment across four Boswellia taxa compared seedling mortality and growth in fenced (grazing-excluded) and unfenced control plots. Results showed higher mortality and slower height increment in open areas, with up to 772 seedlings emerging in fenced plots—560 surviving—versus only 176 survivors in unfenced controls. While grazing is a primary threat, high seedling mortality even within exclosures suggests additional challenges for conservation. This study underscores the critical need to address overgrazing and other stressors to protect Socotra's unique frankincense ecosystems.
Dhofar - What Made it Different?
Dhofar's distinct identity is rooted in its pivotal role in the ancient trade of frankincense and myrrh, linking it to early Arabian history. The region, identified as the Greek Sachalitis, stands out for its unique linguistic and ecological characteristics, with Jibbali language prevalent across mountainous Dhofar and coastal areas, unlike other parts of Oman. Cattle rearing dominates pastoralism here, contrasting with the rest of the country. Monsoon settlements served as permanent dwellings for both humans and livestock, facilitating barter trade among different ecological zones. This study sheds light on Dhofar's cultural and economic differentiation through a close analysis of historical inscriptions, linguistic patterns, and pastoral practices.
The Land of Frankincense: Dhofari Sites as National and World Heritage
Frankincense has emerged as a defining cultural and economic symbol of Oman, with its significance deeply rooted in the archaeological heritage of Dhofar. This study reveals how strategic promotion during Sultan Qaboos' reign transformed the region from obscurity to a cornerstone of Omani national identity and tourism. The research highlights the pivotal role of archaeological and cultural heritage in shaping modern Oman's perception, leveraging frankincense's historical and economic importance to bolster its global standing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The return of the ‘Black Swan’? Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the Covid-19 pandemic
Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land may offer a viable exit strategy from the economic and social disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new research. The study draws parallels between the Roman Empire's conversion to Christianity in AD 325—a 'Black Swan' event that reshaped the frankincense economy—and the current crisis, suggesting that the unique attributes of pilgrimage tourism could drive recovery. By analyzing historical and economic patterns, the research proposes that targeted focus on this niche market segment could mitigate broader impacts on Israel's tourism industry while fostering sustainable growth.
Customs and traditions of the Sultanate of Oman and their reflection in Jokha Alharthi's “Celestial Bodies”
Jokha Alharthi's novel 'Celestial Bodies' offers a unique ethnographic perspective on the customs and traditions of Oman, revealing that rural areas preserve a traditional structure blending Islamic and African practices. The study highlights a generational shift due to urbanization and technological advancement, leading to a crisis in the senior generation's mentality. Alharthi, as a professor at Sultan Qaboos University, demonstrates how the younger generation, supported by their families, is breaking away from blind adherence to ancestral customs and embracing independent decision-making. The research uses historical and systemic analysis to compare life in rural al-Awafi and urban Muscat, exploring themes of happiness, loneliness, and the impact of modernization on Omani society.
Human landscape modification and expansion of tropical woodland in southern Arabia during the mid‐Holocene from rock hyrax middens
A mid-Holocene expansion of tropical woodlands, including frankincense (Boswellia sacra) and Terminalia trees, occurred in southern Arabia, coinciding with human landscape modification. This period, from 6 to 4.7 thousand years ago, saw increased groundwater storage and potential wildfires, suggesting a semi-arid but continuous vegetation cover that contrasted with today's arid conditions. The study used fossil pollen and stable isotopes from rock hyrax middens in Wadi Sana, Yemen, to reconstruct ecosystem changes during this critical transition. Findings indicate human management likely promoted Terminalia woodlands, while frankincense may have supported ancient resin trade networks. After 1 thousand years, desert conditions emerged, marked by increased sedge abundances and the decline of grasses and trees.
The Kambārī in the Museum of the Frankincense Land, Salalah, Oman
A rare surviving example of the kambārī, a sewn-plank boat historically used for fishing and lightering in Dhofar, Oman, is documented in detail. This vessel, one of only five known to exist, provides valuable insights into traditional maritime craftsmanship in the region. The study presents an accurate pictorial record and analysis of its construction, contextualizing it within similar vessels found in Oman, South Yemen, and Somalia. By examining this 1980-built kambārī housed at the Museum of the Frankincense Land in Salalah, researchers contribute to the understanding of historical maritime practices in the Frankincense Trail.
The ‘Triple R’ Approach on the Restoration of Archaeological Dry Stone City Walls: Procedures and Application to a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oman
A novel restoration approach, termed the 'Triple R' method—recognizable, reversible, and respectful—was successfully applied to preserve the archaeological dry stone city walls of Al-Baleed, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oman's Land of Frankincense. This innovative technique, adapted to the monsoon-affected climate of the Indian Ocean region, ensured the conservation of the site's original architectural features using locally sourced stones and materials. The method included procedures for consolidating walls, gates, foundations, and sloping surfaces while incorporating simple on-site mechanical tests to assess the safety of restored structures. These efforts facilitated further archaeological excavations, leading to new findings that shed light on the city's evolution from its 9th-century origins over five centuries.
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