Why has this Mutrah Souq merchant been offered a fortune for an Omani coffee pot?


Ali Al Shouk
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The owner of one of the oldest shops in Oman's Mutrah Souq has a possession so steeped in the nation's history that he refuses to sell it.

“It is a priceless item for me," said Akhtar Al Belooshi, standing in front of piles of antiques in the window of Ali Baba Gifts.

He is talking about an Arabic dallah ― or coffee pot ― that was once used to serve coffee to former Omani Sultan Said bin Taimur and has declined generous offers from people who want it for their own collection.

"I have the dallah that used to serve coffee for the father of the late Sultan Qaboos. I refused to sell it for thousands of Omani riyals. It is a piece from history,” Mr Al Belooshi told The National.

For him, this is more than just a coffee pot. It represents the country's rich history, and on Oman's national day, Mr Al Belooshi feels an even stronger connection to the antique that used to serve the late sultan of Muscat and Oman.

Antiques, archaeological treasures, Roman glass, coins and items, some about 5,000 years old, on display at Akhtar Al Belooshi's shop in Muttrah Souq. Photo: Ali Al Shouk / The National
Antiques, archaeological treasures, Roman glass, coins and items, some about 5,000 years old, on display at Akhtar Al Belooshi's shop in Muttrah Souq. Photo: Ali Al Shouk / The National

It has been two years since the Sultan Qaboos died. Said bin Taimur ruled as the 13th sultan of Muscat and Oman from February 10, 1932, until July 3, 1970.

On Friday, Oman continues to honour its heritage by celebrating its 52nd national day. Sultan Haitham is expected to attend a military parade in Dhofar governorate.

Drones, lasers and kite shows will entertain the crowds, and buildings and homes of citizens in the governorate have already been adorned with flags and lights to celebrate the occasion.

Part of national history

Mr Al Belooshi’s shop is more of a museum and has been around for more than a century. In the hidden gem that he inherited from his grandfather, he sells jewellery and handicrafts, and other valuables collected by his ancestors.

Akhtar Al Belooshi, owner of a 105-year-old shop at Oman's Muttrah Souq displaying his Dh360,000 dagger. Credit: Ali Al Shouk
Akhtar Al Belooshi, owner of a 105-year-old shop at Oman's Muttrah Souq displaying his Dh360,000 dagger. Credit: Ali Al Shouk

Among the antiques is a teapot with a picture of the late Sultan Said bin Taimur, with the old red Omani flag, which was in use between 1856 and 1970.

"This shop is in the souq for 105 years. My grandfather opened the shop in the early days. I love to collect antiques and archaeological monuments. I have Roman glass and coins as well as items dating from about 5,000 years [ago].”

The shop has drawn several world leaders to its doorstep including John Kerry, former US secretary of state, former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad Al Thani and the UK's Prince Harry.

“This is a picture of me with John Kerry and other pictures of many world leaders, officials, artists and singers from all around the world,” Mr Al Belooshi said, standing in front of a wall covered with photographs of his guests.

Wearing traditional Omani clothing he carries a dagger worth 38,000 Omani riyals ($98,000).

“This dagger was made for me in the 1980s. I carry it all the time and take pictures with it upon customers’ request," he said.

Despite all the many irreplaceable items in his shop, Mr Al Belooshi does not worry about leaving the souq at night.

"I leave all antiques and historical items in the shop. It is very safe here in Oman,” he said.

Local hot spot for visitors

Surrounded by grey rocky mountains and on the coast of the Sea of Oman, Mutrah Souq has emerged as a must-visit destination for tourists in Muscat.

Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world and was built in the 1820s by the Sultan Said bin Sultan.

Indian traders were the first retailers in the market, known locally as Al Dhalam, meaning darkness in Arabic, because sunlight barely penetrates the souq during the day.

In the age of trade arriving by ship, Mutrah Souq was strategically located on the way to India and China. Originally built from mud and palm leaves, the souq has been renovated to bring it into the modern age, and shoppers continue to come to walk the narrow alleys of the souq to buy jewellery, Omani silver, traditional antiques, outfits and luban, some of the finest frankincense in the world, which became a trademark of the country.

For Mr Al Belooshi, celebrating national day means celebrating his own family's history as much as the country's.

“My ancestors inhabited Oman for hundreds of years. They taught me to work and to understand our traditions and values," he said.

"This is a blessed homeland that gave me everything I need and makes me feel proud when say I’m Omani."

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EXare%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJanuary%2018%2C%202021%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPadmini%20Gupta%2C%20Milind%20Singh%2C%20Mandeep%20Singh%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20Raised%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2410%20million%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E28%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eundisclosed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMS%26amp%3BAD%20Ventures%2C%20Middle%20East%20Venture%20Partners%2C%20Astra%20Amco%2C%20the%20Dubai%20International%20Financial%20Centre%2C%20Fintech%20Fund%2C%20500%20Startups%2C%20Khwarizmi%20Ventures%2C%20and%20Phoenician%20Funds%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Healthy tips to remember

Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE

Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega

Director: Tim Burton

Rating: 3/5

The Penguin

Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz

Creator: Lauren LeFranc

Rating: 4/5

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The schedule

December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club

December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq

December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm

December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition

December 13: Falcon beauty competition

December 14 and 20: Saluki races

December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm

December 16 - 19: Falconry competition

December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am

December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am

December 22: The best herd of 30 camels

Updated: November 17, 2022, 4:47 PM`