News

Olympic Flame to Be Lit in Ancient OlympiaAthens, 14 Mar (ONA) --- The Olympic Flame will ignite in ancient Olympia on April 16, heralding the start of its journey to Paris for the thirty-third modern Olympic Games opening on July 26.The Paris 2024 flame lighting and handover ceremony launches a momentous journey across Greece before reaching France.After a symbolic handover in Athens the flame will embark on a maritime voyage to Marseille aboard the "Belem,”. The torch relay across France will engage communities for two months, visiting landmarks like Lascaux, Carcassonne, ...

‘Shōgun,’ James Clavell’s Novel Brought to Life by Passionate Historian, Traditional Theater Actors California, 12 Mar (ONA) --- The Belgian Frederik Cryns, a professor of History at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies in Kyoto, remembers an old saying from his adopted country: “A samurai who does not know about poetry, traditional theater, or the tea ceremony, is not a samurai.” These and other disciplines, and not just katana fighting, appear in Shōgun (Hulu), whose plot is set in the time of these fearsome warriors. The show’s title refers to ...

Permanent Documentary Exhibition Opened at Royal Cemetery in ZanzibarZanzibar, 6 Mar (ONA) --- The National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) today opened a permanent documentary and historical exhibition of the Royal Cemetery in Zanzibar. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Mudrick Soraqa, Minister of Tourism and Heritage in Zanzibar, in the presence of Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al Dhawyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority.The NRAA worked in cooperation with the authorities concerned in Zanzibar to set specifications and requirements for the restoration ...

Divers Find Roman Artifacts Off Slovenia Ljubljana, 5 Mar (ONA) --- In a groundbreaking discovery, divers off Slovenia's coast have unearthed a wealth of ancient Roman artifacts, shedding new light on the region's historical significance. Dating back over a millennium, these findings point to a once-thriving Roman presence along the Adriatic Sea. The artifacts, meticulously pieced together after years of underwater excavations between 2017 and 2024, include ceramic fragments like amphorae, kitchenware, and tableware, as well as remnants of a ship dating to the third and ...

Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia Mosque Ready for Holy Month of Ramadan Istanbul, 5 Mar (ONA) --- With Ramadan fast approaching, the Fatih Municipality teams in Istanbul today conducted cleaning and disinfection work at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. The municipality's Environmental Protection and Control Directorate teams cleaned the interior and surroundings of the historical mosque. Carpets were vacuumed, shoe racks and the interior of the mosque were sprayed with disinfectant. The ablution fountain, mosque courtyard and Hagia Sophia Square were washed with hot water and ...

Book Titled "Persistent Pastoralism: Monuments and Settlements in the Archaeology of Dhofar" Issued Muscat, 29 Feb (ONA) --- The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism recently published the book titled “Persistent Pastoralism: Monuments and Settlements in the Archaeology of Dhofar,” written by Professor Joy McCorriston. It is the Ministry’s tenth publication in the last five years within the Oman Archaeological Heritage Series. In this book, the author focuses on the cultural identity, economic activities, and social practices of pastoral societies in the prehistoric ...

Archaeologists Use Hazelnuts to Reconstruct Ancient Woodlands London, 29 Feb (ONA) --- Scientists have developed a novel technique using hazelnut shells to unveil ancient landscapes surrounding archaeological sites. Led by Dr. Amy Styring from the University of Oxford, the study published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology reveals how hazelnut shells provide insights into the environment's past state and human impact. Through carbon analysis of hazelnuts from various Swedish archaeological sites spanning the Mesolithic to the Iron Age, researchers observed a ...

Experiment Captures Why Pottery Forms Are Culturally Distinct Tokyo, 28 Feb (ONA) --- A study led by Kobe University, published in PNAS Nexus, reveals how potters from different cultural backgrounds learn and reproduce new pottery forms, shedding light on cultural variations in archaeological artifacts. Researchers, including experts in pottery, motor control, and shape analysis, conducted a field experiment involving 21 wheel-throwing potters from France, India, and Japan. Despite no differential cultural evolution, they found distinct cultural differences in the ...

Artists, Curators Protest Israeli Presence at Venice Biennale, Citing Gaza 'Genocide' Venice, 28 Feb (ONA) --- Nearly 9,000 individuals, comprising artists, curators and museum directors, have endorsed an online petition urging the exclusion of Israel from the upcoming Venice Biennale art fair. They accuse the country of perpetrating "genocide" in Gaza. Israel has been facing mounting international criticism, including in the art world, over its military offensive in the Palestinian enclave, which was triggered by the 7th October attack when Hamas, a Palestinian ...

Culture Undersecretary Meets Brunei Official Muscat, 28 Feb (ONA) ---- Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth held a meeting in Muscat today with Dato Seri Setia, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in Brunei Darussalam. The meeting touched on a set of topics that promote the joint cooperation in the areas of culture, youth and sports. The two sides also discussed means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries. --- Ends/AH ...

Physical Model to Quantify Quality of Stones Selected as Tools by Stone Age Hunter–gatherers Berlin, 27 Feb (ONA) --- Early hunter-gatherers in southern Africa, during the Middle Stone Age, displayed advanced material selection for crafting stone tools and spearheads, a study led by Dr. Patrick Schmidt of the University of Tübingen reveals. Using a specialized model, researchers tested the force required to flake off pieces from rocks used at the Diepkloof Rock Shelter, near Cape Town, with findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of ...

Oman Year Book Launched at Muscat International Book Fair Muscat, 27 Feb (ONA) --- Acting in cooperation with the Cultural Committee of Muscat International Book Fair’s 28th edition, the Ministry of Information today celebrated the launch of Oman Year Book 2023, titled “Oman the Vision & the Future”. The ceremony took place at the book fair’s venue at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Hinai, Head of Oman Year Book’s Working Team, said that the annual publication provides a comprehensive account of Oman’s progress in various fields of ...

West Bank Museum Showcases Gaza Artifacts as Symbol of Solidarity Amid DevastationWest Bank, 27 Feb (ONA) —- In a museum located in the West Bank under Israeli control, artworks from Gaza are showcased as a continuous artistic expression of solidarity with the conflict-affected Palestinian region."This is not an exhibition," reads the sign at the entrance to the Palestinian Museum in Birzeit, near Ramallah, showcasing art and heritage from the Gaza Strip.Alongside contemporary pieces, the works include old, traditional paintings and costumes, as well as archeological artifacts, said board ...

Oman Across the Ages Museum Hosts IMCC MeetingManah, 26 Feb (ONA) --- The “Oman Across the Ages Museum” in the Wilayat of Manah (A’ Dakhiliyah Governorate) today hosted activities of the second day of meetings of the “International Museum Construction Congress (IMCC)”. As many as 120 specialists in museum construction are taking part in the three-day conference, which began on 25 February 2024. The event seeks to enhance the knowledge of young people with disabilities, expand their talents and foster dialogue among innovators in the field of museum construction and ...

Ancient Greek Frescoes Reveal Global Bronze Age Connections with IndiaAthens, 25 Feb (ONA) --- In a groundbreaking discovery, an interdisciplinary team of primatologists has uncovered new insights into the ancient trade routes of the Aegean civilization through the vibrant frescoes of Akrotiri on Santorini, Greece.Traditionally believed to depict African monkeys symbolizing trade links with Egypt, these frescoes are now recognized to portray Hanuman langurs, indigenous to the Indian subcontinent.This revelation challenges previous assumptions, suggesting a Bronze Age ...

Workshops on Developing Cultural, Innovative Industries Launched Muscat, 25 Feb (ONA) --- Workshops for developing cultural and innovative industries kicked off today at the Oman International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The 10-day series is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in cooperation with the National Programme for Investment and Export Development "Nazdaher". The ceremony marking the opening of the event was held under the auspices of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Sayyid Said Sultan Al ...

Heritage Ministry Exhibits 38 Publications at Muscat International Book FairMuscat, 22 Feb (ONA) --- In its independent pavilion, now being booked for the second time in a row at Muscat International Book Fair, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is exhibiting 38 publications, six of which appear for the first time.The Ministry’s pavilion has a section for tourist guides that are also available in electronic form. The section comprises 4 specialized tourism brochures and a number of new promotional publications and posters.A key publication at the Ministry’s pavilion is a book ...

Information Ministry’s Pavilion at Muscat Book Fair Energetic in Showcasing Media RolesMuscat, 22 Feb (ONA) --- The Ministry of Information’s pavilion at Muscat International Book Fair is actively engaged in enlightening visitors about the roles and tasks carried out by the Ministry in serving the media sector.The pavilion operates through four main sections. They are Oman News Agency section (ONA), the Directorate General of Publications and Artistic Works section, the Directorate General of Electronic Media section (which comprises Ayn platform and media portal) and the Nizwa ...

Information Ministry to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Nizwa Magazine Muscat, 21 Feb (ONA) --- The Ministry of Information will tomorrow (Thursday) mark the 30th anniversary of Nizwa magazine’s publication. The celebration takes place as part of cultural activities accompanying the 28th edition of Muscat International Book Fair. The event will explore the successful march of Nizwa magazine over the past three decades during which the publication continued to meet the aspirations of its readers. It will also demonstrate the extent to which Nizwa magazine contributed to scholarly ...

28th Muscat International Book Fair Kicks off Muscat, 21 Feb (ONA) --- Activities of the 28th edition of Muscat International Book Fair kicked off at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre today. The extravaganza runs until 2 March 2024. The opening of the event was held under the auspices of Dr. Mohammed Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information, Chairman of the Main Committee of Muscat International Book Fair. A’Dhahirah Governorate, the guest of honour at the current ...

National Museum Holds Event on Rock Engravings, Their Human Significance Muscat, 20 Feb (ONA) --- The National Museum, represented by the Department of Museum Learning and Community Outreach, today organized an event titled "Rock Engravings". The purpose of the event was to introduce rock drawings and engravings and their human significance inspired by Oman's nature across the ages. The event included a lecture titled "Examples of Rock Drawings in the Sultanate of Oman,". The lecture introduced rock drawings found in numerous valleys and mountains in Oman, dating back to ...

Street Art Auction at Julien's, A Milestone for Urban Graffiti California, 19 Feb (ONA) --- On 22 February 2024, Julien's Auctions will host the 'Street Art' event, a groundbreaking occasion showcasing works by urban graffiti legends such as Banksy, Invader, Retna, and Jamie Reid. This auction marks a significant turning point in the recognition of street art within mainstream art culture. The event, commencing in California, symbolizes a fusion of street vibrancy with the grandeur of the auction house. 'Street Art' isn't merely an auction; it's a testament to the ...

“Al Zeeg” Movie Wins Award for Best Social Documentary at International Festival in India New Delhi, 19 Feb (ONA) --- The Omani documentary titled “Al Zeeg” won the award for the best social documentary at the Asian Talent International Film Festival, which was held in the Aurangabad, the Republic of India. The festival was held during the period from 15 to 18 February 2024. As many as 700 films from all over the world took part in the festival. The documentary “Al Zeeg” is directed by Omani director Salah Al Hadhrami, and produced by the Oman Film Society. ...

‘Bob Marley’ Biopic Beats Expectations with $51 Million Holiday Debut" Washington, 19 Feb (ONA) --- Paramount’s musical biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” ruled in its box office debut, beating expectations with $27.7 million over the traditional weekend and $51 million during the six-day holiday stretch. It was initially projected to generate $30 million to $35 million, But it experienced an uptick. While Madame Web, which stars Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney, underperforms for its opening weekend at the global box office. --- Ends/Thuraiya/KH ...

‘Oppenheimer’ Wins 7 Prizes, Including Best Picture, at British Academy Film Awards London, 19 Feb (ONA) --- Atom bomb epic “Oppenheimer” won seven prizes, including best picture, director and actor, at the 77th British Academy Film Awards, cementing its front-runner status for the Oscars next month. Gothic fantasia “Poor Things” took five prizes. British-born filmmaker Christopher Nolan won his first best director BAFTA for “Oppenheimer,” and Irish performer Cillian Murphy won the best actor prize for playing physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father ...

Movie Premier “A House of Wonders" At Royal Opera HouseMuscat, 18 Feb (ONA) —— The Ministry of Information, represented by Nizwa Magazine, today launched a movie premier “A House of Wonders" at the House of Musical Arts of the Royal Opera House Muscat. It highlights in three series the Omani presence in Zanzibar and East Africa.The Ministry also launched a book documenting the Omani civilizational role in the region.Friedrich Klutsch, Director of the movies pointed out that the history of the Omani presence in East Africa is a long one that began on the coast of the Indian Ocean and ...

The National Museum Inaugurates Documentary "More than a Teacher: A Story from Oman" Muscat, 18 Feb (ONA) --- The National Museum, represented by the Learning Centre, today hosted the inauguration ceremony of the documentary titled "More than a Teacher: A Story from Oman". The event was held under the auspices of Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibani, Minister of Education. Aisha Sahar Wahid Al Kharousi, the film's producer, said that “the film celebrates Oman's rich history, compelling present, and promising future. It spotlights the story of Don Yager as an example among ...

Muscat International Book Fair Attracts 847 Publishers From 34 Countries Muscat, 14 Feb (ONA) --- The 28th edition of Muscat International Book Fair will be held from 21 February to 2 March, said Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture. The opening ceremony will be held under the auspices of Dr. Mohammed Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs. During a press conference held at the Ministry of Information today, Al Busaidi said that A'Dhahirah Governorate will be the guest of honour at the ...

National Museum’s Board of Trustees Meets Muscat, 11 Feb (ONA) --- The Board of Trustees of the National Museum reviewed several topics during its 11th meeting held today at the Museum's headquarters. Among the highlights were the approval of the Museum's annual report for the year 2023 and the annual plan for the Museum for the year 2024. The meeting was chaired by Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum. During the meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the annual report for 2023 ...

National Museum Inaugurates “The Infinity of White” Exhibition Muscat, 1 Feb (ONA) --- The National Museum inaugurated today at Bayt Greiza the exhibition “The Infinity of White: Lucio Fontana and the Italian Artists of the Absolute”. This comes in furtherance of cultural communication between the Sultanate of Oman and the Italian Republic. The exhibition displays eight works of art by Italian artists, in cooperation with the Italian “Robilant and Voena” foundation, a long-established art house devoted to the promotion of Italian post-war art. The exhibition ...