Everyday we find ourselves in the new time and space: we are visiting different cities, meeting new people, discovering something new and learning.
Being passionate about the equestrian art, as I have spent several years in the Junior Olympic Reserve School of Equestrian Arts in Siberia, where I practiced the discipline of horse jumping, Fieracavalli in Verona, the biggest horse fair in the world, is always an event that I am looking forward to attending. This year I was surprised to find in one of the exposition pavilions an oasis of culture, awareness and equestrian traditions represented by the Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman.However, for me, a passionate traveller, who loves arabic culture and art, this unexpected meeting was almost a gift of a destiny, shall we say, the chance to get to know the “real” Oman. And indeed, I was welcomed with the traditional coffee and lukum and even the music of the bagpipe. That was another surprise, rooted in history. I was surprised to discover that the Great Highland Bagpipe is a common musical instrument the Middle East where the British military’s use of pipes made a favourable impression many years ago. Piping spread to Arabic countries such as Jordan, Egypt and Oman, some of whom had previously existing bagpipe traditions. In Oman, in particular, the instrument is called ” habban” and is used in cities such as Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar.
In the course of a pleasant conversation with the Exhibition Manager Mr. Saif Ali Al-Rawahi and Administrative Exhibition Mr. Moosa Saud Al-Harbi, I was told that last year Oman welcomed more than 26,000 Italian visitors, and as a continuity to the international tourist scenario expanding, this year the Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman is participating in Fieracavalli. It was interesting to learn that as an active member of many equestrian organizations – including the World Arabian Horse Organization and the European Conference of Arab Horse Organisations – the Royal Cavalry promotes many events and competitions, both locally and internationally.
For example, in addition to organizing the annual Festival of Royal Racing – the event sponsored by the Sultan of Oman – last February it also promoted Gallops of Oman, where local, European and American riders challenged the desert sands over a course leading from the dunes down to the sea. Also, a very unique event was performed by The Royal Cavalry in the traditional cavalcade to Windsor Castle in 2012, on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee procession. The latter was a really spectacular performance, that you could call art. The English press described the event as “a spectacular programme of horsemanship, military displays, music and dancing”.
The Royal Cavalry of Oman are thundering into town to perform at an international horse pageant organized for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Just imagine: two hundred soldiers dressed in dazzling costumes will command 112 pure bred Arabian horses, specially transported from the Gulf kingdom by air.
Members of the Omani cavalry are renowned for their show-stopping equestrian performances, which include martial arts, folkloric dances and acrobatics all performed on horseback.
Actually, Oman’s Sultan Qaboos and Her Majesty Elisabeth II are old friends, and Sultan Qaboos pulled out all the stops for her trip, even postponing celebrations of his own 40-year reign to accommodate her.
As well as the lavish horse display, he showered the Queen with exuberant gifts including a Faberge-style egg and gold vase, pictured above.
In fact, the Royal Cavalry is the authority that promotes the development of equestrian sport and the lineage of Arabian horses. Moreover, to show the beauty of the country, the heritage of castles and forts in Oman, the images of landscapes and international competitions, are decorating the stand. As to the tradition of the horse riding – you could judge it from the equestrian accessories in silver and traditional local saddles exhibited on Oman’s stand. I would even say that the whole stand was an oasis of art: with photography and videos of the performance, authentic horse jewelry decorations, sculptures and very warm atmosphere.
I must confess that here in Europe, many people still have stereotypes. Recently, I came across the case of confusion of Oman, which is a country with the capital in Muscat, with Amman, the capital city of Jordan. And that is not a unique case. Imagine, that in many people’s imagination, Middle East still represents “1001 Arabic Nights” fairy tale and people there are flying on the magic carpets.
However, I hope that now with the international programs including different expositions and other cultural incentives, alongside with the press and internet, as powerful information recourses, the situation would change. Personally, I have a great interest for travel to Oman one day and I am already very keen to visiting the Sultanate of Oman pavilion at EXPO 2015 in Milan.
Good morning, Diana Avgusta Stauer!
It is very important what you have written. We need to promote Middle Eastern culture awareness, but it is nice to see that you have created a collection of art dedicated to the Middle East.
I wish you success in your carrer,
Ali