D I S C O V E R OmanJerzy Wierzbicki Paweł Pyrka Jagodziński
INTRODUCTION I have travelled around the Middle East continuously since 1999. It was my passion since early years of my youth, when I read many books about archaeological discoveries in the valley of the Euphrates and the Tigris. Many years later, as a graduate of the Middle East archaeology, I went to the Arab Orient as a photographer working on an archaeological excavation. Photography became for me a passion even more important than archaeology, but the fascination with the culture of the Orient remained as vivid as ever. I came to the Sultanate of Oman in September 2007, and since then I constantly travel around this quiet country passionately photographing its natural and cultural heritage. Since 2009 I have been working as a photographer for the weekly Y Magazine. In 2010, I met Paweł Jagodziński - talented graphic designer and also devoted traveller. We were brought together by a common enthusiasm for 4x4 cars and long, often lonely, journeys to unknown places. This publication is the result of our common passion for photography, off road trips and Oman. Paweł, just as I and many others before, was fascinated by Oman since his first visit to this country a few years ago. We are still working together, planning future trips to unknown places on the Omani desert, the coast or the mountains. It is a great privilege for us to experience all the fascinating and undiscovered places still to be found in Oman. Oman
DESERTS Deserts cover a vast majority of the surface of Oman. They are also the essence of this country: determine its culture and traditions. World s largest sand desert Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali) extends to the west of Oman near the border with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It overwhelms with its vast area and grandeur. But it is also a dangerous place where many human lives were lost. During the nights at the Empty Quarter the stars shine with such intensity that You can feel as if the sky was much closer. In the north-eastern part of the Sultanate spreads a sandy desert Wahiba Sands, with its charming, low dunes in intensive brick color. In the province of Wusta, which is the least populated part of the country, extends rocky and sandy Al Huqf desert: mysterious and dangerous by its unpredictability. In the eastern part of Al Huqf there is a tiny and completely unknown desert which we called Cinnamon Desert. Cinnamon-colored dunes are surrounded by old and brittle rocks, where tiny green trees grow. Silence, space, magical calm - here, in one place You can find the essence of Oman. Oman
PEOPLE & HERITAGE The Sultanate of Oman has a long history dating back to deep antiquity. More than 5,500 years ago there was a rich state called Majan, famous for its copper exports to Mesopotamia and other parts of the Middle East. In the mid-19th century, Oman was a local empire whose influence stretched from East Africa to the Balochistan. The rich history is a source of pride for Omani people. Its heritage can be found throughout the country. Oman has also a very diverse culture. Omani people are from one hand more open to the outside world and from the other- proud of their Arab tradition and show a lot of affection for the old good customs. This is especially true in case of Bedouins and tribes living in the mountains. Oman
MOUNTAINS In Oman, there are two large mountain ranges. Al Hajar Mountains in the north and the Dhofar Mountains in the south, near the border with Yemen. Both massifs have their own character and are diametrically different from each other. Al Hajar Mountains are the highest mountains in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Al Hajar Mountains are distinctive in their severity. Dark brown rocks with a few green plants, usually concentrated in the deeper valleys or near human settlements, create mood of the place. Dhofar Mountains are quite different, especially during monsoon. Entire mountain range from the side of the ocean is covered with a thick carpet of fresh and lush greenery, creating a climate of tropical jungle. Amazing view in the Arabian peninsula - a part of the world covered mostly with barren deserts due to the hot and dry climate. Oman
OCEAN Sea for centuries has had a great impact on the culture of Oman. In medieval times Omani people were known as great sailors. A good access to the Ocean also had a significant influence on the creation of the Omani empire. Famous sailor Sindbad was probably Omani and had several hiding places in the caves over the Arabian Sea. Even today the sea is of great importance in the economy of Oman and fishing is one of the main activities of people living on the coast of the Indian Ocean. The coast is also habitat of many species of animals, especially birds. Coral reefs and rocky coast in places such as Masirah Island or around Salalah are places where hundreds of species of fish live. The long white sandy beaches in central Oman, or rocky coastline to the south are some of our favourite destinations for photography and off-road exploration. Particularly memorable one is Masirah, especially for those who experienced its climate during the monsoon winds in the summer or warm autumn evenings. Oman
Jerzy Wierzbicki Since 1999, he has been traveling around Middle East as a press photographer and archeologist. He lives and works in Sultanate of Oman since 2007. In 2009 he joined Y-Magazine editorial team as a photographer. A big fan of 4x4 cars, lonely trips around deserts and good photography. In Y- Magazine he is responsible for the venture section which every week features unknown gorgeous places of the Omani interior. www.jerzywierzbicki.com Paweł Pyrka Jagodziński Graphic Designer and CAD/rendering specialist. He lives in Poland. Since 1994 he has been co-working with one of the best computer companies in Poland. Pyrka loves to sleep under the sky and enjoy the beauty of nature. He avoids the crowded cities, noise and modern civilization. A very good organiser. In 2010-12 he was commander of TLC Camp - biggest Toyota 4x4 enthusiasts meeting in Eastern Europe. Currently he is engaged in ambitious, intimate projects. www.land-cruiser.pl Photography and text Jerzy Wierzbicki Concept & design Paweł Pyrka Jagodziński Transtlation Joanna Unterschütz Ph.D.
DISCOVEROMAN.EU Contact us: info@discoveroman.eu