MUSCAT in the Words of Geographers and Travellers

“Muscat is well worth taking an interest in, it conceals unexpected charms for those who have an open, enquiring mind.” (Louise Beguin Billecocq-Wife of the French Consul in Muscat
(1905-1908))

“The origin of the name is “maskat”. It is the port for trading with Sohar. The vessels coming from India, Zanzibar and the north used to anchor in Maskat.”
(Ibn Al Mujawir-Iraqi geographer (13th century))

“Muscat is a bay, like which there is none in the world. It is the bay of Oman where vessels are loaded all the year round. It is a cape located between two towns. It has fresh water and its people are humble and they like foreigners”.
(Ahmed Ibn Majid-Omani navigator (1490))

“In their behaviour, both among themselves as well as with strangers, the Omanis are very polite, friendly, generous and obliging. They love virtue and bravery”.
(Robert Padbrugge-Dutch East Indies Company (1672))

“One great distinguishing feature of Muscat is the respect and civility shown by all classes of its inhabitants to Europeans. the Arabs of Muscat, as far as their manners go, are very civilized”.(James Silk Buckingham-English journalist (1816))