Sunday 30 / November / 2025
Muscat: The National Museum, in cooperation with the History Museum of Armenia and the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the Sultanate of Oman, inaugurated on Sunday an exhibition titled “On the Frankincense Trail: Armenia”.
The opening took place under the auspices of Abdullah Hamad Al Riyami, Head of the Cultural Cooperation Department at the Foreign Ministry, in the presence of a number of ambassadors and those interested in cultural and museum affairs.
This exhibition is the first in the “On the Frankincense Trail” series, presenting a comprehensive vision that re-examines the paths of civilisational exchange among peoples—from prehistoric eras to the present—through this ancient resource that has long been a symbol of cultural, economic, and spiritual exchange.
Al Riyami, Head of the Cultural Cooperation Department at the Foreign Ministry, affirmed in his speech that relations between the two countries have witnessed distinguished diplomatic activity, reflected in regular political consultations, the latest of which took place on 11 August in Yerevan, in addition to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023.
He noted that, in the economic and logistical fields, both sides agreed in May 2024 on unlimited air traffic rights between the two countries, followed by the exemption of Omani citizens from entry visas to the Republic of Armenia in May 2025. Additionally, the Sultanate of Oman included Armenia on the list of countries whose citizens may enter and stay in Oman for up to two weeks, enhancing tourism and economic movement between the two sides.
He added that cultural and museum cooperation, which began in May 2020 between the National Museum and the History Museum of Armenia, has included museum loans, Oman Day activities, and exchange visits.
For his part, Hrachya Poladyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Sultanate of Oman, stated that the exhibition presents a collection of Armenian censers dating back to the 13th and 18th centuries from the holdings of the History Museum of Armenia. It highlights the significance and symbolism of frankincense in Armenian culture, as well as its historical presence among various peoples, foremost among them the Sultanate of Oman, renowned for producing and exporting the finest frankincense. He added that this exhibition reflects the fruitful cooperation between the two sides and a sincere desire to enhance cultural collaboration between Armenia and the Sultanate of Oman.
He affirmed that this event reflects the growing friendly relations between the two countries, which were further strengthened by the recent opening of the Armenian Embassy in Muscat. He added that the opening of this exhibition underscores the belief in the role of culture in building bridges and deepening dialogue, paving the way for a new phase of cultural cooperation between the two nations, contributing to the promotion of peace and mutual understanding.
Dr. Davit Poghosyan, Director of the History Museum of Armenia, stated: “This joint exhibition between the History Museum of Armenia and the National Museum of Oman represents a meeting between two institutions, rooted in regions that have long served as crossroads of civilizations, come together to celebrate the enduring power of cultural heritage to connect peoples across time and distance.”
He added: “The partnership with the National Museum of Oman embodies the very essence of our museum’s mission—to foster understanding and dialogue through the preservation and sharing of history. This exhibition does not merely bring together two cultural traditions; it reveals their similarities, the traces of ancient contacts, and the shared stories that have shaped both Armenia and Oman.”
The exhibition explores the presence of frankincense in Armenian heritage and its role in shaping historical relations between the two civilisations. It highlights key moments of human interaction that linked the shores of the Indian Ocean with the Caucasus mountain range. The exhibition is held in the Land of Frankincense Gallery at the National Museum, a space that enhances the presence of frankincense heritage within the Museum’s narrative, showcasing it through its material and intangible dimensions. The exhibition remains open to the public until 30 May 2026.
The exhibition also highlights the use of frankincense in the Republic of Armenia since ancient times, evidenced by censers uncovered during archaeological excavations at various sites.
The “On the Frankincense Trail” series launched today by the National Museum aims to offer a broader perspective on the history of frankincense and its role in shaping humanity’s shared narrative. It seeks to deepen cultural dialogue between Oman and the world and strengthen global awareness of this heritage as a cornerstone of Omani cultural identity and a living extension of the trade routes and exchanges that shaped human civilization.
