Between Interpretation and Observation: The Image of Dhofar in the Writings of Travelers in the Islamic Era

Résumé

The descriptions and traditions of the peoples in the Islamic East received notable attention from travelers during the Islamic era, specifically between the 6th and 9th centuries AH (Hijri). Upon returning to their homelands, they would record the routes they took and the events they encountered. Their arrival to Omani territories, specifically to Dhofar, was driven by a desire to learn various truths—some historical and others civilizational. Dhofar's strategic location overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, in addition to the natural resources it was distinguished by, such as frankincense, myrrh, and ambergris, played a major role in it enjoying prestigious commercial and economic relations and status throughout the ages.

     The study aims to highlight the image of the city of Dhofar as seen by those travelers through a critical analytical approach to the texts of travelers who addressed the city of Dhofar in the Middle Ages. This is done by distinguishing between the direct observation recorded by the traveler during their presence in the city, and the subjective interpretation through which they formulated those observations according to their cultural, intellectual, and religious backgrounds. The study departs from a hypothesis stating that the travel description does not only express the material reality of the city, but also simultaneously reflects the travelers' preconceptions and impressions about the place and the other. Accordingly, this study seeks to analyze the image of Dhofar in travel writings through a comparative critical reading, revealing the limits of objectivity in these texts and highlighting the interplay between sensory description and mental interpretation. This contributes to a deeper understanding of the city's representation in travel discourse during that historical period.