Sharjah Ruler Chronicles 260 Years of Maritime History in Groundbreaking 21-Volume Work
Sharjah, The Gulf Observer: In a compelling interview aired on Sharjah TV, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, shared insights into his latest monumental work, “The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in Annals from 1497 to 1757.”
Speaking with Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, His Highness unveiled the profound historical journey behind the creation of the 21-volume series, which documents over two and a half centuries of events in the Sea of Oman region, shedding light on its strategic maritime significance and cultural resilience.
Highlighting the richness and honour of Oman’s historical narrative, H.H. emphasized the importance of authentic documentation, revealing how the idea was sparked during a 1985 visit to the India Office Library and Records in the UK, shortly after the publication of his doctoral thesis.
A pivotal moment came when an elderly Indian scholar informed him that critical Portuguese documents were available in Mumbai, prompting His Highness to continue his research in India.
His Highness recounted the many challenges in accessing and collecting these archives. With remarkable dedication, he enlisted the help of Fiona Wilkie, a British Library employee specializing in Portuguese documents. By personally funding her early retirement, he brought her on board to assist in assembling a reliable archive of records.
He also revealed that following the recapture of Mumbai from the Portuguese, a wealth of Portuguese documents was incorporated into British archival collections. These records were later meticulously translated and transferred over a five-year period by a Portuguese-speaking expert named Denver, supported by a professional team.
His Highness’ initiative stands as a significant scholarly contribution, aimed not only at preserving regional history but also at redefining narratives shaped by foreign colonial accounts. The work is expected to become a vital reference for future historians and researchers in understanding the legacy of Portuguese presence in the Indian Ocean and its impact on the Arabian Peninsula.
This ambitious historical project underscores the Sharjah Ruler’s enduring commitment to intellectual and cultural enrichment, and to reviving the region’s historical identity through rigorous academic pursuit.
