Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, recently discussed his latest scholarly work, 'The Compendium of the Histories of the Arabian Peninsula and Persia 1622 CE to 1810 CE,' during a televised interview with Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, on Sharjah TV.
According to Emirates News Agency, the publication serves as a sequel to H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan's earlier book, 'The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman.' The new compendium spans 33 volumes in both Arabic and English, featuring 1,473 historical documents and is also available in digital USB format. The work consolidates various documents from English, Dutch, French, and Ottoman sources, and includes references to Portuguese records previously covered in his earlier work.
H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan elaborated on the geopolitical dynamics following the Portuguese arrival in the region, including their eventual expulsion by English and Dutch forces. These European powers gained trade privileges in exchange for ousting the Portuguese. He also highlighted the significant role of the region as a trade corridor, especially for silk and spices, which were pivotal for European markets.
The Ruler of Sharjah delved into the historical trade routes and the smuggling of silk cocoons from China to Kerman. He pointed out that the Dutch exploited the silk trade, prompting English merchants to establish their own trading company in India. The compendium also includes various archived diaries and documents from English, Dutch, and other sources, making it a treasure trove for researchers.
H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan provided insights into the challenges faced by English and Dutch trading offices in Basra and Gombroon, now known as Bandar Abbas. He remarked on their respective documentation styles and the difficulties in accessing Ottoman archives, which he personally translated from Ottoman Turkish.
The work not only includes documents from European archives but also French and German records, thus offering a comprehensive view of the region's historical interactions with various global powers. The Ruler of Sharjah emphasized the importance of proper citation for academic integrity and the inclusion of a Researcher's Guide to assist scholars in navigating the expansive collection.
His Highness expressed hope that 'The Compendium of the Histories' will become a cornerstone for future research, providing clarity and enriching historical understanding. He reiterated the importance of Oman's history, which he has also chronicled extensively, and his wish for scientific and cultural enlightenment across nations.
H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan concluded by emphasizing the role of universities in the Arab and Gulf region as centers for research and knowledge preservation, thereby strengthening the authentic Arab identity through academic empowerment.