The Department of Archaeology at the College of Arts and Social Sciences organised two academic lectures exploring Omani neighbourhoods (harat) from historical, urban, and sociological perspectives. The event was attended by a number of academics, students, and those interested in Oman’s architectural heritage.
The first lecture, titled “The History of Omani Neighbourhoods: A Study and Documentation of the Urban Fabric and Spatial Memory,” was delivered by Dr. Haitham Al-Abri. He reviewed a range of sources and references that have examined and documented Omani neighbourhoods from multiple perspectives. He also discussed the different types of documentation and their importance in preserving architectural and cultural heritage. The speaker outlined the stages and processes of documenting neighbourhoods, beginning with the pre-fieldwork phase, which includes gathering information and reviewing sources, followed by the fieldwork phase involving surveys and direct documentation, and concluding with the post-fieldwork phase, which focuses on data analysis, organisation, and the preparation of academic studies.
The second lecture, titled “The Urban Sociology of Omani Neighbourhoods: An Archaeo-Sociological Study,” was delivered by Dr. Jihad bin Jamil Hamad, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Social Work. He offered a sociological reading of Omani neighbourhoods that moved beyond conventional architectural description, using the Al-Hijrah Al-Qadimah site in Sayma Al-Ialyah, Wilayat of Izki as a case study to illustrate the relationship between urban space and the social structure of the community.
Dr. Hamad explained that the urban space of Omani neighbourhoods is not merely a neutral physical setting, but rather a social product that contributes to shaping social identity and reproducing tribal and social relations across generations. He also discussed the historical and geographical dimensions of the Wilayat of Izki, noting its historical significance and its location at the southern side of Samail, in addition to references to its name in Assyrian inscriptions dating back to the seventh century BCE.
The lecture further addressed the theoretical framework for analysing the urban fabric of neighbourhoods, drawing on several social theories, including the concept of “habitus” by Pierre Bourdieu and the theory of “structuration” by Anthony Giddens. These frameworks were used to explain how social values such as solidarity and privacy are reflected in the design of alleyways, the clustering of buildings, and the use of shared spaces such as the mosque and the sablah (communal gathering space).
Dr. Hamad also highlighted that architectural details within the neighbourhood carry important social meanings. The location, size, and decoration of a house may reflect the social status of its owner, while the internal organisation of homes embodies a social philosophy that regulates family relationships and ensures privacy within the domestic space.
The lecture also touched on the role of social institutions within the neighbourhood, such as the masjid, which strengthens social bonds, and the sablah, which serves as a space for communal decision-making. It also discussed the aflaj irrigation system as a socio-technical structure based on fairness in water distribution and cooperation among community members.
In conclusion, Dr. Hamad addressed the contemporary challenges facing Omani neighbourhoods, including migration to modern housing, which has led to some areas becoming abandoned and at risk of disappearance. He proposed several solutions for their revitalisation, including the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, converting some into cultural centres, involving young people in documentation efforts, and organising tourism in a way that preserves the privacy and integrity of the urban fabric of Omani neighbourhoods.