National Emblem of Oman
ArmigerSultan of Oman
BlazonA khanjar (dagger) in a sheath that is superimposed upon two crossed swords

The national emblem of Oman (Arabic: شعار سلطنة عمان) is Khanjar Bo Sayfain, an insignia consisting of a khanjar inside its sheath that is superimposed upon two crossed swords. Adopted in the 18th century as the badge of the Omani royal family, it subsequently became the national emblem of the Sultanate of Oman. The emblem is featured at the canton on the Flag of Oman.

History

The national emblem was first designed in the mid-18th century, when it was adopted as the royal crest of the Al Said dynasty.[1][2] Its usage was expanded when it subsequently became the national emblem of the sultanate. This occurred during the reign of either Faisal bin Turki (1888–1913) or Taimur bin Feisal (1913–1932).[3][4] The emblem was later incorporated onto the canton of the country's national flag in 1970.[2] Moreover, in order to distinguish "directly royal entities"[4] and create a distinct symbol for these organizations, a crown was added to the top of the national emblem. This modified insignia is utilized on the badges of all branches of Sultan's Armed Forces, including the Royal Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Guard, and Royal Oman Police – among many others.[4]

Design

Symbolism

According to the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the khanjar – along with the two crossed swords – symbolize the historic weapons utilized by the people of Oman.[5] They are attached together by an embellished [waist belt with its Khanjar at the centre.][2] The khanjar itself is a national symbol of the sultanate, and is still worn by Omani men as a "ceremonial dagger"[6] for formal occasions.[7]

Under a Royal Decree issued in 2004, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is required to give authorization before any merchandise – both domestic and foreign imports – is allowed to depict the national emblem.[8] Failure to do so may result in the seizure of those products, along with a fine and prosecution.[9] Furthermore, the decree also forbids the desecration and/or destruction of the emblem. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of OMR1,000 and imprisonment of up to three years.[8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Hiel, Betsy (May 27, 2007). "Old & New". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved May 30, 2014. (subscription required)
  2. 1 2 3 Kindersley, Dorling (November 3, 2008). Complete Flags of the World. Dorling Kindersley Ltd. p. 183. ISBN 9781405333023.
  3. ↑ Kechichian, Joseph A. (January 1, 1995). Oman and the World: The Emergence of an Independent Foreign Policy. RAND Corporation. p. 266. ISBN 9780833023346.
  4. 1 2 3 Chatty, Dawn (May 2009). "Rituals of Royalty and the Elaboration of Ceremony in Oman: View From the Edge" (PDF). International Journal of Middle East Studies. Cambridge University Press. 41 (1): 10. Retrieved June 3, 2014. (registration required)
  5. ↑ "National Flag, Emblem and Anthem". Ministry Of Foreign Affairs. Government of Oman. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  6. ↑ Rogers, Stuart (January 31, 2013). "Holidays in Oman: experience endless beauty". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  7. ↑ Kamal, Sultana (February 27, 2013). "Khanjar (Dagger): Truly "Iconic" Omani emblem". Times of Oman. Archived from the original on May 30, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2014.
  8. 1 2 "Oman Issues New Guidelines on Use of National Symbols". Muscat Daily. June 18, 2013. Archived from the original on June 5, 2014. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  9. ↑ Oman Business Law Handbook Volume 1 Strategic Information and Basic Laws. International Business Publications. August 1, 2013. p. 138. ISBN 9781438770703.
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