Dagger: history of the symbol of friendship
Join us on a fascinating journey across centuries and continents to explore the rich history and culture of the Sultanate of Oman. The Fireside Lounge at the G.O.R.K.I. Centre will host a screening and discussion of RT’s Arabic documentary The Dagger.
From the rule of the Al-Ya’aruba dynasty in the 17th century to the present day, the film tells the story of Oman’s cultural identity through the lens of a unique artefact that has become a national symbol — the legendary dagger of Sultan Hamoud bin Muhammad Al-Busaidi of Zanzibar, now housed in the State Hermitage Museum as a symbol of friendship between Russia and Oman.
The screening will be followed by an open discussion with leading Orientalists and Arabists. The discussion will be chaired by Dr Karin Kneissl, Director of the G.O.R.K.I. Centre. In the traditional fireside chat format, we will talk about this distant Arab country that has strong cultural, social, economic and political ties with Russia.
The event will be held offline in Arabic and English.