Description

In a bid to validate the historicity of Sindbad the Sailor's legendary expeditions, the crew of the Sohar, a replica of a ninth-century Arab dhow, embarked on a journey from Oman to China. Led by British author-explorer Timothy Severin and comprising 25 members, they traversed 9,600 kilometers (6,000 miles) using medieval navigation tools. While facing modern-day perils like giant tankers and pirates, they mirrored Sindbad's challenges, albeit sans mythical creatures. Over eight months, they recreated Sindbad's route, blending factual maritime history with folklore. The project, born from Severin's passion for historical reenactments, unearthed Oman's rich maritime heritage and challenged misconceptions about Arab seafaring prowess. The voyage, spanning ancient trading routes and braving natural and man-made hazards, underscores the enduring legacy of Arab navigation and the blurred lines between fact and fiction in maritime lore.

Qaboos bin Said Al Said (1940–2020) was the Sultan of Oman from 23 July 1970 until his death. A fifteenth-generation descendant of the founder of the House of Al Said, he was the longest-serving leader in the Middle East and Arab world at the time of his death.

Obverse

Depicts the National Emblem of Oman dividing denomination in Arabic and English, surrounded by the country name with issue date below inside a circle, with the legend "Central Bank of Oman" outside both in Arabic above and English below.

The national emblem of Oman is 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.

A khanjar (Arabic: خنجر‎‎, Persian: خنجر‎‎, Turkish: Hançer) is a traditional dagger originating from Oman. Worn by men for ceremonial occasions, it is a short curved sword shaped like the letter "J" and resembles a hook. It can be made from a variety of different materials, depending on the quality of its craftsmanship. It is a popular souvenir among tourists and is sold in souqs throughout the region. A national symbol of the sultanate, the khanjar is featured on the country's national emblem and on the Omani rial. It is also utilized in logos and commercial imagery by companies based in Oman.

البنك المركزي العماني
سلطنة عمان
ONE RIAL ريال واحد
٢٠٠٣م
2003
SULTANATE OF OMAN
CENTRAL BANK OF OMAN

Reverse

Depicts a sailing ship with arms over torn sail below map of the voyage from Oman across the Arabian Sea to India, across the Indian Ocean, and finally to southern China within circle, inscription with date in Georgian in Arabic and English below.

رحلة السندباد١٩٨٠/ ١٩٨١م
THE SINDIBAD VOYAGE 1980/1981

Edge

1 Rial

The Sindibad Voyage

KM# 155
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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