Dhafar is a region located in the present Oman Sultanate. It is named after a fragrant plant growing there. Historically it was known as 'Dhafar Alhaboodh' distinguishing it from 'Yemen Dhafar.' This name is given to the historical location of the city, Dhafar, then it extended to include a region wider than the limited area of the city. It includes one third of the area of Oman. Since ancient times, Dhafar is well known for its gold and precious stones. In the Assyrian writings, it is named Ofeir. Those Arabic scholars who study countries differ in their naming of the region, but they agree upon its boundaries, which include Alshahar coast, Almahra and its dependent lands. Rissot is considered the border between Alshahar and Yemen, for after Rissot, the sea turns to the west in the direction of Yemen, while in the east, it begins at Ras Aljamha, which lies at the southern-eastern end of Oman Gulf, then it extends to Rissot where the boundaries of Hadhramout region begin. In the north, Alahqaf desert lies.
Socially, Arabic tribes inhabited the area for a very long time. Natural conditions obliged them to live in isolation, which helped to maintain inherited customs and conventions until recently, although they possessed incense(Petrol of the old world). In this research, we are going to know about the construction of the population of the region, and their social customs . |