Reviewer, editor
1,317
edits
added info on tribes
(→Online Resources: added genealogical science library) |
(added info on tribes) |
||
| Line 49: | Line 49: | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
Like many regions of the Middle East and the Gulf in particular, tribes in Oman continue to play an essential role in shaping society and identity for Omanis. In pre-modern Oman, tribes were the main social unit and governed all aspects of life. | |||
Some larger Omani tribes include the ruling Al Bu Said (<big>آل بوسعيد</big>), Ghafiri (<big>الغافري</big>), and Al Hanawi (<big>آل حناوي</big>). Given that the Arabian Peninsula is the ancestral homeland of Arabs and the area from which Arabic and Islam spread throughout much of the Middle East and North Africa, many of these tribes extend beyond the borders of the UAE. | |||
Tradition holds that all Arab tribes trace their lineage to two primary ancestors: Qahtan (<big>قحطان</big>), progenitor of the "pure" Arabs originating from modern Yemen, and Adnan (<big>عدنان</big>), ancestor of the "Arabicized" Arabs and a descendent of Abraham's son Ishmael.<ref name=":0">"People of Arabia," ''Britannica'', https://www.britannica.com/place/Arabia-peninsula-Asia/People, accessed 5 September 2024.</ref> | |||
Throughout Arabian history, free, arms-bearing tribesmen, whether nomadic or settled, dominated society. Sultans, emirs, and sheikhs were often drawn from these tribes and sought their support. The descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, who hold the titles of sayyids and sharifs, traditionally enjoyed a higher social status and sometimes exercised theocratic rule as spiritual leaders. | |||
It is important to note that affiliation with a particular tribe does not necessarily entail direct kinship to that tribe, as individuals were sometimes adopted into a tribe. This was particularly true during the first centuries of Islam, when non-Arab converts to Islam were required to become clients, or "mawali" (Arabic مَوالٍ), of an Arab tribe.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Spread of Islam," ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spread_of_Islam, accessed 8 October 2024.</ref> Therefore, association with a tribe does not automatically imply descent or kinship relationship within a given lineage. | |||
==Types of Records== | ==Types of Records== | ||
'''Books''' - There are numerous books written on Oman and, more broadly, Arab tribes. Both categories of books can be valuable to researchers, as many tribes found in Oman are also found elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa and can provide historical background for tribes and families today. | |||
==Information Recorded in the Records== | ==Information Recorded in the Records== | ||
Tribal histories and genealogies can contain a variety of data useful for family history researchers. Depending on the type and detail of tribal genealogy, typically include the names of fathers and sons but may exclude wives or daughters. Additionally, these genealogies may not include exact birth or death dates, although background information can often allow the researcher to estimate these data for individuals in the records. | |||
Even without detailed lineages, tribal histories can still be useful for researchers. These records often contain details on tribal origins, migrations and movement, and traditional beliefs and culture. | |||
==Strategy== | ==Strategy== | ||
The published works above include information useful for tracing Omani tribal lineages. These works include lineages, tribal | The published works above include information useful for tracing Omani tribal lineages. These works include lineages, tribal histories, biographies of prominent individuals, poetry, or encyclopedic entries of tribes and their sub-divisions. | ||
As with all genealogical research, start with what you know. If you know your ancestor's tribal affiliation already, search books on that tribe. If not, search for resources on their country or region of origin, which can often identify the major tribes located there. Become familiar with the various branches within the tribe to better understand where your ancestors fit within the larger tribal structure. Within tribal lineages, search for the names of familiar individuals or places as clues to identify your exact family line. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Oman]][[Category:Tribes and Clans]] | [[Category:Oman]][[Category:Tribes and Clans]] | ||