UHCL : Students Follow Oman's Ancient Trade Route On Study Trip

Press release from University of Houston-Clear Lake:

January 19, 2022

The tree that most Americans associate with the Christmas season is actually an integral
part of the Sultanate of Oman's ancient history of trade. The aromatic fragrance of
frankincense, obtained from the Boswellia tree's bark, has been used in perfume and
incense for millennia. Oman is known for producing the world's finest frankincense,
once rivaling gold and silk in value and spawning a vital trade route that for centuries
extended from Southern Arabia into West Africa and India.

Eleven University of Houston-Clear Lake students traveled to Oman earlier in January
to study food and environmental security as well as learn more about Oman's culture
and history. Their two-week trip, which ended Jan. 16, included a visit to the Museum
of the Land of Frankincense in Salalah, the capital of Oman's Dhofar province. The
museum, part of the Al Balid Archaeological Site, explores the city's maritime history
in the spice trade.

Associate Professor of Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Studies Maria Curtis has led students on international study trips to Oman numerous times. Assistant Professor of Psychology Georgina Moreno and Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management Kathy Garland also accompanied Curtis and the students on the trip.

UH-Clear Lake's Education Abroad program offers students the opportunity to expand their view of the world, learn
about other cultures firsthand, and gain invaluable interpersonal and communication
skills.

This press release was produced by University of Houston-Clear Lake. The views expressed here are the author’s own.