Stamps as Messengers of the Renaissance: The Postal Issues of Oman during the Reign of Sultan Qaboos

In Oman, postage stamps are more than simply little bits of paper used to pre-pay mail delivery and/or to be collected by philatelists (stamp collectors). The topics depicted on these stamps can also play an important role in promoting both the national identity and goals of the state. Such was the case of stamps issued by the Sultanate of Oman postal service during the reign of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said which were used to reinforce His Majesty’s goal of the modernization of the state within the context of its cultural traditions. This chapter provides an overview of the history of Omani stamps.