Omani Maritime Manuscript Registered in UNESCO’s Memory of the World

UNESCO has officially registered Al-Nuniya Al-Kubra, a rare maritime manuscript by Omani navigator Shihab al-Din Ahmad bin Majid, in its “Memory of the World” Programme. This makes it the second Omani manuscript to be recognized by the program, which is dedicated to the preservation of global documentary heritage.

Al-Nuniya Al-Kubra is considered one of the most significant Omani works in the field of navigation and marine sciences. The manuscript includes a scientific and precise description of ship movements, ancient shipping routes, and a reclassification of global maritime regions — adding seven new zones to the traditionally northern-hemisphere-based system.

The manuscript also records detailed observations of marine creatures such as whales, sea snakes, and coral reefs, along with techniques for anchoring ships. It documents bin Majid’s real-life encounters with various coastal societies throughout his voyages.

The original manuscript is preserved by the Omani Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. Bin Majid, who was born in 1421 on Oman’s coast and launched his journeys from Ras Al-Hadd, is credited with innovations in the magnetic compass. He authored over 40 works in maritime science, with Al-Nuniya Al-Kubra being the most prominent.

UNESCO had previously honored bin Majid in 2021 as part of its celebration of influential historical figures. Oman’s first registered manuscript in the programme was Ma‘dan Al-Asrar fi ‘Ilm Al-Bihar by navigator Nasser bin Ali Al-Khudhoori, added in 2017.