An account of a faculty-organized Arabic-language program at Sohar University, Oman: the long flight from Trabzon to Muscat to Sohar, the teachers Mr. Hosni and Sheikha, friendships with classmates and a Ugandan student named Suleiman, and the visits to Muscat, Liwa, and Nizwa that revealed Omani history, culture, and warmth.
Our faculty gave us the opportunity to improve our Arabic language skills in Oman through a program at Sohar University. As the departure date approached, I travelled from Trabzon to Ankara to meet my friends, and from there, our journey to Oman began. We departed from Esenboğa Airport, transferred in Istanbul, and finally arrived in Muscat. Although the first flight was a bit turbulent, the excitement of the trip kept our spirits high.
At Muscat Airport, we faced some delays during passport control but eventually managed to complete the process and meet our teacher, Sheikha. Together, we travelled to Sohar, arriving just before the morning prayer. My male friends and I stayed in an apartment, while the others stayed in the dormitory.
During the first two weeks, our days were simple — classes, meals, and occasional visits to the mall. Yet the Arabic lessons were highly enjoyable, especially with our teacher, Mr. Hosni. He was not only an excellent instructor but also very kind. I still remember the day he invited us for breakfast — it was my first and most memorable breakfast in Oman. We spoke about our studies, dreams, and future plans. Later, he took us to a café, and our inspiring conversation continued.
Another person who made our time special was Suleiman, a student from Uganda. He was like an older brother to us, always helping and guiding us to make our experience in Oman more meaningful. His kindness left a lasting impression on me; I still remember him as one of the kindest people I met there.
Our Arabic lessons were among the most valuable parts of the program. They were designed not only to improve our speaking skills but also to help us explore the cultural and social context of the Arabic language. Each week, we prepared short presentations on various topics and discussed them in class. These sessions encouraged us to express ourselves freely, think in Arabic, and overcome the fear of making mistakes.
Our teacher created a warm and motivating environment where learning felt both enjoyable and meaningful. We practiced real-life conversations, learned idiomatic expressions used in Oman, and engaged in discussions that deepened our understanding of the language and its connection to culture. Over time, I noticed how much my confidence had grown. By the end of the course, I was not only able to communicate more fluently but also began to see Arabic as a living bridge to understanding the people and traditions around me.
Beyond the classroom, our journey through Oman offered countless opportunities to learn from direct experience. During our visit to Muscat, the capital city, we explored some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, the Amouage Perfume Factory, and the Rozna Restaurant. Each place revealed a different aspect of Omani history and culture. The Royal Opera House impressed me the most with its elegant design and serene atmosphere, while the Grand Mosque reflected the deep spiritual and artistic heritage of the region.
A few weeks later, we travelled to Liwa, where we encountered the traditional side of Omani life. We saw camels and horses, and I even had the chance to ride a horse — an experience that reminded me of the beauty of simplicity and nature. Later, we visited Nizwa, one of the most historical cities in the country. The Oman Across Ages Museum and the old markets gave us a vivid picture of how the past and present coexist in Omani society.
One of the most memorable moments of our trip was meeting the Turkish Ambassador in Muscat. He happened to be from my hometown, Trabzon, which made the encounter especially meaningful for me. That evening, surrounded by my teachers and friends, I realized how our journey had connected us — not only to another culture, but also more deeply to our own.
Our final week in Oman was filled with both joy and a sense of farewell. On the last day, our teachers presented us with certificates of completion and expressed their warm wishes for our future. It was an emotional moment that reminded us how much we had grown throughout the program.
After the ceremony, we travelled once more to Muscat and visited a historical fort located near the Sultan’s palace. From the top, the view of the city and the sea was breathtaking. Later that evening, we had the privilege of meeting the Turkish Ambassador again and sharing a farewell dinner together — truly the best meal we had in Oman. This time, we had the chance to talk more openly about our experiences, about life, philosophy, and the things that connect people across cultures. It was a memorable and inspiring conversation that left a lasting impression on all of us.
As our journey came to an end, we headed to Muscat Airport for our midnight flight to Istanbul. Watching the sunrise from the airplane window felt symbolic — a new day beginning just as this unforgettable experience was coming to a close. When I finally arrived home in Trabzon later that afternoon, I was filled with gratitude for everything we had learned and experienced in Oman.
[Photo essays omitted — see PDF pages 34, 36, 37, and the diamond grid on page 40 for images of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, dates, the Royal Opera House, our group, and Omani daily life.]