Page 58 - Class Book 10A

Writing

1 Discuss.

Work in groups.
Look at the categories below.
Tell your group about any famous Omani people you know for each category.

Famous Omani People

Historical figures Ambassadors

Entrepreneurs Public figures

Sports people

2 Read and answer.

Read the biography of Ahmed Bin Majid and answer the question below.

According to the text, what three things was Ahmed famous for?

Ahmed Bin Majid

Ahmed Bin Majid was a famous Omani sailor and
navigator. He was known as the ‘Lion of the Sea’ for his
expertise in sailing and navigation.

Ibn Majid was born around 1421 in Oman. He was
raised in a family of professional sailors. At a young age,
Ibn Majid took his first sailing trip with his father. His
father taught him everything he knew about sailing and
navigation. He also insisted that Ibn Majid had a clear
understanding of the Qu’ran.

At the age of seventeen, Ibn Majid became a sailor. He
quickly progressed to the position of Master Mariner.
However, he was not only famous for his sailing ability.
Perhaps his most important achievement was the books
he wrote to record his knowledge of sailing, navigation
and the ports of the Arab trading empire. His most
famous book is called ‘Al-Fawaid Fi Usul ilm Al-Bahr Wa
Al-Qawaid ‘. He also wrote almost 40 poems.

Ibn Majid invented the ‘kamal’ a simple but effective
tool for navigation. He also redesigned the compass which was originally invented by the Chinese. His
compass was far superior and the compasses we use today are based on his design.

The exact date of Ibn Majid’s death is not known. Historians think he probably died around 1500. He
will be remembered as one of the most famous navigators and explorers of all time.

Sources: https://archive.aramcoworld.com/issue/200504/the.navigator.ahmad.ibn.majid.htm
44 Oman Encyclopaedia )‫(الموسوعة العمانية‬