Dhow. Sindbad's boat?

You may recall One Thousand and One Night tales, especially the story about Sindbad the Sailor. He is one of the most famous heroes of the Middle Eastern literature, who has taken part in 7 voyages throughout Indian Ocean. It is unfortunately still impossible to say with full accuracy weather Sindbad was a historical figure or a fabled character based in part on Persian adventurer Soleiman Siraf (Soleiman the Merchant) who traveled from Persia to China around 775 BCE along the Maritime Silk Road. 

At that time and area the major mode of transport were sailing vessels with one or two masts with lateen sails. Vessels also known as the DHOWS which Sindbad may have possibly sailed in.

Dhows are known in European world as traditional Arab boats, however, they are essentially Indian. The construction itself, done by hand still, requires timber (mostly teak) arranged together and cotton sails which were used to be palm leaves back in the days. These vessels have been the preferred boat to cary heavy load around the Indian Ocean for around 2000 years. 

Nowadays dhows' main purpose has changed as there are many faster ways to import and export goods. Moreover, picturesque vessels are slowly being substituted for smaller, modern ships and dhows are predominantly being built for private collectors or for the purpose of tourism and cultural preservation. 

However, dhows can still be noticed along the shores of East Africa, the Gulf. Here is the proof. I have noticed these along shores of Oman and United Arab Emirates. The latter is also known for manufacturing (since 2017) the world's biggest dhow (90m long, 10m high). Once complete it will beat an 83,7 m long dhow built in Kuwait, that currently holds the title.

Let me know if you spot it somewhere !

Paula Her Photography