Tag Archives: Musandam Oman

A paradise for the history buffs, the Telegraph Island, officially Maqlab Island is nested in the fjords of Musandam. Due to tidal variations, it is not always possible to land here. However, swimmers can reach the shore or swim around the island as the weather permits. It is a pleasant place for snorkelling. Be careful of sharp rocks. Historical Significance With technological progress continuing apace in the mid 19th century, a telegraphic land line had been laid between Baghdad and Scutari (Albania). The next stage was to extend the line to India with a land line to Basra and an underwater cable through the Gulf. After considerable negotiations, Maqlab Island was chosen as the telegraph terminal on the Musandam Peninsula, and a telegraph station was built there in 1854 and maintained until 1869. It was a desolate, remote place and visitors to Telegraph Island will get a sense of why no one wanted to live there.

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