The Baluchi Guard: Oman's African Army

Oman's empire was not built by Arabs alone. From the 17th century onward, the sultans relied on a military force recruited far from the Arabian Peninsula: Baluchi soldiers from the Makran coast of what is now Iran and Pakistan. This episode traces how the Baluchi guard became the backbone of Omani power, from the Ya'aruba dynasty to the Al Bu Said sultans. We explore why these men were favored over local tribes, how they shaped Oman's African possessions, and what happened when they were disbanded in the 20th century. Key figures include Sultan Said bin Sultan, who used Baluchi troops to secure Zanzibar, and the British officers who later trained the Sultan's Armed Forces. The episode also touches on the legacy of the Baluchi diaspora in Oman today — their distinct identity, language, and role in the 1970 coup. A story of migration, loyalty, and the quiet backbone of an empire. #Oman #Baluchi #Zanzibar #AlBuSaid #YaAruba #MilitaryHistory #IndianOcean #Mercenaries #SultanSaid #Makran #Muscat #OmaniEmpire #Diaspora #AfricanHistory #PersianGulf #Sultanate #FexingoHistory #History #OmanHistory #YarubaDynasty Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo