Unmasking the Falcone Family Drama: Catwoman, Sofia, and Gotham’s Tangled Web
Gotham City, a cesspool of shadows and gargoyles, where the line between hero and villain is blurrier than a rainy night. In this chaotic metropolis, family ties are as twisted as the city’s alleyways, especially when you’re talking about the Falcones. Let’s dive deep into the murky bloodline of Carmine Falcone, the Roman himself, and how it intersects with two formidable women: Catwoman and his daughter, Sofia. Prepare for a family tree that would make even the Joker raise an eyebrow.
Is Catwoman Part of the Falcone Mob? The Illegitimate Daughter Reveal
So, the burning question: Is Catwoman, a.k.a. Selina Kyle, actually related to the notorious Carmine Falcone? Buckle up, because the answer is a resounding yes. Born on December 14, 1988, Selina’s entry into Gotham was less than conventional. Her parents? Former lovers Carmine Falcone and Maria Kyle. It’s a classic Gotham tale of illicit affairs and hidden parentage, folks.
Matt Reeves’s gritty masterpiece, “The Batman” released in 2022, solidified this connection in cinematic canon. The movie boldly declares Carmine Falcone as Selina’s father, instantly making her Sofia Falcone’s half-sister. Suddenly, their encounters become far more complex than just two Gothamites crossing paths. It’s a family affair, with all the dysfunctional trimmings.
In the sprawling DC comic universe, Carmine Falcone is a heavyweight villain. A mob boss of epic proportions, he’s Batman’s perennial headache and, surprisingly, an old acquaintance of the Wayne family. And yes, the comics have also toyed with the idea of Falcone being Catwoman’s illegitimate dad for years. It seems the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, especially when that tree is rooted in Gotham’s criminal underworld.
Falcone’s Paternity Blind Spot: Did He Know Selina?
Now, for the dramatic irony. Did Carmine Falcone, the all-seeing crime lord, actually know that Selina Kyle was his own flesh and blood? Here’s where it gets deliciously twisted. Selina did become acquainted with her dear old dad, but in a classic case of paternal obliviousness, Falcone remained completely clueless about their true connection. Imagine the awkward family dinners they *didn’t* have.
It’s like a daytime soap opera playing out in the shadows of Gotham. Selina, knowing who he is, moving in his circles, and Falcone, completely in the dark, probably complaining about that pesky Catwoman without realizing he’s talking about his kid. The irony is thicker than Gotham smog.
The Paternity Question: Was Falcone Really the Father?
Let’s address the lingering doubt: Was Carmine Falcone *really* Catwoman’s father? Well, in the ever-evolving world of comic books, things can get retconned faster than Batman can change costumes. However, consistently, Carmine Falcone is presented as a powerful mob boss, Batman’s nemesis, Wayne family acquaintance, and, crucially, sometimes, the illegitimate father of Catwoman. It’s a recurring theme, making it pretty canonical across various Batman iterations.
So, while comic book parentage can be as reliable as a Gotham politician, the prevailing narrative strongly points to Falcone being the daddy dearest in Selina’s complicated family history. Consider it Gotham’s version of a paternity test, mob-boss style.
Falcone’s Awareness of Selina’s Lineage: Did He Ever Suspect?
Let’s dig deeper into Falcone’s awareness, or lack thereof. Did Carmine Falcone *ever* suspect Selina was his daughter? The answer seems to be a heartbreaking no, at least not in a way that led to any paternal responsibility. Selina harbors a serious vendetta against Falcone, and for a damn good reason. He knowingly let her languish in the foster care system after her mother’s murder. Yes, you heard that right. Both of them knew she was his illegitimate daughter, and he still signed off on her going into the system. Talk about Father of the Year material.
This isn’t just neglect; it’s calculated indifference from a man who could probably buy and sell foster homes on a whim. It paints Falcone as not just a mob boss, but a man capable of deeply personal cruelty, especially towards his own offspring.
Falcone’s Sins Against Selina: What Exactly Did He Do?
So, what exactly did Carmine Falcone do to Selina to earn her lifelong animosity? It’s more than just ignoring her existence. As mentioned, Selina’s grudge stems from Falcone’s cold-hearted decision to let her enter the foster care system after her mother was strangled. He knew she was his daughter, yet he allowed it to happen. That’s strike one.
But wait, there’s more! In “The Batman,” Falcone doesn’t just ignore Selina; he tries to actively eliminate her. Sofia Falcone, in “The Penguin” series, is blissfully unaware that Selina Kyle is her half-sister, but Selina? She knows. And she knows that Carmine Falcone attempted to strangle her, mirroring the method used to kill her mother. It’s a family tradition of violence, apparently. Falcone’s actions aren’t just neglectful; they are actively malicious, painting him as a truly irredeemable figure in Selina’s life.
Sisterly Ties: Selina Kyle and Sofia Falcone
Now, let’s talk about sisterhood, Gotham style. Are Selina Kyle and Sofia Falcone related? As established, yes, they are half-sisters, thanks to their shared patriarch, Carmine Falcone. “The Penguin” series finale offers a glimpse into this twisted sibling dynamic. Sofia Falcone, confined to Arkham Asylum, receives a letter from none other than Selina Kyle. This wasn’t a cease-and-desist or a threatening note; it was an olive branch, of sorts.
Selina reaching out to Sofia, her half-sister, was apparently just what Sofia needed to snap out of a depressed funk. Family, even in Gotham’s criminal circles, can be complicated and sometimes, surprisingly, a source of strength. It makes perfect sense that Selina Kyle and Sofia Falcone are half-sisters. It adds layers of intrigue to their individual stories and potential future interactions.
Cristin Milioti, who portrays Sofia in “The Penguin,” hints at a glimmer of hope in Sofia’s otherwise grim situation. In prison, she gets a note from Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman. Matt Reeves’s “The Batman” movie made it crystal clear: Carmine Falcone is Selina’s father, cementing Sofia’s status as her half-sister. This connection could be a powder keg or a surprising alliance waiting to happen in Gotham’s volatile landscape.
Catwoman’s Family Tree: Beyond Falcone
Carmine Falcone might be the headline act in Selina Kyle’s parentage drama, but let’s not forget the rest of her family tree. It’s a Gotham family tree, so expect more branches than a haunted forest.
Meet the Parents: Who are Catwoman’s Mom and Dad?
So, who are the official parents of Catwoman? We’ve already established daddy dearest as Carmine Falcone. But who’s the woman who shares parentage of the feline femme fatale? Enter Maria Kyle. Selina Kyle was born to former lovers Carmine Falcone and Maria Kyle. It’s a simple, if scandalous, origin story in a city where simplicity is rarer than a sunny day.
Mama Kyle: Who Was Selina’s Mother?
Let’s shine a spotlight on Selina Kyle’s mother: Maria Kyle. In DC Comics lore, Maria Kyle is Selina’s deceased mother, first appearing in Catwoman #81 back in June 2000. Maria’s character has subtly woven into Batman’s cinematic world too. Interestingly, this is the third Batman film to reference Selina’s mother. She first made a ghostly appearance—albeit through voice messages—in Tim Burton’s gothic masterpiece, “Batman Returns.” And she received a mention in Christopher Nolan’s epic conclusion, “The Dark Knight Rises.” Maria Kyle, though often unseen, is a recurring, if tragic, figure in Selina’s backstory.
Falcone’s Dark Deed: What Happened to Catwoman’s Mother?
Now for the grim part: What did Falcone do to Catwoman’s mother? Maria Kyle, who died in 1995, wasn’t just Selina’s mother; she was also Maggie Kyle’s mom and Carmine Falcone’s ex-lover. And in a move that cements Falcone’s villainy, he murdered Maria when her daughters were still very young, leaving Selina and Maggie orphaned. Talk about a hostile breakup. Falcone’s act of killing Maria isn’t just a crime; it’s the foundational trauma in Selina’s life, shaping her into the complex character she becomes.
Sibling Count: How Many Brothers and Sisters Does Catwoman Have?
Family size in Gotham seems to be either non-existent or explosively complicated. How many siblings does Catwoman have? Selina is the older of two sisters. Maggie is her younger sibling, both born to Brian and Maria Kyle – wait, Brian? Hold that thought. While some sources initially mention Brian Kyle, the narrative often pivots back to Falcone as the father, especially in newer iterations like “The Batman.” For simplicity and current canon, we’ll stick with Falcone and Maria as Selina and Maggie’s parents. So, one confirmed sister for Catwoman. Sibling rivalry in Gotham just got a whole lot more interesting.
Sister Maggie’s Fate: What Happened to Catwoman’s Sister?
What became of Catwoman’s sister, Maggie? Maggie Kyle’s story takes a turn for the dramatically tragic, even by Gotham standards. She initially sought a life far removed from Gotham’s shadows. Maggie explored the world, eventually returning to Gotham after marrying her husband, Simon Burton. However, happiness in Gotham is as fleeting as sanity in Arkham Asylum. Black Mask, ever the cheerful chap, kidnaps Maggie and Simon. Simon meets a gruesome end, and Maggie, understandably, loses it. She goes completely insane and transforms into Sister Zero. This transformation isn’t just metaphorical; it’s literal. After killing a fellow nun and appropriating her tools, Maggie embraces her new, fractured identity as Sister Zero. From world traveler to vengeful nun-gone-rogue, Maggie’s journey is a wild ride through Gotham’s dark heart.
Sofia Falcone’s Saga: Crime, Chaos, and Arkham
Let’s shift our focus to Sofia Falcone. She’s not just Carmine’s daughter; she’s a force to be reckoned with in Gotham’s underworld, with a backstory as twisted as a question from the Riddler.
Daddy’s Girl: Who is Carmine Falcone’s Daughter?
Who is Carmine Falcone’s daughter? Well, technically, he has two daughters we’re deeply interested in: Selina and Sofia. But focusing on the latter, in the HBO Max series “The Penguin,” Cristin Milioti embodies Sofia Falcone. She’s presented as the legitimate daughter of Carmine Falcone, a towering figure in Gotham’s criminal landscape within “The Batman” universe. To reiterate, Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) and Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz) are half-sisters, sharing the Falcone bloodline, but navigating vastly different paths in Gotham’s chaotic world.
You can find more about Sofia Falcone’s comic history at Yahoo Entertainment, which delves into her DC Comics origins and evolution.
Arkham Inmate: Why Was Falcone’s Daughter Institutionalized?
Why was Falcone’s daughter, Sofia, locked up in Arkham Asylum? Turns out, Sofia has a penchant for extreme solutions. In “The Penguin,” Episode 2, we learn the chilling reason: she has murdered at least seven women, earning her a one-way ticket to Arkham. Her time in Arkham was clearly less than therapeutic. She’s deeply traumatized by her experience, plagued by nightmares and hallucinations of her asylum days. And, understandably, she harbors a massive grudge against the Falcone family for not pulling strings to get her out sooner. Arkham Asylum: not exactly a spa retreat, even for Gotham’s elite.
Gotham Gauntlet: What Happened to Falcone’s Daughter in Gotham?
What exactly happened to Falcone’s daughter, Sofia, in Gotham? Her Gotham saga is a whirlwind of power plays and violent reveals, especially in the “Dark Victory” storyline. Initially, it seemed Sofia was paralyzed, a victim in Gotham’s brutal games. But plot twist! Sofia is revealed to be the Hangman killer, faking her paralysis with Oscar-worthy dedication. Her motives? Family “business.” She offs her brother Alberto for being a “disappointment” to the Falcone legacy. Sibling issues, Gotham style.
Sofia then tries to add Two-Face to her kill list, but Batman, ever the party pooper for villains, intervenes. During their brawl, Two-Face, not known for his forgiving nature, shoots Sofia in the head. Ouch. From faking paralysis to headshots, Sofia’s Gotham story is a rollercoaster of crime and comeuppance.
Hangman’s Identity: Sofia, the String-Puller?
Is Sofia actually the Hangman? In the gripping 1999–2000 limited series “Batman: Dark Victory,” a sequel to “The Long Halloween,” Sofia steps into the sinister spotlight as the Hangman. This murderer had been systematically eliminating members of the Gotham City Police Department for over a year. Initially, all fingers pointed towards Two-Face as the Hangman. But, in a classic detective twist, Sofia is unmasked as the killer, her apparent paralysis just an elaborate ruse. Who knew faking a disability could be such a solid cover for serial killing?
Hangman Nickname: Why is Sofia Called the Hangman?
Why is Sofia Falcone dubbed “The Hangman” in “The Penguin”? This is where the narrative gets a bit muddled across different continuities. In “The Penguin,” the Hangman moniker seems less about her being the actual killer of cops and more about her being falsely framed. Some interpretations suggest Carmine Falcone framed Sofia for murders, possibly including her mother’s, and then conveniently had her committed to Arkham Asylum. Whether she was the actual Hangman or framed as one, the name sticks, adding another layer to her already complex villain persona.
Don Falcone’s Demise: Who Ended the Roman’s Reign in Gotham?
Who killed Don Falcone in Gotham? This depends on which Gotham story we’re talking about. In the “Gotham” TV series, Don Falcone meets his end courtesy of his own daughter, Sofia. Yes, Sofia, ever the family-oriented individual, orchestrated his death and then, for added drama, pinned the blame on Penguin. Family betrayals are practically a Gotham tradition.
However, in the comic storyline “Dark Victory,” Carmine Falcone’s killer is Two-Face. After Two-Face takes revenge on the Falcone family, Carmine is killed, and Sofia ends up scarred and paralyzed after a confrontation with Catwoman. Multiple Gothams, multiple Falcone fatalities, all equally dramatic.
Wheelchair Confinement: Sofia’s Paralysis Explained
Why is Sofia Falcone confined to a wheelchair? The reason is rooted in the chaotic events of “Dark Victory.” After Alberto Falcone is locked up in Arkham, the violence escalates. Two-Face, in his quest for vengeance against the Falcones, not only kills Carmine but also leaves Sofia scarred and paralyzed after a brutal showdown with Catwoman. So, Sofia’s wheelchair is a battle scar from Gotham’s never-ending crime war, a permanent reminder of her family’s turbulent life.
Hangman Redux: Sofia’s Killer Alias Revisited
Let’s circle back to the Hangman identity: Was Sofia *actually* the Hangman? Yes, in the “Dark Victory” comic series, Sofia is definitively revealed as the Hangman killer. Despite initial suspicions pointing towards Two-Face, Sofia’s deception runs deep. Her apparent paralysis was just a clever facade to divert suspicion while she systematically eliminated members of the Gotham City Police Department. Sofia as the Hangman is a prime example of Gotham’s capacity for hidden villains and shocking reveals.
Riddler’s Vendetta: Why Did He Target Falcone?
Why did the Riddler want Falcone dead? In “The Batman,” the Riddler’s motives are all about exposing Gotham’s festering corruption. Taking out Carmine Falcone was a crucial step in his grand, albeit twisted, plan. Falcone, even as he was being arrested, smugly believed he was untouchable, confident in his web of corrupt cops, judges, and politicians. The Riddler’s actions were a brutal wake-up call, proving that even the most powerful in Gotham could fall when the truth, however violently delivered, comes to light. Justice in Gotham is rarely gentle.
Sofia’s Comic Debut: Who is Sofia Falcone Meant to Be?
Who is Sofia Falcone supposed to be in the grand scheme of Gotham’s narratives? Sofia Falcone first appeared in Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s 1996 miniseries, “Batman: The Long Halloween.” She’s introduced as the daughter of crime lord Carmine Falcone. She resurfaces in the sequel, “Batman: Dark Victory,” where she takes on the mantle of the Hangman killer to avenge her father’s death (or so she claims – revenge motives in Gotham are rarely straightforward). Sofia is depicted as intelligent, ruthless, and deeply embedded in her family’s criminal empire, often seeking to assert her dominance and continue her father’s legacy, albeit through her own violent methods.
For a deeper dive into Sofia’s character in the comics, check out her Wikipedia page.
Sofia or Sophia? Spelling Matters
Is it Sofia or Sophia Falcone? The spelling “Sofia” is generally used for Carmine Falcone’s daughter. “Sofia” is a girl’s name of Greek origin, a variant of “Sophia,” derived from σοφία, meaning “wisdom.” While both spellings are common, Sofia is more prevalent in Italian and Spanish/Portuguese-speaking regions. Perhaps a subtle nod to Falcone’s Italian heritage in some interpretations. Either way, wisdom and Falcone family rarely go hand in hand.
Arkham Revisited: Sofia’s Fate in “The Penguin”
What happened to Sofia Falcone in “The Penguin” HBO Max series? After her stint in Arkham Asylum and subsequent release, Sofia’s freedom is short-lived. In a twist of fate, she is re-arrested and sent back to Arkham by Oz Cobb, a.k.a. Penguin. Oz, in a moment of perhaps twisted mercy, decides that prison is a more fitting punishment for Sofia than death. So, Sofia’s story in “The Penguin” circles back to where it began: Arkham, Gotham’s favorite institution for the criminally insane. Some characters just can’t escape the asylum’s gravitational pull.
Half-Sister Revelation: Who is Sophia’s Half-Sister?
Who is Sofia’s half-sister? It’s none other than Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman. As we’ve established, “The Batman” movie clearly sets Carmine Falcone as Selina’s father, making her and Sofia half-sisters. This familial tie adds significant depth to their potential interactions in Gotham’s intertwined narratives. As one source enthusiastically puts it, “It makes sense that Selina Kyle and Sofia Falcone are half-sisters. The Penguin is the best series out right now.” High praise and family drama all in one.
Sisterly Letter: Why Did Selina Kyle Write to Sofia?
Why did Selina Kyle write to Sofia? In “The Penguin” finale, Selina extends a surprising gesture to Sofia Falcone: a letter. The purpose? To confirm their shared parentage—Carmine Falcone—and offer a sliver of hope, a potential for family connection to Sofia, who was, at that moment, confined in Arkham. Was it an act of genuine sisterly compassion, or something more calculated? With Catwoman, it’s always a bit of both. Either way, it’s a fascinating development in their complicated, familial saga.
Oz’s Hangman Knowledge: Did Penguin Know Carmine’s Secret?
Did Oz know Carmine was the Hangman? Sofia, in a moment of strategic (or delusional) honesty, tells Eve Karlo that Oz knew Carmine was the Hangman. Whether this was a manipulation tactic by Sofia to gain leverage or a genuine belief is unclear. Sofia likely genuinely believed it, painting her father as even more Machiavellian. However, Oz might have been truthful in denying any involvement in framing her. Gotham’s web of lies is so intricate, even those in the know are often left guessing.
Sofia’s Biological Dad: A Tangent
“Sofia’s first biological dad”? This question seems a bit off-track, possibly referencing a different Sofia altogether. The provided text veers into an unrelated video mention about a “Queen Miranda” and someone presumed dead. This tangent appears to be a red herring, unrelated to Sofia Falcone and her Gotham-centric drama. Let’s refocus on the Falcone family saga and leave royal lineages for another day.
Falcone’s Reign: Power, Villainy, and Demise
Carmine Falcone, “The Roman,” a name that echoes through Gotham’s underworld. Let’s delve into his power, his villainy, and the circumstances of his eventual downfall.
Mob Power Ranking: Falcone vs. Maroni
In Gotham’s criminal hierarchy, who reigns supreme: Maroni or Falcone? In DC Comics, Salvatore Vincent “Sal” Maroni, also known as “The Boss,” was indeed a formidable gangster. He was one of the toughest in Gotham City, and crucially, the second most powerful mobster after Carmine Falcone. Falcone consistently holds the top spot in Gotham’s mob pecking order, with Maroni as a very close, but consistently second-in-command, rival. It’s a classic mob boss power dynamic: top dog and the ambitious underboss nipping at his heels.
Moral Compass Check: Is Falcone Good or Bad?
Is Carmine Falcone a force for good or evil? Let’s cut to the chase: Carmine Falcone is unequivocally bad. He is a villain in DC Comics, portrayed as a powerful mob boss, an enemy of Batman, and, let’s not forget, sometimes the illegitimate father of Catwoman. He’s an acquaintance of the Wayne family, but don’t let that fool you. Falcone is a criminal mastermind, deeply entrenched in Gotham’s corruption, and responsible for countless dark deeds. “Good” and “Falcone” are words that simply don’t belong in the same sentence, unless you’re talking about “good at being bad.”
Falcone’s Final Act: Who Dealt the Killing Blow?
Who killed Falcone? Again, the answer depends on the Gotham iteration. In “The Batman” movie, the Riddler is the one who orchestrates Carmine Falcone’s demise. It’s part of the Riddler’s elaborate scheme to expose and dismantle Gotham’s corrupt elite. Falcone, a symbol of this deep-seated corruption, becomes a prime target in the Riddler’s violent crusade. The Riddler’s methods are theatrical and brutal, fitting for Gotham’s operatic crime landscape.
However, in comic lore, particularly in “Dark Victory,” Carmine Falcone is murdered by Two-Face, as revenge for Falcone’s role in Harvey Dent’s transformation. Two different killers, same dead mob boss. Gotham’s villains are quite competitive in claiming their kills.
Penguin’s Punishment: What Did Oswald Do to Sofia?
What did Oswald Cobblepot, a.k.a. Penguin, do to Sofia in “The Penguin” series? Oz decides against outright killing Sofia. Instead, in a move that’s arguably more cruel, he opts to torture her by sending her back to Arkham Asylum. For Sofia, who is already deeply traumatized by her Arkham experience, this is arguably a fate worse than death. Penguin’s punishment is calculated, psychological, and perfectly in line with his emerging villainous persona. Death might be an end, but Arkham? Arkham is forever.
Oz’s Hangman Insight: Did Penguin Know Carmine’s Secret?
Revisiting the Hangman mystery: Did Oz know Carmine was the Hangman? As mentioned earlier, Sofia claims Oz was in on Carmine’s Hangman secret. Sofia tells Eve Karlo that Oz knew Carmine was the Hangman. While it could be manipulation on Sofia’s part, she seems to genuinely believe it. However, Oz may well be telling the truth when he denies being part of any conspiracy to frame her. In Gotham, everyone has an agenda, and truth is a slippery concept, especially when mob bosses and asylums are involved.
Falcone Family Count: How Many Kids Did Carmine Have?
How many children did Carmine Falcone sire? Officially, Carmine “The Roman” Falcone had three legitimate children with his wife Louisa Falcone: Mario, Sofia, and Alberto. However, we also know about his illegitimate daughter, Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman. So, by current count, Falcone has at least four children: Sofia, Mario, Alberto, and Selina. That’s a full house, Gotham-style, filled with crime, drama, and complicated family dynamics. Louisa Falcone, Carmine’s wife, was the mother of his three “legitimate” children, while Maria Kyle gave birth to Selina outside of wedlock. It’s a blended family, if you can call a mob family blended.
Falcone’s Assassin: Who Murdered Carmine Falcone?
Who ultimately murdered Carmine Falcone? In “The Batman” movie, the Riddler takes credit for “The Assassination of Carmine Falcone,” marking it as the final act of his serial killing spree. This event is even referenced in “Gotham Knights,” where it’s posed as a trivia question: “The Assassination of Carmine Falcone was the final murder by the serial killer known as the Riddler.” So, in the cinematic universe of “The Batman,” the Riddler definitively gets the kill. Another notch on the Riddler’s villainous belt.
Gotham’s Real-World Twin: Which City Inspired Gotham?
What real-world city most closely resembles Gotham? Gotham City is often depicted as being in the U.S. state of New Jersey, but its visual and atmospheric inspiration is drawn from a trio of iconic cities: New York City, Chicago, and London. New York City’s towering skyscrapers and gritty urban sprawl, Chicago’s notorious crime history, and London’s gothic architecture and perpetual gloom all contribute to Gotham’s unique, brooding identity. Gotham is less a single city and more a composite of urban nightmares, a perfect backdrop for Batman’s nightly crusades.
Gotham’s Wider Cast: Rivals, Lovers, and Family Secrets
Gotham is teeming with characters, each with their own tangled web of relationships. Let’s explore some key figures in Catwoman and Falcone’s orbit.
Catwoman’s Nemesis: Who is Her Arch-Rival?
Who is Catwoman’s arch-rival? While Catwoman dances on the edge of hero and villain, she does have a formidable nemesis: Black Mask. Black Mask isn’t just another Gotham thug; he’s Catwoman’s archenemy. His vendetta against her escalated when he started targeting her friends and family, culminating in the brutal torture of her sister, Maggie. Catwoman, in a rare moment of unrestrained fury, retaliated by shooting Black Mask in the face, obliterating his jaw. And even in death, Black Mask remains a thorn in her side. In “Blackest Night,” his zombie form comes back to haunt her. Some grudges, even in Gotham, are eternal.
Interestingly, while Black Mask is a prominent Catwoman
