The Beauty of Arabic Culture
Learning about the Arab world isn't just about getting on a plane and visiting different places. It is also about understanding and paying attention to how integrated Arab culture is with our daily lives and leaving us open to learning new and different habits from us. By respecting, understanding, and being grateful for the uniqueness of Arab culture that exists in the world today.
For thousands of years since the birth of the Arab world, they have discovered and exerted a tremendous influence on the world. Although we may not know it, we interact with Arab culture every day. In fact, all morning routines in the world are inspired by Arabs. Toothbrush, hygiene, soap and coffee are all roles inventions by the Arab world.
The Arab world, which has gone through thousands of years of history, has changed the world for the better through its discoveries, influences and inspirations which we still use today. From wall clocks to chess, from universities to mathematics, from accounting to ink pens, and many others.
Arabic culture is one of the best civilizations in the world today. There is much to be learned and celebrated, but many of these great discoveries are lost and become cultures forgotten. Today, as in the past, we can learn many things from Arab culture, the importance of its rich culture, conservative customs and unique customs.
This international cultural exchange is an achievement that makes the world a better place. Allowing us to open our minds and hearts to new ideas and become stronger together as human beings.
How are the Arabs divided?
Arabs are not called Arabs because of their ethnicity, race, genetics or religious beliefs. Arabic is a term used to describe someone who speaks Arabic as their first language or their mother tongue. They also share a rich cultural heritage between countries in the Middle East, Africa and West Asia.
Arabic is the language of origin or mother
Arabic is someone whose mother tongue is Arabic. Photo source: Unsplash
Where is the Arab World?
The Arab world is represented by countries that use Arabic as their national language. These countries are in almost all parts of the Arab League. The Arab League is a regional organization that organizes the Arab region with the aim of promoting relations between its members.
There are 22 members of the Arab League with 5 Arabic speaking countries that are not members of the league.
Arab League Member States Part of the Arabic World Official Language
Egyptian Yes Yes Arabic
Alzajair Yes Yes Arabic
Moroccan Yes Yes Arabic
Sudan Yes Yes Arabic
Iraq Yes Yes Arabic
Saudi Arabia Yes Yes Arabic
Yemen Yes Yes Arabic
Syrian Yes Yes Arabic
Tunisian Yes Yes Arabic
Somali Yes Yes Arabic
Libyan Yes Yes Arabic
Jordan Yes Yes Arabic
United Arab Emirates Yes Yes Arabic
Mauritania Yes Yes Arabic
Palestine Yes Yes Arabic
Lebanese Yes Yes Arabic
Oman Yes Yes Arabic
Kuwait Yes Yes Arabic
Qatar Yes Yes Arabic
Comoros Yes Yes Arabic
Djibouti Yes Yes Arabic
Bahrain Yes Yes Arabic
Eritrean Observer Yes Arabic
Chad No Yes Arabic
Israeli No Yes Arabic
Sarawi No Yes Arabic
Somalila No Yes Arabic
Arabic and Its Effects
The five most spoken languages in the world are Arabic with over 22 countries making it the official language. The speakers came from the Middle East and South Africa region.
Arabic is closely connected with Hebrew and Aramaic, initially developing through poetry and oral traditions over thousands of years. When listening to Arabic, you can hear the uniqueness of the language because it contains sounds that do not exist in any other language in the world. Arabic has many accents and dialects. A common Arabic style is called Modern Standard Arabic.
The surprising thing about Arabic is that it has a lot to do with English. One of them is found in several words that begin with the word "AL" such as algebra, alcohol, alchemy, alkaline, all of which come from Arabic. In addition, there are many other words which do not start with the word "AL" but are known to have been derived from Arab countries, such as loofah, amber, tariff, arsenal, coffee, sofa, and others. These words come from Arabic. Not only that, the number system we use today was also introduced by Arab traders to westerners.
Religion in Arabic
Arabic culture is heavily influenced by Islam. Although Arabic is composed of various religions, the rise of Islam throughout the Arab countries has made it the most widely practiced religion. However, it is important to note that there are still Christian-Arabic, Arabic Judaic and Arabic religions with other religions.
Islam believes in Allah as the Most Holy God whose teachings and beliefs are stated in the Al-quran. A Muslim practices Islam as their religion and prays to Allah.
Religion of the followers of the scriptures practiced by the Arabs by non-Arabs
Islam Muslim Al-Qur'an Yes Yes
Christian Christian Gospel Yes Yes
Jewish Jew Tanakh Yes Yes
spend a lot of time with family
Family and Society in Arabic Culture
Apart from matters of religion, family is also the most important thing for Arabs. Arab families are close to each other and will share a lot of time together doing many things. Family often takes precedence over individuals. Especially when the honor and reputation of the family are at stake, Arab families work together to support each other and gain recognition in their families.
As in general, in a family there are traditional structures and roles based on sex where men are responsible for earning a living for the family and women are responsible for caring for the children and managing the house. This may differ depending on the country and the period in other parts of the world.
No matter what age you are, you must always respect your parents, this also applies in families and societies where parents must receive respect. This respect for elders is solid and is practiced formally and actively.
Wall decoration architecture usually uses calligraphy
Calligraphy is used as architectural decoration to decorate walls. Photo source: StockVault
Arabic Literature, Calligraphy and Tattoos
Arabic began to become a spoken language where stories and poetry were exchanged and passed on to later generations through rote memorization. One of the most important notes regarding poetry and literature in Arabic culture is Mu'allaqat. Mu'allaqat is a group of 7 poems written by different poets. Mu'allaqat is also determined to be one of the best works after the Al-Quran.
Over time, calligraphy grew. Initially calligraphy was used as reading in religions such as Al-qurán which caused a large part of the population to learn to read and write until eventually some people learned to make calligraphy. There are 6 key types of calligraphy styles that are used in various forms ranging from architecture, literature, to being used in the modern era of the 21st century such as on websites, artwork and tattoos.
Arabic calligraphy has become popular in modern culture, it has also become an art because of its beauty and uniqueness and for its striking design.
Find out about various Arabic tattoos.
Arabic character uses bright colors and curves
The colors are bright and the curves are unique to Arabic culture. Photo source: Unsplash
Architectural Beauty
Arabic architecture is easily recognizable because of its clear style, symmetrical design points and bright interior design. Like other things in Arabic culture, the architecture is also very unique, especially the style of the design character. The four most common architectural styles used traditionally in Arabic buildings include.
The tower is a tall and narrow building commonly found outside mosques as a symbol of Islam. On the tower there is usually a carving of Arabic calligraphy.
Huge domed roof. Domes, usually found in various buildings, are a highlight and give a dramatic impression to any building.
Muqarnas decorations that can be seen in all types of buildings are decorative elements based on stacked 3-dimensional geometric designs.
The arch is the main feature that plays an aesthetic and functional role
the pointed arch is the most recognizable and captivating design feature of Islamic architecture.
Five Beautiful Arab cities
There you can participate and get hands-on experience about Arab culture.
City State Features
Dubai United Arab Emirates Unique Architecture
Petra Jordan Modern City
Manama Bahrain Old Fort
Istanbul Turkey Asian and European culture
Giza Egyptian Archaeological Park
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is a modern, naturally developing city. New and old architecture stand side by side, making you feel like you are in the future and the past, depending on where you are in the city.
Petra in Jordan is famous as a lost city because only part of it has been excavated. Petra has amazing architecture and has lots of it
