Loading ...Arab Aesthetics: The Enduring Arab Influence on Global Arts and Culture
Ever since the Middle Ages, the greatest thinkers and creative minds of the Arab World have been spreading their ideas, discoveries, and creations to every corner of the globe. Fundamental parts of modern life, such as numbers, algebra, libraries, pharmacies, guitars, and violins, all originate from the Arab World.
It is thought that many of the bedrock components of modern medicine, such as theories on immunity and how infectious diseases are spread, were first discovered in the cities of Damascus, Aden, Antioch, and Baghdad. The Arab World is also where mosaics, glassware, picture frames, and composers have their origins, to name just a few.
It is therefore unsurprising that many of the styles in visual arts, entertainment, architecture, and music that enjoy massive popularity around the world today come from the Arab World. If you’d like to learn more about exactly how Arab themes continue to influence art and culture today, read on to find out.
Source: Unsplash1. Architecture & Interior Design
One of the most visible ways that Arab design influences the appearance of the world around us can be seen in architecture. The central tenets of so-called ‘Islamic Architecture’ – which has its design origins in the 10th century and continue to produce new styles to this day – can be seen in iconic structures in every country on the planet.
Consider how Spain’s most iconic structure, the Moorish Alhambra Palace, is considered a shining example of the very best of Arab design. Or perhaps India’s Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of Islamic Architecture. Then there are more contemporary examples, such as the Petronas Twin Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the largest twin towers on the planet at 88 floors high.
The towers took inspiration from both the practical and purely aesthetic elements of Arabic architectural design, with the exteriors being made to resemble Islamic motifs, topped off with the graceful cupolas that are emblematic of this school of architecture. On the inside of buildings, Arab interior design styles are also continuing to enjoy significant influence.
If you open a copy of Architectural Digest or Vogue, you’re likely to see the homes of the rich and famous in Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, or Shanghai replete with Arab design. Moroccan riads, complete with mosaic tile water features, are a hugely popular element of home design, as are arch styles, arcades, stone tiles, and elegant tile features on the walls.
Source: Unsplash2. Film & Music
Arab aesthetics have long been prominent in the set design and animation of globally popular films. Of course, the obvious contenders may come to mind at first, such as Disney’s Aladdin, The Mummy, or Arabian Nights. However, Arab influences have been prominent in hit TV shows and films in other ways too.
Such influences have long been popular within the fantasy genre, with many directors and audiences being drawn to the ways that Arab design tends to employ otherworldly, monumental proportions and intricate designs that seemingly defy reality.
The hit HBO series Game of Thrones is just one example of this in action, with large chunks of the show being set in the fictional and prosperous territory of Dorne, where Arab architecture, fashion, interior design, and music reign supreme. Similar touches can be seen in fantasy franchises such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, and, of course, Star Wars. The use of Arab musical styles and instruments is also widespread in contemporary pop music.
Consider the sprawling list of iconic songs that have an unmistakably Arab flavor and sound. There’s Beyonce and Shakira’s hit track Beautiful Liar, which makes heavy use of the classic Arab instruments the oud and the ney. The same instruments and styles are used in the Pussycat Dolls song Buttons, and the hit MIA track, Bad Girls. Then there’s the Chemical Brothers track Galvanize and the Black Eyed Peas song Grapes, both of which utilize Moroccan singing styles to enrich the songs.
3. Video Games
Arab aesthetics and design have also had an outsized impact on the world of video games. Many might agree that the gaming industry’s love affair with the Arab World began during the advent of the smash-hit Prince of Persia game series, which has also spawned graphic novels, animated series, LEGO sets, and board games.
Others might trace it to the emergence of the Assassin’s Creed video game series as one of the most widely-played franchises on Earth. The first AC game takes the players through early-Medieval Israel and Syria, whilst later installments include detailed recreations of Istanbul, Cairo, and Alexandria.
Even in the more casual world of online gaming, the influence of Arab design can be observed in abundance. Take the world of online casino gaming, which draws millions of players from virtually every country on the planet. Any glance at a site offering real-money slot games such as Vegas Slots Online will reveal tons of titles that are clearly influenced by Arab design. There’s the Arabian Dream slot, which takes inspiration from the Arabic alphabet to provide slots to an English-speaking audience, or the Book of Ra slot which focuses heavily on the aesthetics and mythology of Ancient Egyptian culture, to name just a couple. It seems clear that the world’s affinity for Arab design extends into the virtual world just as much as it does into the physical one.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and there will likely be many more examples of global Arab design that will appear in the coming months and years. However, this list should provide a snapshot of the broad appeal and diversity of Arab design in the contemporary world.
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