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Writer: Graceana Hardy
Celebrating Arab culture
April is Arab American Heritage month, where we celebrate and recognize the importance of Arab culture and inventions.
Image from World Atlas
Which countries are considered Arab?
According to the European Union, there are 22 Arab countries. These include Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. However, it is important to note that how strongly a country or person identifies with the label Arab can differ and vary. For example, Egyptian people are not ethnically Arab. Some still identify with the label, others don’t.
Another important thing to note is the difference between Arab, Arabia, and the Middle East. Arabia is a specific region referring to the Arabian Peninsula. Arab is a broader term for nations with Arabic as a popular language and cultural landmark. Arab and the Middle East, contrary to popular belief, cannot be used interchangeably. While all Arab countries are Middle Eastern, not all Middle Eastern countries are Arab.
Arab Food:
It is a common misconception that there is one Arab culture that all people in Arab countries fall under. In reality, Arab culture can be just as diverse as Western or Asian culture. This applies to Arab cuisine as well, which will vary from region to region. However, there are a few common elements. Arab food is often known for its fragrant seasoning, use of olive oil and nuts in recipes, and variety of dips that often accompany food. Common meats are mutton, lamb, and goat. Carbs of the region often come in the form of bread and rice, as well as lentils and chickpeas. Unlike bread in the Western world, however, Arab bread is typically flat, in the form of things like pita bread.
Below is a list of common Arab foods from various countries. (Click on the images for more information).
Never made bread before? No worries! This comforting flatbread with cheese is a staple of Lebanese food and is practically foolproof. It is often consumed as a breakfast food.
A popular dessert cake called the Middle East's "tiramisu". This recipe is simple and quick with easy-to-find ingredients, and an Arab staple!
How many people live in Arab countries?
473 million people live in Arab countries. The Arab American Institute estimates that around 3.7 million people in the United States are Arab.
Arab inventions
Coffee, anesthesia, the clock, and soap were all invented by Arab people, according to Safe Harbor.
Arab Art:
Often, when we talk about the great artists and art forms of the world, we focus on those occurring in the Western world. However, Arab countries are full of beautiful art as well. For example, dancing is wildly popular in many Arab countries. The most well-known dances are the ardah, the dabke, and belly dancing!
There are many Arab visual artists that are worth recognizing as well.
Helen Zughaib, according to Art in Embassies, uses her art “to give voice to the voiceless, to heal, and to reflect in our shared humanity.”
Abdulnasser Gharem practices the “fine art of defiance” through his art, according to CNN, using it to show a view of Saudi Arabia beyond harmful stereotypes.
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