Unveiling the rich tapestry of Arab culture by the diaspora
There is a wistful feeling that accompanies wanderlust spirits when, in foreign lands, they come across a masterpiece dreamt by a fellow Arab. It slowly turns into an appreciative smile, recognizing the sheer beauty and magic when one stumbles upon bountiful treasures.
Throughout history, Arabs have cherished a nomadic lifestyle, traversing between nations and regions in pursuit of enlightenment, cultural connections, trade prospects, and discovery. This dynamic has nurtured their creative souls to boundless horizons, reflecting them in the rich tapestries and trails that portray Arab culture within the global cultural landscape. From art, literature, and cuisine, to performing arts, music, and jewelry-making – Arabs have enchanted global communities with their splendorous and compelling expressions, time and time again.
When Arabs settled in various countries across the globe – from Europe, Africa, and Australia to Latin America and North America – they enriched the local cultural scenes with their unique dispositions. Throughout various epochs, the Arab diaspora maintained a strong connection to its linguistic, religious, and cultural heritage while interacting with and contributing to foreign societies. At the same time, the diverse cultures orchestrated together in varying melodious epiphanies to contribute to a global exchange of ideas and many playful fusions. To many newly settled Arabs in foreign countries, culture was by no means an afterthought, but rather, was a way to preserve, recreate, and celebrate their identities at home away from home.
Notably, cultural institutions play an influential role in cementing bridges of interconnectivity and understanding between Arab and foreign cultures by bringing together creative communities and securing financing to carry out impactful cultural projects. Paris has always been a creative powerhouse, drawing in travelling Arab artists, intellectuals and a smattering of luminaries in various artistic fields. The Institut du Monde Arabe, or Arab World Institute, based in Paris, is a distinguished cultural institution that has implemented many successful cultural projects revolving around Arab cultural understanding. Inaugurated in 1987, the building is an architectural marvel – shiny, modern, industrial – embellished by the oriental façade of intricate latticework, or mashrabiyas.
A homage to the bon viveurs, aesthetes, and cultural savants of this world, its impressive collections comprise works related to antique and medieval archaeology, art and craftsmanship, ethnography, and contemporary art. Within its library, comprehensive and diverse collections focused on the Arab world are available, facilitating knowledge, research, and enlightenment. All that’s left is for visitors to decide which floor they are going to visit first.
The institute is at the forefront of leading a number of outstanding cultural projects. For instance, the “Arab Literature Prize” celebrates Arab literary works by awarding €10,000 to an Arab author who has penned a novel, a compilation of short stories, or poetry, written originally in French or translated from Arabic to French. The central theme of this literary accolade revolves around the depiction of Arab youth. Previous works by winners include “Bel Abîme” by Yamen Manai, “Les Corps Célestes” by Jokha Alharthi, and “Les Jango” by Abdelaziz Baraka Sakin.
Moreover, the institute’s cultural exhibitions harness the creativity and imagination of artists to present the many fascinating stories pertaining to Arab art, history, and contemporary issues. For instance, the Emirati painter Abdulqader Al Rais exhibited his paintings at the institute in the year 2018, where his unique brushstrokes presented a wonderful fusion of contemporary narratives, nostalgic scenes from the past, splashes of vivacious colors, and traditional motifs. Another exhibition celebrated the pioneering female artists and actresses of the 20th century whose exceptional careers catapulted them into star-studded cities, including Oum Kalthoum, Warda al-Djazaïria, Dalida, Fayrouz, Asmahan, and Behidja Hafez.
Inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and Al-Azhar Park in Cairo to the Alhambra in Granada and the Trial Garden of Algiers, the exhibition on the history of oriental gardens, held in 2016, featured a dreamy collection of 300 artworks loaned by major international museums and private collections. Visitors were further bewitched by the recreation of exuberant oriental gardens by landscape architect Michel Péna, adorned with fragrant roses, orange trees, palm trees, and jasmine.
This upcoming fall, a sensorial exhibition themed around oriental perfumes is set to whisk visitors to the thousand-year-old history of perfume in the Arab world through the portrayal of 200 ravishing heritage and contemporary works. There’s a particularly wondrous, old-world glow throughout the trail, inviting visitors to fields of rare essences, perfumers’ workshops, the medina’s souks, and fragrant homes – all evoking various scents and customs associated with Arab culture.
The star of the exhibition seems to be the olfactory devices devised by perfumer Christopher Sheldrake, which emit scents reminiscent of the orient, such as incense, rose, saffron, jasmine, musk, orange blossom, and oud wood. Today, this cacophony of artisanal blends forms part of many bewitching perfumes. For instance, Chanel’s PARIS – PARIS perfume is distilled from the Damask rose, while Le Temps des Rêves by Goutal Paris is composed of Moroccan orange blossom and neroli, and the Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris is composed of saffron and Egyptian jasmines.
Recently, the institute has unveiled plans to establish a world-class “civilization and art museum” dedicated to Arab art, marking a distinguished milestone in the realm of cross-cultural exchange. The project has been enthused after the generous donation from the French-Lebanese dealer and collector Claude Lemand and his wife of 1,677 artworks by 148 artists. Lemand, previously a university professor with a passion for the arts, opened his art gallery in Paris in 1988 with the vision of showcasing Arab artists who had settled in the West. The donated works feature a constellation of renowned Arab artists, including Abdallah Benanteur from Algeria, Shafic Abboud from Lebanon, Dia Al-Azzawi from Iraq, Simone Fattal from Syria, Nasser Al-Aswadi from Yemen, the late Egyptian sculptor Adam Henein, and Kamel Yahiaoui from Algeria.
One of the institute’s signature programs is a two-hour promenade in Paris that familiarizes visitors with the many prominent cultural sites that have historical links to the Arab world. This tour begins at the Collège de France, founded in 1530 by the King of France François I to promote intellectual curiosity and knowledge seeking. The establishment was the first to offer Arabic-language courses on the European continent and subsequently, evolved into a pivotal epicenter for Oriental studies. The guide also shares many anecdotal stories about the many Arab intellectuals and creatives who lived in Paris during the 19th century and onwards, spurring the establishment of the first batch of Arab printing presses, the first Arabic newspapers in France, and many of the Arab bookstores that remain in the city to this day.
The tour ends with visiting a prominent tourist honeypot – the Grand Mosque of Paris, a magnificent and iconic religious and cultural institution located adjacent to the Arab World Institute and the botanical gardens in the Latin Quarter of the city. Already celebrating its 100-year anniversary since its establishment, its presence serves as a testament to the value of cultural exchange in fostering peaceful coexistence. Hailed as the largest mosque in France and the third largest in Europe, the mosque’s unique architecture is a blend of Moorish and Andalusian styles, a celebration of the cultural heritage and historical ties between France and the Arab world.
The exterior of the mosque blends the artistic heritage of North Africa and the Middle East, which is reflected in the geometric designs and tilework. The minaret, adorned with intricate motifs, elegantly adorns the Parisian skyline. The Edenic gardens are a delight to explore and offer a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, enveloped with playful, trailing flowers and fountains. The mosque also houses a library with a vast collection of books on Islamic culture, history, and theology, making it a valuable resource for scholars and researchers. Additionally, visitors can savor traditional Arabic cuisine whilst lounging at the mosque’s restaurant and tea room.
During the 1920s, the city of Paris had evolved as a creative hub, attracting a milieu of artistic minds to its abode. The Arab communities were entranced and they found this vibrant spirit somewhat liberating to unleash their artistic visions. Many Arab intellectuals and culture enthusiasts established a flurry of Arabic magazines, newspapers, bookstores, and publishing houses. Moreover, its vibrant creative scene consisting of literary cafés, salons, and academic institutions fostered intellectual discussions and a fluid flow of cultural exchange between the cosmopolitan constellation of fellow writers, artists, and intellectuals in Paris.
Tawfiq al-Hakim (1898 – 1987) was an Egyptian playwright, novelist, and prominent literary figure of the 20th century, who had spent time in Paris between 1925 to 1928 to pursue a doctorate of Laws. The city soon bewitched him and exposed him to a dazzling cultural scene, subsequently refining and unleashing his literary imagination. It was during his time in Paris that he penned his famous work “Return of the Spirit”, which eventually got published in 1933 in Cairo, and was followed by many celebrated works of Arabic drama and literature.
Another literary luminary who was enchanted by Paris was the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish (1941 – 2008). Darwish primarily resided in Paris between 1982 to 1996 and whilst he composed many of his works in Arabic, he was also proficient in English, French, and Hebrew. His literary works have been translated into over 20 languages and has been one of France’s most illustrious cultural figures and bestselling poets. He fondly describes the city:
“Paris was more of a layover than a residence or dwelling, I don’t know, but what I do know is that my true poetic birth took place in Paris. And if I were to distinguish my poetry, I am very much attached to the poetry I wrote in Paris during the 1980s and beyond. There, I had the opportunity to contemplate and view my homeland, the world, and other aspects from a distance, a distance of light. When you see from afar, you see better, and you perceive the scene in its entirety. Moreover, Paris, aesthetically, spurs you towards poetry and creativity. Everything in it is beautiful, even its climate is beautiful.”
Some of Darwish’s unforgettable masterpieces were written during his Paris sojourn and include “Memory for Forgetfulness” and “Fewer Roses” which were both published in 1986, “Eleven Planets” which was published in 1992, and “Why Have You Left the Horse Alone” which was published in 1995. He was recognized in 1997 with France’s prestigious Knight of Arts and Belles Lettres medal. In 2010, the Mahmoud Darwish Square was inaugurated in the 6th arrondissement in his honor, inspired by a location the poet was reportedly fond of, nestled alongside the Seine River in the Monnaie district.
One of the Arab world’s most cherished poets and writers is Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese émigré to the United States in 1895. Gibran’s exquisite writing style and creative genius paved the way for an infusion of whimsical themes of love, nature, devotion to beauty, aesthetics, and emotions within Arabic literature during the initial decades of the 20th century. His works reflected the profound feelings of nostalgia amongst many Arab immigrants at the time.
Yet, it is this interaction with foreign cultures that had allowed Gibran’s skills to blossom and gain attention from appreciative audiences. At a chance meeting at Gibran’s first art exhibition in 1904, he met his soon-to-be friend and lifelong patron, Mary Elizabeth Haskell, who was a headmistress. Haskell’s early acknowledgment and patronage of Gibran, particularly her urging for him to write in English, her editorial assistance, and her financial assistance for his educational journey to Paris and New York City enabled Gibran to dedicate himself to his artistic endeavors.
From 1908 to 1910, Haskell provided both encouragement and financial support for Gibran’s sojourn to Paris so he could refine his art skills. Enrolling at the Académie Julian, Gibran crossed paths with other notable artists, including Auguste Rodin, Claude Debussy, and William Butler Yeats. The works of other brilliant artists and writers also had an indelible influence on his style, such as William Blake’s poetry and Friedrich Nietzsche’s writings. During this time, Gibran showcased some of his paintings at the prestigious Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. Fellow Lebanese-American writer Amin Rihani also became one of his closest friends and literary supporters.
New York’s trendy, artsy reputation attracted a vibrant creative community, with individuals supporting each other in realizing their artistic visions. Haskell generously offered Gibran a $5,000 stipend to help him move to New York City in 1911, where he lived in Greenwich Village and swiftly befriended many artistic figures in the area. At the time, the city was also the heartbeat of the Arabic literary scene. In a letter to Mary Elizabeth Haskell sent shortly after his relocation to New York, he writes:
“I run through the streets of this gigantic city [New York], and so many little shadows run after me. I gaze with [a] thousand eyes and listen with [a] thousand ears all through the day; and when I come home late at night I find more things to gaze at and more voices to listen to.”
Gibran was held in high regard in this circuit and invitations were often sent his way for him to regale his brilliance with an admiring crowd. For instance, he was regularly welcomed to attend the exclusive literary salons in Manhattan hosted by Mary Khoury, a thriving Lebanese-American entrepreneur. Corinne Roosevelt Robinson, sister of the US President Theodore Roosevelt, extended invitations for him to recite his works at her New York residence. Also, Julia Ellsworth Ford, an affluent New York socialite and passionate arts patron, frequently invited Gibran to her salons, affording him the chance to interact with luminaries like the poet Ezra Pound and actor Charlie Chaplin.
In 1913, the Al-Funun Arabic newspaper was founded in New York City, which served as a platform for many Arabic writers to contribute their works. Shortly after, Gibran’s early collection of fifty-six columns were collected and published as “Dam’a wa ibtisamah” in 1914 and translated to English as “A Tear and a Smile” in 1950). His book explored the ebb and flow of emotions between joy and sorrow. For instance, in “A Lover’s Call”, Gibran describes an ethereal being who evokes in him a boundless, serene feeling of love – interspersed in ephemeral moments, such as walking amidst nature trails, consoling a traveler sailing away from his homeland, or breathing words of comfort to the needy.
As his works garnered attention, the young publisher Alfred A. Knopf became Gibran’s official English publisher. His magnum opus “The Prophet”, published in 1923, became one of the ten most translated books in history. In his honor, the Gibran Khalil Gibran Promenade, formally unveiled on September 26th, 2017, graces the Parisian landscape at 26 Quai André Citroën.
Satiating the appetites for the trendy, culinary connoisseurs for something beyond the usual is where Arab cuisines make a show to impress with artisanal finesse. Today, many glitzy dining establishments offer beguiling Arabic dishes that are considered elemental in their menus, such as mezzes. Nestled within the very chic neighborhood of Chelsea in London, the Villa Mamas restaurant is markedly signposted by its iconic turquoise paneled windows and pastel pink shade. Chef Roaya Saleh’s vivacious spirit is immediately reflected in her menu, inspired primarily by traditional Bahraini and Gulf cuisine. The colorful spread of delicacies whispers indulgence and highlights include the Chicken Machbous, Halibut with herbed rice, and Mozat Laham made of lamb shank and vermicelli rice. Those with a sweet tooth can delight in Mama’s Elba, a cake reminiscent of the crème caramel infused with saffron and cardamom, or the Um Ali, a puff pastry pudding with notes of rose water and sprinkles of pistachio.
The Em Sherif restaurant, masterminded by renowned chef Mireille Hayek, is known for its tantalizing dishes and its locations in London’s Harrods department store and the Hôtel de Paris in Monte‑Carlo are where locals and tourists go to experience an oriental escapade. While the menus of the two venues vary, diners are offered a sumptuous and flamboyant choice of savory pastries, egg-based dishes, salads, mezzes, and grills. And there are more sweet treats to accompany them than one is likely to resist: a fragrant Lebanese rose panna cotta (muhallabiya) with candied rhubarb and rose ice cream, a tempting citrus semolina cake (nammoura) with candied fruits and almond milk ice cream, and a luscious kunafa to tantalize one’s palate.
Art galleries are the love letters to the creative minds of Arab artists. There’s something for everyone, for the dreamy-eyed, the romantic, the wildly imaginative, and the philosophical. This summer’s rendezvous at Christie’s in London surely enraptured art aficionados, where the largest exhibition on modern and contemporary Arab art unveiled works by trailblazing Arab and Emirati artists. Presented in collaboration with the UAE’s Ministry of Culture and Youth and the UAE-based Barjeel Art Foundation, the exhibition inspired and illuminated audiences to admire this compelling collection that spanned an impressive 84-year spectrum of creativity from 1939 to 2023. The first section of the exhibition was titled “Kawkaba”, meaning constellation in Arabic, and showcased 100 artworks from the Barjeel Art Foundation’s collection, which included works by Marwan Kassab-Bachi, Mohamed Melehi, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Inji Efflatoun, Simone Fattal, Menhat Helmy, Samia Osseiran Joumblatt, and Mona Saudi.
A second section of the exhibition was titled “Emirati Art Reimagined: Hassan Sharif and the Contemporary Voices”, which featured the artistic brilliance of contemporary UAE artists. Showcased within this exhibition was an extensive collection of Hassan Sharif’s artworks, an illustrious artistic figure. Other contemporary Emirati artists’ works were also showcased, generously loaned by the UAE’s Ministry of Culture and Youth, and include Mohammed Kazem, Farah Al Qasimi, Alaa Edris, Zuhoor Al Sayegh, and Taqwa Al Naqbi. It was a celebration of the finest in artistic renditions and revealed the power of art in transforming mindsets and inspiring positive changes in the world around us.
Certainly, one can find a compendium of beautiful influences from the Arab diaspora all across the globe. This group has always stood out, remarkably and everlastingly, with its exquisite tableau of artistic brilliance that enriched the global cultural landscape.
Published in Shawati magazine.