All over the world there are thousands of different cultures. A culture is made up of the human activities that groups of people undertake. This can be everything from food and drink, to how they dress, to their customs, traditions and ceremonies. Although there are so many cultures, few are as distinct as the culture found across the Arab world. In fact, the culture of the Middle East and North Africa is probably considered one of the world’s most significant. But why is it so important? Well, let us explain…
1. Arab Has An Amazing History
A first reason why Arab culture is important is because of its fascinating history
Across the Arab world the culture that is enjoyed today has roots that go back centuries, or even millennia. Many places in the Middle East and North Africa, such as Jordan, Iraq and Libya, have some of the longest held human of anywhere in the world. Across Arab countries there have been hugely important ancient civilizations that have influenced the culture of the region today. The fact that Arab culture can trace its root so far back is one reason why its important.
One of the incredible things about Arab culture is how it keeps its history alive. The modern culture across the Middle East and North Africa is heavily influenced by its history. There are many aspects, including clothes, food, traditions, ceremonies and languages that all have direct connections to the history of the region. This is a further aspect that makes Arab culture so significant.
2. Arab Culture Is Highly Unique
A second reason why Arab culture is important is because it is so unique.
The culture that developed across the mostly desert regions of the modern Middle East and North Africa are unlike any culture found around the world. Everything from the dress and customs to the ritual and cuisine are really unique. Although, as we’ll discuss, Arab culture has been highly influential around the world, and aspects of Arab culture can now be found globally, in fact the origins and core of the culture is extremely specific. This is a key reason why it’s important.
All cultures are unique, and each have their own aspects that distinguish them from others. However, many cultures are also a melting-pot, and borrow heavily from other influential cultures. Arab culture, partly due to its long and unique history, is still really unlike any other. Many people find Arabic culture so intriguing because of its distinctiveness. This is also a major factor in why it is considered so important.
3. Millions Of People Follow Arab Traditions
A third reason why Arab culture is important is because so many people follow it.
The Arab world – broadly covering the Middle East and North Africa, has a population of over 450 million people. Although not all of these people are ethnically Arab, Arab culture is still dominant across the region. This means there are literally hundreds of millions of people who follow many key elements of Arab culture every day. This can include how they eat and drink, as well as dress and what traditions and customs they follow. The fact that so many people live within Arab cultures is a major reason why they are important.
The core tenants of Arab culture informs the lives of millions of people. The societies across the Middle East and North Africa strongly adhere to Arab cultural traditions. Also, a result of there being many Arab people, is that some have travelled overseas and established lives elsewhere. This has spread Arab culture to many parts of world and introduced Arab food, music and styles to peoples who may otherwise never have experienced them. This adds to the importance of Arab culture.
4. Arab Culture Is Highly Diverse
Another reason why Arab culture is important is because it so diverse.
There are, technically, 22 Arab nations. There are also sizeable Arab communities in many other countries. One result of this is that Arab culture is very diverse. Although the culture generally follows a number of broad tenants, in fact most elements of Arab culture, including food, language, religion, dress, traditions and ceremonies are all highly changeable as you look at different Arab communities. This is one factor that makes Arab culture so important.
Arab culture is a broad umbrella that covers a number of sub-cultures. Many of these are have arose as a result of the Arab world’s varied histories. Arab people have also worked hard to keep their cultures alive and retain their uniqueness. This is one reason for why Arab culture has not amalgamated so much. As a result, Arab culture remains highly diverse to this day, and this diversity is a key reason for why it is important.
5. Arab Culture Is Hugely Influential
One reason why Arab culture is important is because it has been so influential.
As we’ve said, Arab culture is one of the oldest and best-preserved cultures in the world. Throughout history Arabs have also travelled widely, which resulted in the spreading of Arab culture. One result of this has been that Arab culture influenced a huge range of culture aspects around the world. Food and drinks, including coffee, as well as many inventions such as clocks, toothbrushes and algebra, are just some examples of the influence Arab culture has had on the world.
A culture’s influence can be a good way to evaluate its global importance. The fact that so many cultures around the world have key elements that can directly be linked to Arab culture is a big factor in why it is considered very significant.
6. Millions Travel To Experience Arab Culture
A final reason why Arab culture is important is because so many people travel internationally so they can experience.
The Middle East and North Africa receive millions of visitors each year. Countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and the UAE are especially known for their tourism. Oman, Qatar and Jordan are also developing strong tourism industries. One of the major draws for visitors to the region is the culture. The uniqueness, history, diversity and strength of Arab culture means that so many people want experience it.
People come from all over the world to Arab countries partly for their culture. Many European and Americans visit the Middle East and North Africa, but increasingly people from Africa and Asia are also seeing Arab world as a place to go and experience a new culture. The pull Arab culture has on so many people globally is a major sign of its importance.