Cultural References and Orientalist Discourses

Abstract

 This paper scrutinizes Arab cultural references in relation to Orientalism. It seeks to surpass the findings of Arab literature and to critically reconsider this relationship by tracing the roots of the debate between the two discourses. This study offers an examination and interrogation of the features of Arab culture and literature, as well as the historical and objective factors that made intercultural exchange inevitable. Such exchange gave rise to Orientalist discourses. Its significance in editing, translation, authorship, and annotations cannot be overlooked. Yet, at the same time, these discourses were often employed and directed toward the purposes of Arab literary manuscripts. This investigation elucidates this conflict and unveils a flaw in the Arabs’ historical perception of Orientalism—a perception that was initially characterized by acceptance and intercultural exchange, but without setting clear methodological restrictions to avoid falling into cultural alienation.