Arab American Heritage
This page is not comprehensive of all Arabic culture. The page is intended as a resource on different topics you can consider as you think about plans for Arab American Heritage Month at your locations. Thank you to our friends at the Arab American Community Center of Central Florida for their help as our cultural consultants.
Arab American Heritage Month is a celebration in the United States that recognizes and honors the contributions of Arab Americans to the nation's cultural, social, political, and economic landscape. The month is observed annually in April.
Arabic Nations
Egypt | Sudan | Algeria | Iraq | Morocco |
Saudi Arabia | Yemen | Syria | Somalia | Tunisia |
Jordan | United Arab Emirates | Libya | Lebanon | Mauritania |
Oman | Kuwait | Qatar | Bahrain | Djibouti |
Comoros | Palestine |
The month began to be celebrated as early as the 1990s but in an unofficial capacity. In 2017, there was a push to designate April as National Arab American Heritage Month. On April 30, 2019, Debbie Dingell introduced a congressional resolution to formally recognize the month. To date, Arab American Heritage Month is not officially federally recognized with permanent legislation.
President Biden became the first US President to recognize Arab American Heritage Month at the federal level on April 19th, 2021. While not an official proclamation, Biden's acknowledgment was a significant step in recognition. You can read the letter here. On March 31st 2023, President Biden declared April as Arab American Heritage Month.
Middle Easterner: While not inherently offensive, this term is broad and can be imprecise. It's often better to specify a person's country of origin or use more specific terms like Arab American, Lebanese American, etc.
Mohammedan or Muhammadan: These terms are archaic and potentially offensive when referring to Muslims. It is more appropriate to use "Muslim" to describe followers of Islam. While Islam is the most prominent religion in Arabic nations about 7 percent of individuals practice other religions.
Terrorist Stereotype
Clip from the TV show Homeland
Veiled Women Stereotype:
Refugee Stereotype:
Primitive or Backward Society Stereotype:
All Arabs are Muslim Stereotype:
A historical period that spanned from the 8th to the 14th century, during which the Islamic world, particularly the Arab world, experienced a remarkable flourishing of intellectual, scientific, cultural, and artistic achievements. This period is often associated with the Abbasid Caliphate and other Islamic dynasties that fostered an environment conducive to scholarly pursuits. Here are key aspects of the Islamic Golden Age:
Establishment: The House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikmah) was a major intellectual center in Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate. Caliph Harun al-Rashid (ruled 786–809) and his successors actively supported the translation of classical Greek, Roman, Persian, and Indian texts into Arabic.
Translation Movement: Scholars in the House of Wisdom engaged in a significant translation movement, translating works in various disciplines, including philosophy, science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and literature. This effort played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting ancient knowledge to the Islamic world.
Aristotelian Influence: Islamic philosophers, such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Al-Farabi, and Ibn Rushd (Averroes), engaged with and expanded upon the works of Aristotle. They sought to reconcile Greek philosophy with Islamic theology, contributing to the development of Islamic philosophy.
Theology (Kalam): Theological debates and discussions flourished during this period, with scholars addressing questions related to faith, reason, and the nature of God. Influential theologians like Al-Ghazali made significant contributions.
Algebra and Algorithms: Mathematicians like Al-Khwarizmi made pioneering contributions to algebra and introduced the concept of algorithms, laying the foundation for modern algebraic symbolism and computational methods. The word Algebra comes from Al-Jabr which means the reunion of broken parts.
Astronomy: Islamic astronomers, including Al-Battani and Ibn al-Haytham, made significant advancements in observational astronomy and contributed to the understanding of celestial bodies.
Medical Treatises: Islamic physicians, such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Al-Razi, produced comprehensive medical encyclopedias that synthesized and expanded upon knowledge from Greek, Roman, and Indian sources. These works influenced medical practices in both the Islamic world and medieval Europe.
Pharmacology: Scholars in the Islamic Golden Age contributed to the development of pharmacology, exploring the properties of various substances for medicinal purposes.
Maqamat Literature: Al-Hamadhani's "Maqamat" is an example of literary excellence during this period, featuring a collection of stories narrated by the character Abu Zayd.
Poetry: Classical Arabic poetry continued to thrive, with poets like Al-Mutanabbi and Abu Tammam producing celebrated works.
Islamic Architecture: The Islamic Golden Age witnessed the construction of architectural marvels, including mosques, palaces, and universities. Distinctive features such as geometric patterns, calligraphy, and domes became hallmarks of Islamic architecture.
Geographical Works: Scholars like Al-Masudi and Ibn Khordadbeh produced important geographical works, contributing to the understanding of geography, trade routes, and diverse cultures.
Navigational Instruments: Advances in navigation, including the astrolabe and quadrant, enhanced maritime exploration.
The intellectual achievements of the Islamic Golden Age had a lasting impact, influencing subsequent generations and laying the groundwork for the European Renaissance. Many Arabic texts were later translated into Latin, contributing to the revival of classical knowledge in Europe.
The Islamic Golden Age is a testament to the spirit of inquiry, innovation, and cultural exchange that characterized the medieval Islamic world. It represents a pinnacle of intellectual achievement that has left a lasting imprint on the fields of science, philosophy, literature, and architecture.
Arabic Language:
Classical Arabic: The Arabic language itself is a major contribution to world culture. Classical Arabic, used in the Quran and classical Islamic texts, has been a source of linguistic beauty and eloquence.
Learn Arabic on Mango Languages
Facts about Arabic:
Arabic Literature: Arabic literature spans poetry, prose, and various literary forms. It has made substantial contributions to world literature, influencing diverse literary traditions.
Islamic Golden Age:
Translation Movement: During the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 14th centuries), scholars in the Arab world translated Greek, Roman, Persian, and Indian texts into Arabic, preserving and expanding knowledge in various fields, including literature.
Library of Alexandria
The Library of Alexandria was a massive and renowned library in the ancient city of Alexandria, Egypt. It was established in the 3rd century BCE and is considered one of the most important cultural and scientific centers in the ancient world.
The Library of Alexandria housed hundreds of thousands of manuscripts and texts in various fields such as science, philosophy, literature, medicine, and engineering. It served as a center for studies and research, attracting numerous scholars and brilliant philosophers.
Cultural and literary references highlight the significance of this library as a symbol of knowledge and learning in Arab and Islamic history.
One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights):
This famous collection of Middle Eastern folktales has had a profound impact on world literature. The frame story of Scheherazade and the tales within it showcase the richness of Arab storytelling. The tales, including "Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp," "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," and "Sinbad the Sailor," have become iconic and have influenced literature, art, and popular culture worldwide.
Hikayat (Arab Short Stories):
Hikayat refers to traditional Arabic short stories that were often passed down orally. These stories cover a wide range of themes, including adventure, romance, and morality.
Folk Tales and Legends:
Juha Stories: The character of Juha (Nasreddin Hodja in Turkish) is featured in humorous folk tales known across the Arab world. These stories often involve Juha's clever and humorous responses to various situations.
Animal Fables: Traditional fables involving animals, such as Kalila wa Dimna, offer moral lessons and are rooted in ancient storytelling traditions.
Zajal and Nabati Poetry:
Zajal and Nabati poetry are forms of oral poetry performed in colloquial Arabic. They often incorporate humor, satire, and social commentary, making them accessible to a broad audience.
Proverbs and Sayings:
Arab culture places great importance on proverbs and sayings that encapsulate wisdom, life lessons, and cultural norms. These are often shared orally and contribute to the oral tradition.
Shadow Puppetry:
Shadow puppetry, known as Khayal al-Zill in Arabic, involves creating stories using shadow figures projected onto a screen. It has been a popular form of entertainment and storytelling in the Arab world.
Ahmed Zewail (1946–2016): An Egyptian-American scientist, Zewail won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999 for his work on femtochemistry, becoming the first Arab-American Nobel laureate in a scientific field.
Linda Sarsour: A Palestinian-American activist known for her work in civil rights and advocacy. Sarsour co-chaired the Women's March in 2017 and has been an influential voice in social justice movements.
Reem Acra: A Lebanese-American fashion designer, Acra has dressed numerous celebrities and designed bridal gowns. She has been a trailblazer in the fashion industry, showcasing Arab talent on the global stage.
Etel Adnan: A Lebanese-American painter, poet, and essayist, Adnan's abstract artwork has gained international acclaim. She has been a pioneering figure in the art world, breaking boundaries with her unique style.
Naguib Mahfouz: An Egyptian writer who won the 1988 Nobel Prize in Literature. Mahfouz is regarded as one of the first contemporary writers in Arabic literature to explore themes of existentialism.
Jamilah Salimpour: A pioneer in belly dance, Salimpour is of Lebanese descent and is credited with shaping the development of American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance, influencing the dance form globally.
Tony Shalhoub: A Lebanese-American actor, Shalhoub won multiple Emmy Awards for his role in the TV series "Monk." He has had a successful career in film and television, earning critical acclaim.
Paula Abdul: An American pop singer, dancer, and choreographer of Syrian descent, Abdul achieved fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She became the first woman to win the MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography.
Rashida Tlaib: A Palestinian-American politician, Tlaib is one of the first Muslim women elected to the U.S. Congress. She represents Michigan's 13th congressional district.
Rony Seikaly: A Lebanese-American former professional basketball player, Seikaly played in the NBA and was the first player of Lebanese descent to be drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft.
Fares Wehbe: An entrepreneur and founder of the Arab American Community Center in Orlando, Florida. He has been actively involved in promoting cultural awareness and community engagement.
Dr. Adel Eldin: Of Egyptian descent, is a physician and philanthropist based in Orlando. He has been actively involved in community service and healthcare initiatives.
Ahmed Bedier: A community activist and the co-founder of United Voices for America. He has been involved in advocacy work on civil rights and social justice in the Orlando area.
Dr. Mohammad Shakfeh: A physician and community leader in Orlando. He has been active in promoting educational and healthcare initiatives in the Arab American community.
Donna Shalala: Of Lebanese descent, served as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton. She later became the President of the University of Miami, contributing to education and public service in Florida.
Ragheb Alama: A Lebanese singer and composer, has a significant fan base in Florida, where the Arab American community appreciates his contributions to Arabic music.
Tawfiq Barqawi: Also known as Abu Ali, is a Palestinian-American community leader in Tampa, Florida. He has been actively involved in advocacy and community service, particularly within the Palestinian diaspora.
Hassan Shibly: An attorney and civil rights activist who has been involved in the Arab American community in Florida. He served as the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Florida chapter.
Ghada Irani: Of Lebanese descent, is a community leader and activist based in South Florida. She has been involved in various cultural and philanthropic initiatives within the Arab American community.
Staple Ingredients:
Mezze:
Kebabs and Grilled Meats:
Grain Dishes:
Rice Dishes:
Tagines and Stews:
Sweets and Desserts:
Coffee and Tea Culture:
Saffron and Rosewater:
Regional Specialties:
Eid al-Fitr
Celebrated by Arab American Muslims, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. In 2024, the holiday is observed from the evening of April 9th through April 10th. It involves special prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts.
Eid al-Adha
Observed by Arab American Muslims, Eid al-Adha typically falls about 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son. Families often come together for prayers and share in the ritual of sacrificing an animal.
Mawlid al-Nabi
The celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday is observed by some Arab American Muslim communities on the 12th day of Rabi' al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar, which varies in the Gregorian calendar.
Coptic Christmas
Celebrated by Arab American Christians of Coptic heritage on January 7th, Coptic Christmas involves religious services, feasting, and festive gatherings. It's important to recognize that some members of the Arab community celebrate Christmas on December 25th.
Assyrian New Year (Akitu)
Celebrated by some Arab Americans of Assyrian heritage, Akitu, the Assyrian New Year, is typically observed in March or April. It involves cultural events, traditional dances, and communal celebrations.
St. Barbara's Day (Aid il-Burbara)
Celebrated on December 4th by some Arab American Christians, especially those of Lebanese descent, St. Barbara's Day involves preparing and sharing a traditional dessert called "Aid il-Burbara."
Dabke:
Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance):
Khaleeji Dance:
Tanoura Dance:
Raks Al Assaya (Stick Dance):
Samah Dance:
Hagallah Dance:
Sa'idi Dance:
Maqam System:
Maqam is a system of melodic modes in traditional Arabic music. It provides a framework for improvisation and expression, with each maqam conveying a specific mood or emotion.
Arab music often utilizes microtonal scales, which include intervals smaller than those found in Western music. This contributes to the distinct sound of Arabic melodies.
Arab Classical Music:
Tarab, meaning "enchantment" or "ecstasy," is a central concept in Arab classical music. It emphasizes emotional expression and the connection between the performer and the audience.
The oud (lute) and qanun (zither) are iconic instruments in classical Arab music. They play a central role in orchestras and ensembles.
Andalusian Music:
Moorish Legacy: Andalusian music, with roots in Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain), features intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns. It has influenced both North African and Middle Eastern musical traditions.
Al-âla is a specific style of Andalusian music, characterized by vocal and instrumental components. It is often associated with poetic and lyrical themes.
Folk and Popular Music:
Rai Music: Originating in Algeria, Rai is a popular music genre known for its fusion of traditional Arabic sounds with Western elements. It often addresses social and political issues.
Khaleeji Music: Hailing from the Arabian Gulf region, Khaleeji music incorporates local instruments such as the oud and mirwas. It includes various genres like Sawt and Fidjeri.
Islamic Nasheeds: Nasheeds are Islamic vocal music that often conveys spiritual themes. They are performed in various styles and are popular in religious and cultural contexts.
Mawwal and Improvisation: Mawwal is a form of vocal improvisation in Arabic music. Singers often use mawwal to express deep emotions and showcase their vocal prowess.
Hip-Hop
Arabic hip-hop is a segment of hip-hop music performed in the Arabic-speaking world. Due to the variety of dialects and local genres which exist in the localities, Arabic hip-hop music may appear very diverse depending on the country of the song. Like most artists of the genre, hip-hop artists from the Arabic-speaking world are highly influenced by American hip-hop
Arabic Music Instruments:
Ney and Kawala: These are flute-like instruments often used in classical and folk music.
Tabla and Darbuka: Percussion instruments like the tabla (drum) and darbuka (goblet drum) play a crucial role in providing rhythmic patterns in Arab music.
Violin and Kanun: Instruments like the violin and kanun (zither) are commonly used in various Arab music genres.
Calligraphy
Kufic Script: One of the earliest forms of Islamic calligraphy, characterized by angular and geometric letters. It is often found in Quranic manuscripts and architectural inscriptions.
Thuluth Script: Known for its cursive and flowing style, Thuluth is often used for decorative inscriptions in architecture and manuscripts.
Naskh Script: A versatile script used for both everyday writing and decorative purposes. It is known for its legibility and is commonly used in manuscripts and on monuments.
Arabesque Design
Geometric Patterns: Arabesque design often features intricate geometric patterns that adorn various surfaces, including walls, textiles, and ceramics.
Floral Motifs: Arabesque incorporates stylized floral motifs, showcasing a harmonious blend of nature and art. These motifs are commonly found in Islamic architecture.
Architecture
Moorish Architecture: Found in Spain and North Africa, Moorish architecture features horseshoe arches, decorative tilework (zellij), and intricate stucco ornamentation.
Mamluk Architecture: Prominent in Egypt and Syria, Mamluk architecture is known for its use of ornate geometric patterns, domes, and minarets.
Ottoman Architecture: Characterized by large domes, arches, and decorative tiles, Ottoman architecture is prominent in Turkey and the surrounding regions.
Ceramics and Pottery
Iznik Pottery: Originating from the Turkish town of Iznik, this style features vibrant colors and intricate floral patterns. It is often used for tiles, dishes, and other ceramics.
Fritware Ceramics: Developed during the Islamic Golden Age, fritware ceramics feature intricate designs and vibrant glazes. They are commonly found in mosques and palaces.
Textiles and Carpets
Embroidery: Traditional Arab embroidery, known as "tatreez," often includes elaborate patterns and motifs on clothing and textiles. Each region has its distinct style and motifs.
Metalwork
Filigree and Repoussé: Arab metalworkers excel in filigree (delicate wirework) and repoussé (hammered relief). These techniques are often used to create intricate designs on jewelry, lanterns, and metal artifacts.
Brass and Copperware: Arab artisans create ornate brass and copper items, including trays, lamps, and utensils, featuring intricate engravings and embossing.
Woodwork
Mashrabiya: Decorative wooden screens with intricate geometric patterns, used in traditional architecture to provide privacy and ventilation.
Inlay Work: Wood inlay, known as "khatam," involves the intricate arrangement of small pieces of wood, bone, or metal to create geometric patterns on wooden surfaces.
Restaurants
12100 E Colonial Dr, Orlando
7536 Dr. Phillips Blvd, Suite 360, Orlando
2451 S Hiawassee Rd, Orlando
11757 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
Maraya at Sabrina’s Restaurant
8100 Crystal Clear Lane, Orlando
Shopping
Adam Halal Meats or Mera Bazar
7333 Lake Underhill Rd, Orlando
6148 Hanging Moss Rd, Orlando
9404 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
485 S Kirkman Rd Unit 108, Orlando
977 N Goldenrod Rd, Orlando
12236 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando