Introduction
The Arabic culture comprises the values, beliefs, practices, and behaviors of the Arab people. Arabs are currently across the world with cultures that vary based on different factors, including their origin and location. History of the Arabs indicates changes in the culture due to political, social, and religious influences. The Arab culture comprises art, literature, poetry, language, and society. Most elements of Arabic culture were influenced by different historical periods that defined the Arab world. The culture among Arabs varies based on traditions and dialects spoken in the regions in which an Arab community lives. The Arab culture has experienced changes in terms of art, literature, poetry, language, and society during the Pre-Islamic, Umayyad, and Abbasids periods, proving that culture always evolves.
Main Body
The Pre-Islamic, Umayyad, and Abbasids periods are crucial times that facilitated the rise and prominence of Islamic culture. The Pre-Islamic period is a time when the religion was not widespread. The Pre-Islamic period is vital in Islamic studies because it offers the context for the emergence of Prophet Mohammed. The culture of Arabs during the period is mainly contained in religious texts. The Umayyad period was the first Muslim Empire that was the culmination of the desire to have a united Arab nation. It was established after the death of Prophet Muhammad and ruled for nearly 100 years. The Umayyads were responsible for bringing together the Arab and Muslim tribes to create one large empire that challenged the Roman Empire and grew to rule over a vast area of Eurasia. The Abbasids took over the Umayyads and ruled for a longer period. Their rule was revolutionary for the Arab world as significant changes were experienced in all aspects of life, including establishing one of the largest conquests and leading to several cultural changes.
The Romans, Greeks, and early Christians significantly influenced early Islamic art. Islamic art was not dominant during the period due to the influence that Romans and Christians had before the rise of Islam. The art tended to exhibit features that were predominant in the Roman Empire. Architecture also followed Greek trends that were also common during the Roman reign. A common trend in Islamic art during the period was the influence of different regions. For example, Central Asian styles were due to nomadic incursions that led to interactions between Arabs and Asians. Chinese art would later significantly impact Islamic painting, textiles, and pottery.
The Umayyad Period is the formative period of Islamic art. Artists drew their inspiration from classical naturalistic tradition during that period. Sasanians and Byzantines supplemented the traditional approach with a more formal style of art. Architecturally, the period saw the construction of monuments and religious buildings in areas with historical significance. The Abbasids period was progressive in art. There was an increase in decorative ceramic, wood, and stone objects. Art during the period characterized glittering effects similar to precious metals and luster paintings. Architecture from the period features the mosques of Abu Dulaf and Jawsaq al-Khaqani, which spread to other parts of the Arab world and adapted according to the region’s tastes. Art in Islamic history shows a lack of common trends since people came from different areas. In most cases, art was influenced by the local culture and interactions with visitors.
Literature and poetry in Islam have been crucial in social and political contexts. The pre-Islam period entailed chanting verses from the Quran. Religious book was the most important literature most Arabs read. Music was common in communities, and instruments were used to make music. The tambourine and flute were the key instruments during the period. Poetry was present during the period, with famous poems like the poetry of al-A’shā showing the artistic styles adopted. Literature and poetry during the Umayyad poetry developed dynamically and heavily featured the spiritual state of the period. The poetry contained pre-Islamic rhetoric, style, and diction, showing the significance of culture in the community. The Umayyad Period was a transitional period for Arabs, and their literature and poetry entailed modern and ancient features. The Abbasids Period significantly used literature and poetry to spread propaganda and reinforce Arabian ideals. Literature and poetry heavily featured holy teachings.
Women in the Pre-Islam period had little to no rights. Customary tribal law did not give women any legal status. Fathers willingly sold their daughters, and their husbands dictated everything over their wives. The women did not have the right to own or inherit property. Public roles were significantly restricted. The Umayyad reign gave women several rights, including the freedom of movement and to do business. Women received education and participated in public matters. The Abbasids Period introduced significant restrictions on women’s public participation. The period saw women lose their rights, including control over their bodies. They were part of the Abbasids’ campaign to reinforce their legitimacy through religion by removing their rights and confining them to familial lives.
The Arabic language has been subject to changes based on regions. The three periods have experienced changes in Arabic dialect through immigration and settlement in different parts of the world. The Pre-Islamic period had several tribes that spoke different languages. The two preceding periods saw more people speaking the same dialect due to religion that used Arabic. Society also changed during the period. The tribes that were scattered in different parts were brought together into the same locations, leading to the establishment of new societies that relied on religious teachings.
Conclusion
Arabic culture represents the beliefs, values, and practices of people who identify with the group. Changes in the culture have been significant due to transitions that have occurred in history. The Pre-Islam period was when Islam was limited to several independent tribes. Each tribe had a set of rules that determined several factors for their members. Art was not uniquely identifiable to Islam since the tribes were scattered in different regions. Early Christianity, the Romans, and Greek had a significant influence on the people. Religion played a crucial role and helped to shape cultural practices like women having no rights. Language in Pre-Islam varied because every tribe had its dialect.
Changes emerged during the Umayyad period when the first caliphate was established, and Islamic and Arabic tribes were brought together. The unity that was created led to significant evolutions in Arabic culture. Art, which was previously influenced by external factors like communities they interacted with, began to incorporate Islamic features. Architecture also began to depict the cultures of the communities. Poetry and literature increased their feature of religious teachings as Islam had become the unifying factor. They also became essential elements of propaganda; which leaders began to use to their benefit. One of the most significant aspects of the period was the rights that women had and used. Unlike in the previous period, women had greater freedom and participated in public matters. They were educated and were allowed to have businesses. The Abbasid period changed this by denying women fundamental rights like education and participation in public matters. Artists are incorporated Islamic elements in their work. Language in the three periods was consistently changing based on interactions and influences from external influences. The assessment proves that change is consistent and affects every element of culture.
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