We don't hear much of it anymore, but prior to 9/11 the Arabian world was something out of a romance novel with exotic princesses, clever stable boys (who happened to be drop-dead gorgeous), and a culture best fit for a fairytale. We can thank one of the oldest books known to mankind, 1,001 Arabian Nights, a compilation of romance, adventures, and sensual encounters that blew readers away for the ages of eastern romance we now can reference.
However, the treasure, romance, and cultural beauty that once was the muse of countless books, movies, and art has faded almost entirely from existence. These stories are, therefore, passed down through the generations by watching movies, story telling, and seeing what little art remains.
Despite media depictions there are many aspects of this romantic culture still alive, and we can deduce this by examining the way epic heroes treat fair maidens like myself - and get a healthy dose of unconditional love.
1. Beauty Not Seen
We begrudgingly accept Arabian culture as one that requires women to hide themselves in burkas, which covers hair and the feminine form. However, if we examine this from another angle these hunky heroes have a different (less shallow) perception of beauty. Because their love interests' features are for the most part inaccessible we can assume they have to fall in love with a person before they can fall in love with anything else.
2. Unconditional Love
There are so many horror stories of Arabians locked into a loveless marriage for one reason or another, which makes love all the more fantastic and unattainable, and the idea of finding genuine love for someone else is bittersweet. Believe it or not - today's Arabian culture is stricter now than in previous times, so it was less taboo for Muslims and Christians to marry one another. The same cannot be done without some hesitation presently. Separated by age, religion, sex, or political beliefs - in some places it's nearly impossible to marry someone you love for even minor cultural differences. And if the family doesn't approve of the match before hand it's almost acceptable to perform honor killings, or at least make the married couple's life a living hell. So - the point being when these hopeless romantics find what they believe to be love they may literally be risking life and limb for that love - and what girl could refuse a man willing to die for her?!
3. The Strict Moral Code Of A Saint
Many Muslim/ Arabian empires were extremely sophisticated in their hay-day, primarily because these empires changed hands often and sired over a span of two entire continents, from Spain to China, with a presence in the court of Mongol kings. The philosophy, theology, and political rhetoric of that golden era(s) has been recanted to some extent in recent times, but within the Arabian culture this aspect of their history has inspired men to practice the same sophisticated and philosophically sound set of morals. This code includes never harming a person unless in self-defense, live a charitable life, to always do right by good intentions, and to be humble. Let's not forget there is always a strong emphasis to protect the weak and to live honorably. In my experience there is a certain decorum that I can't quite explain that makes everything they say sound so cool and righteous. If you pride yourself in having a man with infallible ethics then give Prince Aladin a try.
On the Downside -
Like many European cultures, Arabian cultures allow men to be a little more vain than the typical American. They like to look good - it's one of those simple sins that can't hurt anyone. My problem is when I'm ready to leave the house my husband is still fixing his hair in the mirror :) it's annoying, but again it doesn't hurt anyone.
~ Chelsea
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