Arabian Nights is an aesthetic related to the Arabian culture in general, with its origins rooted in the Pre-Islamic Arab culture. However, it commonly incorporates elements from Modern Arab culture, Islamic, Persian, Moorish, and Indian culture. The name "Arabian Nights" derives from the story collection known as "1001 Arabian Nights" which has greatly influenced this aesthetic.
This aesthetic is mainly based in Orientalism. Orientalism refers to the romanticized portrayal of the East (particularly the Middle East) by the West. The Arabian Nights aesthetic, popularized through literature, art, design, and media, can be seen as a manifestation of this Orientalist perspective.
Visuals[]
The visuals are characterized by their bold, rustic and opulent nature. as well as its use of bright colors with a distinctive contrast[1]. It also embrace elements inspired by various oriental cultures, which may include, but are not limited to:
- Brocade wall panels
- Gold tissue drapes
- Gilded candlesticks
- Jeweled pill boxes
- Baroque wall plates
- Chandeliers
- Architectural inspirations: mosques, palaces, tombs, and forts
- Traditional rugs
- Ornate hookahs
Media[]
Television[]
- 1001 Nights (2011-2012)
- Shimmer and Shine (2015-2020)
Film[]
- Aladdin (1992)
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Video Games[]
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage
- Poptropica: Arabian Nights
- Prince of Persia series
- Doki Doki Panic
- Mario Kart 7 and Mario Kart Tour (Shy Guy Bazaar)
- Shantae series
- Genshin Impact (Sumeru)
Resources[]
There can be found many stories on Wattpad inspired by this era, numerous collections of pictures on Pinterest and Tumblr, and many videos related to this trend/aesthetic (generally clothing) on TikTok.
While there is no reliable source which explicitly considers the terms 'Arabian Nights' as an aesthetic but rather as the collection of stories and generally the pre-Islamic era, it is generally referred to just as 'Orientalism.' See: Wikipedia:Orientalism. However, there are other aesthetics that are part of Orientalism as well.
External links to help get a better understanding of this aesthetic.
Playlists[]
Pinterest Boards[]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ "Middle Eastern or Arabian aesthetic is bold, bright, rustic, opulent, over-the-top." (2013). Arabian Aesthetic |. Gulfnews. Retrieved 2023. Archived.