The Stories We Think We Know
Authentic Arab Storytelling in Modern Culture
At First… A Simple Question, A Deeper Realization
If I asked you to name a story or a character that represents the Arab world , what would you say ?
I’ve spent the last three years exploring this question, asking people from different backgrounds. And the answer that kept coming up was common to many—maybe even to me: Disney classics.
Yes—Disney.
And that made me ask myself the second question: Why is this happening? Why are authentic Arab stories so underrepresented in today’s world? And, most importantly, how can we bring the rich tapestry of authentic Arab storytelling traditions back—not as relics of the past, but as living, evolving stories that contribute to our interconnected world we live in today?
Then We Tried… Exploring the Forgotten Genius of Arab Narratives
The more I researched, the more I realized that the classic Disney characters, beyond their caricatured versions, actually reflect the narrative brilliance of the Arab world.
Tamim Al-Barghouti , the eminent academic, poet, and Palestinian writer, speaks about this in his video “ألف ليلة وليلة وفضائح الأجداد” (One Thousand and One Nights and the Scandals of Our Ancestors). He explores how these stories carry a richness that has been overlooked or diluted over time. (Video available in Arabic only!)
Take Sinbad the sailor, for example. Did you know that, according to some philosophers, the young sailor could be one of the rare narrative traces of the Muslim Chinese admiral Zheng He, who commanded the largest fleet in Chinese history? Fascinating, right?
This historical connection isn't just a coincidence. Zheng He's fleet, with over 300 ships and nearly 28,000 crew members, embarked on seven major expeditions between 1405 and 1433, reaching the shores of East Africa, Arabia, and South Asia. These voyages, documented in both Chinese and Arab historical records, left an indelible mark on maritime history and quite possibly influenced the tales of Sinbad's seven voyages.
And what about Scheherazade? Is she just the woman telling stories to save her life in a patriarchal society? Or is she a true heroine, able to rival the greatest Marvel characters, having saved her entire people through the sheer power of her intelligence and storytelling? Her sophisticated narrative techniques —leaving stories unfinished, building suspense, weaving tales within tales—has influenced storytelling techniques we still see in modern television series and novels.
Storytelling as an Act of Connection
At first glance, these questions may seem simple. But they reveal something powerful: the way stories are told—and who tells them—shapes our perception of the world.
Our childhood memories, seemingly spontaneous and innocent, carry deep layers of meaning. The stories we grow up with define our understanding of cultures, identities, and even history itself.
Imagine a world where only one story exists, where one version of events dominates all others. It’s a terrifying thought, yet we are maybe closer to it than we realize.
That’s why storytelling is an act of humanity and connection. It’s a way to preserve memory, challenge stereotypes, and foster deeper understanding between cultures.
The Good News? The Creative Core is Alive and Thriving
This creative legacy is not lost, nor stuck in the past. It is here, vibrant and full of strength, carried by passionate storytellers who, despite the obstacles, continue to tell stories. Because without them, authenticity fades. And with it, the diversity of voices and visions that make our world richer.
It’s not just in old books or history lessons—it’s in graphic novels, films, illustrated books, digital stories, and podcasts. Today’s Arab storytellers are creating bold, modern narratives that honor the past while speaking to today’s world. Contemporary Arab authors and artists like Nadia Hathroubi-Safsaf, Lasfar, Joe Hattab, Hassan Manasrah and many more are telling stories that are fresh, relevant, and deeply rooted in our contemporary shared world.
