Comparison between Spain and the UAE - Essay Example

Culture: A Comparison between Spain and the United Arab Emirates Although it may seem strange to compare and contrast two seemingly dissimilar cultures such as that of the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and Spain, the truth of the matter is that only by comparing and contrasting them can one truly begin to understand the key similarities and differences that exist that they would otherwise be unaware of. At first glance, one may incorrectly assume that little if anything is shared by these two cultures. Similarly, this analysis will seek to both compare and contrast similarities and dissimilarities between these two very old cultures in Europe and the Middle East respectively. By drawing upon the varying levels of contrast and comparison that exist, the reader will be able to know and understand more about both cultures while at the same time also understanding the degree in which cultural similarity exists even amongst ethnically or geographically removed people groups. The first of the cultural similarities that is shared by the two nations that have been discussed is with reference to their food. One of the first dishes and a staple of the cultural understanding of food in both Spain and the UAE is a supreme reliance upon rice and mutton. Although both cultures have a plethora of different and contrasting dishes which can be prepared from these, the fact of the matter is that the ultimate base ingredients are the same. In this way, although the spice and flavoring and/or preparation are vastly different, the identifying of cultural elements of the nation’s cuisine are in fact quite similar. The same is at least partially true with respect to the architectural influences that are exhibited throughout parts of Spain as well as throughout the UAE. As one may remember from a brief review of history, the Moorish Empire controlled large swaths of North Africa and almost the entirety of present-day Spain from approximately 700-1500 AD. As a result, Islamic culture and architectural influence was deeply ingrained and spread across nearly the entire Iberian Peninsula. This Islamic architecture exhibited in Spain is naturally exhibited to a much larger degree in the UAE due to its cultural and religious roots. A further similarity is the type of ethnic music that is enjoyed by both cultures. When one thinks of Spanish music they of course immediately identify with the guitar (Kuehl-White 2012 p. 51). However, unbeknownst to most, the classical guitar is also a mainstay of Arabic music as exhibited within the UAE and other Arabic cultures as well. In this way, although the musical styles may be quite different and the theory and stylistic differences of the chords wholly dissimilar, the fact of the matter is that both cultures employ the same musical instrument to effect music within their own countries. Similarly, when one considers the issue of art in both Spain and within the UAE, key similarities can also be noted. Again, this is partly due to the fact that the Moorish influence in Spain had a profound effect on the understanding and application of art both during and long after the Moorish Empire ultimately withdrew from Iberia. Likewise, a key cultural difference between Spain and the UAE is that of the religious systems that have for so long defined their populations and culture. In Spain, the Catholic Church has dominated the political and cultural process since a few hundred years after the death of Christ. Similarly, the UAE has been predominately Muslim since only a few years after the death of Mohammed. In this way, the key cultural religious difference between the two cultures is evidenced. Likewise, another primary cultural difference relates to the fact that Spain has been primarily influenced by European culture and the UAE has been primarily focused by Arabian culture. These two factors help to explain to a large degree the broader cultural differences that have thus far been exhibited within this brief essay. This cultural influence is of course somewhat diluted due to the Moorish invasion which helped to impart such a degree of nuance, as has been previously discussed; however, the mainstay of European culture within Spain and Arabic culture within the UAE has been the more powerful determinant in the evolution of culture in both places. Naturally, the role of religion in these cultures plays an even more differentiated role with respect to the role of women in society. Though the UAE has a rather liberal approach to the role of women in society, it is nonetheless an Islamic government that institutes a firm set of guidelines with respect to what women can and cannot do as well as what dress is appropriate and what dress is inappropriate and in what locations. Lastly, the final cultural difference is with respect to the way in which the governments of the individual countries are organized. In Spain the government is defined by a constitutional democracy that has a president parliament. However, within the UAE, the nation is an absolute monarchy. Although it is not the point of this paper to make a value judgment with respect to which form of government is superior, it should be noted that the mode of governance between the two cultures has a powerful and pervasive effect in helping to define the cultures as they are exhibited. This brief essay has been helpful in pointing out key similarities and differences between the cultures of the UAE and the cultures and norms of Spain. It should be noted that although this paper has focused equally on both sides of the coin, the fact of the matter is that when one generally considers this question their mind immediately drifts to the key differences and attempts to contrast the two cultures. However, such an approach as has been exhibited within this essay helps to show that a fair and balanced approach which weighs the similarities and differences between the two cultures rather than merely contrasting them helps the reader to gain a more full and complete insight into the key ways in which these cultures, although far removed, bear striking similarity on a number of topics as well as help to differentiate themselves within their own cultural spheres. Reference Kuehl.-White, O 2012, 'A photographic journey through Spain and Spanish music', Clavier Companion, 4, 6, pp. 50-56, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 22 November 2012. Read More