Orientalism by Edward Said - Essay Example

“In the nineteenth century “Oriental Studies" was an area of academic study. But the West had to create the East in order for this study to take place.”(Orientalism, para.24) According to Occidentals, Orientalism is indicative of the power that the West has over Orient, as its colony. In a way, Occidentals were creating the image of the Orient as it was suitable to them. Edward Said disagrees with this opinion, and this fact is the basis of discussion between Said and other scholars.

As an example of Eastern culture, I have considered the country of Turkey. There are countless tours to this country since it is still one of the most attractive places to visit by westerners. Turkey is rich in historical places and places of interest. Searching through the sites offering tours to this country I have chosen a few most popular sights to see there.
St. Nicholas church in Myra is one of the first places tourists are offered to visitors. According to the legend, St. Nicolas was a bishop there in the 4th century; he was famous for his miracles and known for his kindness. One of the main attractions of Myra is the amphitheater and the plethora of rock-cut tombs carved in the cliff above the theatre.

One of the places that every tourist should visit is the traditional Turkish bath called Hamam. Going to Hamam is traditional among Turkish men and women; if one would like to feel a real spirit of this country visiting Hamam is essential.

Istanbul is a city full of places of interest and historical monuments. Among them is Hagia Sofia, the Church of the Holy Wisdom. Nothing remains of the original Hagia Sofia built in the 4th century by Constantine the Great, it was destroyed twice and was rebuilt in its present form between 532 and 537. Hagia Sofia is one of the greatest examples of Byzantine architecture, rich with mosaic and marble pillars.

The Blue Mosque was built near Hagia Sofia by Sultan Ahmet I in the 17th century. The original mosque included a madrasa (school), a hospital, a hand, a primary school, a market, an imaret, and the tomb of the founder. Most of these buildings were torn down in the 19th century.

Whatever the place of interest one visits in Turkey, he will notice rich decorations with marble and mosaic and interesting architecture. This is how the East is usually depicted in the works of western artists. At the same time, there are a lot of unique features that were originated in Turkey and then became popular elsewhere, for example, Turkish baths. Turkish is a culture of its own, not copying western one, not trying to imitate it. And if one should visit the country, he would feel this unique eastern spirit immediately.