Is Lebanese Culture Closer to Turkey, Iran, or Saudi Arabia?

In the complex mosaic of Middle Eastern culture, Lebanon stands as a unique blend of influences from various civilizations and neighboring countries. When it comes to cultural proximity, the question often arises: is Lebanese culture more aligned with Turkey, Iran, or Saudi Arabia? This article explores these influences and provides insights into Lebanon's cultural landscape.

Historical Influences and Cultural Proximity

Turkey: Lebanon shares historical ties with the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the region for several centuries. This enduring influence is evident in various aspects of Lebanese culture, such as cuisine, architecture, and certain social customs. The presence of significant Turkish and Kurdish communities in Lebanon also contributes to cultural exchanges. For example, traditional festivals and celebrations, such as the Halà (Turkish-style mehlawi) and A?ure (Turkish and Kurdish dessert), reflect these influences.

Iran: Iran and Lebanon have some cultural and historical connections. The Shiite community in Lebanon, which is predominant in areas like South Lebanon, has ties to the Iranian community due to shared religious practices. However, the overall cultural influence of Iran is less pronounced compared to that of Turkey. The shared Islamic faith, albeit with differing interpretations, is a common thread, but the unique historical and geographical contexts have shaped distinct cultural identities.

Saudi Arabia: Lebanon is predominantly a multi-religious society, with a significant Christian population, which distinguishes it from the strict Islamic culture of Saudi Arabia. Despite this, there are cultural exchanges, particularly in religion and trade. The Lebanese exchange of pilgrims to Mecca and economic ties facilitate cultural interactions. However, the religious and social practices in Lebanon, such as religious pluralism and cultural openness, are quite different from those in Saudi Arabia.

Lebanese Traditional Culture and Its Distinctiveness

Lebanese traditional culture is unique in the Middle East. It is characterized by its openness to different influences and its rich history. From a historical perspective, Lebanon's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its position as a crossroads of various civilizations. The Phoenician influence on the shores of modern-day Turkey, as you mentioned, is a testament to the ongoing cultural intertwining between the two regions. The late Ottoman period, which dominated region for four centuries, further shaped the cultural landscape of Lebanon.

Lebanon's contemporary culture is a mix of Eastern and Western influences, making it more akin to European cultures in some aspects. The Minhaf Al Jil (Culture of the Generation) in Lebanon reflects a dynamic and open-minded society that values diversity and modernity.

Cultural Exchanges and Personal Observations

Language and Multiculturalism: Apart from the language, Lebanon shares more similarities with Turkey as a multi-cultural and multi-confessional country. However, Lebanon's cultural proximity to Israel is also noteworthy. Israel is considered the most liberal Levantine country, sharing a common Levantine culture. If Lebanon were not under the influence of Hezbollah, it would likely have long been at peace with Israel and on better terms with the neighboring Jordan.

Social and Cultural Comparisons: When it comes to social and cultural contexts, Turkey and Lebanon share several similarities. Both countries are liberal Muslim-majority nations where cultural practices are closely tied to religious norms. The openness and tolerance in both societies are noteworthy. For instance, the mingling of traditional and modern elements in fashion, food, and social customs can be observed in both countries.

While there may be individuals who feel a closer cultural affinity to Iran or Saudi Arabia based on shared religious practices, the historical and geographical proximity of Lebanon to Turkey makes it the most aligned in terms of cultural exchanges and shared traditions.

Conclusion

Overall, Lebanese culture is most closely aligned with Turkey due to historical ties and shared Mediterranean influences. However, Lebanon's unique cultural identity reflects a blend of influences from multiple sources, making it a distinct and vibrant part of the Middle Eastern cultural landscape.