SAUDI ARABIA: Culture and Customs of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

In chapter two on Islam, he discusses the all-encompassing nature of Islam as a body of divine laws, rules for social conduct, and obligations that do not demarcate the sacred from the secular, a system of governance, and a basis for political action as they relate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Saudi identity and worldview. Also included in this book are photographs of historic sites around the Kingdom, photos of Mecca and Medina, one of the tent city during the Hajj, pictures of art and architecture, tribal dresses, as well as traditional villages and modern cities.

SAUDI ARABIA Culture and Customs of Saudi Arabia, by David E. Long. Westport, CT and London, UK: Greenwood Press, 2005. xv + 110 pages. Map. Chron. Color photos. Gloss, to p. 114. Bibl. to p. 118. Index to p. 124. $49.95.

Reviewed by Deborah S. Akers

David E. Long's Culture and Customs of Saudi Arabia, geared toward a non-specialist lay audience, gives an easily accessible account of modern Saudi Arabian society and culture. Well written and easy to read, the book reflects the author's insights and observations acquired while living and working in the Kingdom as a diplomat with the US Department of State. A long-time consultant on Middle East and Islamic politics and international terrorism, Long incorporates material often difficult to access by the general reader. Framing his narrative within a historical and ecological context, he attempts to render understandable to readers what he describes as a historically inaccessible, highly conservative, and traditional society confronted and struggling with the present-day forces of modernization and globalization.

Long's objective is to enable his readers to acquire an understanding of what on the surface seems incomprehensible; in other words, to fathom a worldview different from their own. Given contemporary events in the Middle East, the central importance of Saudi Arabia both geographically in the region and spiritually in the Islamic world, and the barrage of sensationalist reporting and misinformation churned out by the popular media, a book such as this is most welcome and needed.

Culture and Customs of Saudi Arabia is divided into seven chapters, of which the first and second are the most important. In these chapters, Long explains how harsh ecological and geographical conditions and historical circumstances contributed to the development of a closed, kin-based, and highly conservative society and the immense role of Islam in defining its value system and worldview.

In chapter two on Islam, he discusses the all-encompassing nature of Islam as a body of divine laws, rules for social conduct, and obligations that do not demarcate the sacred from the secular, a system of governance, and a basis for political action as they relate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Saudi identity and worldview. Long goes on to discuss the encounter of the traditional society he has described with the forces of modernization, Westernization, and the associated secular/individualistic worldview which has gone hand in hand with them. This encounter, which began with the influx of Western oilmen and petroleum revenues during the first half of the 20th century, has initiated a period of unprecedented change and the ongoing challenge of how to modernize while at the same time resisting Westernization. This discussion clarifies the complexity of the issues that face the Saudis as a result of the rift between radical conservative elements and more liberal groups in the Kingdom.

Chapter three covers the nature of traditional family and marriage patterns, and gender roles in the context of life in the 21 st century and the problems and challenges covered in the previous chapter. Change is the theme here, as well. Chapters four and five discuss the religious, cultural, and historical aspects of Saudi cuisine, dress, social customs, and life cycle rituals and festivals as related by Saudis themselves. The author shows how contemporary, cultural, and historical factors have impinged upon and altered these areas of Saudi life. The topics of chapters six and seven include language and culture, communication and mass media, development of electronic media, artistic expression, poetry, music, art, and architecture. The impact of modernization and globalization in these areas are outlined in these chapters.

Also included in this book are photographs of historic sites around the Kingdom, photos of Mecca and Medina, one of the tent city during the Hajj, pictures of art and architecture, tribal dresses, as well as traditional villages and modern cities. A detailed glossary of Arabic words and terms is provided along with a general bibliography of sources and a useful index.

Long is careful to note possible challenges from specialists in the topics he covers. Clearly, his book is written for a general readership. This is a thoughtfully written work that provides the reader with a sensitive and well-balanced view of Saudi Arabian culture and society.