Riyadh, October 3, 2024 — The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 featured an insightful lecture on the pivotal role of camels in Arab history and culture, delivered by Turki bin Al-Ghanami, a member of the board of directors of the Saudi Society for Camel Studies. The lecture shed light on the deep-rooted relationship between Arabs and camels, emphasizing how this iconic animal has influenced various aspects of Arab life, from trade to cultural identity.
Al-Ghanami explored how camels have profoundly shaped Arab characteristics, highlighting a unique blend of traits they are believed to have inherited from their close connection with these animals. He noted that camels are seen as embodying both fierceness and gentleness, jealousy and vindictiveness, along with an unwavering loyalty to their territories. Rather than viewing these comparisons negatively, Arabs take pride in their resemblance to camels, reflecting the deep respect and admiration they hold for the animal.
The lecturer went on to discuss the historical significance of camels, pointing out that no other animal has coexisted with Arabs in the same manner. This relationship marked a turning point in Arab history, as camels became indispensable to the growth of trade across vast regions. Al-Ghanami noted that the Arabs’ reliance on camels for transportation allowed their trade networks to flourish, extending from the southernmost parts of the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean Sea basin and beyond. Camels played a crucial role in facilitating the Incense and Silk Road trade routes, which led to the improvement of Arab livelihoods.
In addition to their role in trade, camels were central to Arab sustenance, with camel milk and meat forming a significant part of their diet. This enduring reliance on camels made them deeply ingrained in the Arab psyche, becoming partners in nearly every aspect of life. Al-Ghanami emphasized that camels were not just animals of utility but companions that shaped the cultural and economic fabric of Arab society.