Arabs in Cuba
December 18, 2006 at 1:36 am | In Social, Arts, Culture |
Being of Iraqi-Assyrian descent, it’s understandable that I was caught by surprise walking down the Prado in Havana and seeing arabic script on some signs, or noticing the moorish influences on so many of the buildings.
But the arab influence in Cuba goes beyond merely architecture; indeed, Arabs had a part to play in many chapters of Cuba’s history.
While Havana’s Arab community is not large by any standard, they have their own “union” and community centers, museum, mosque for those who practice Islam, and even an Arabic restaurant (which I haven’t tried yet). You can even easily take Arabic lessons - for free, something that I can’t do almost anywhere else.
Violence drives Palestinians from homes - to Cuba
Arabs in Cuba - from the earliest times
The Arabs of Havana
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I was surprised too but it seems like just about every culture has had its hands in Cuba at one point. You can see some arabic style arches in this photo from my website:
http://www.tommyimages.com/Stock_Photos/Caribbean/Cuba/Life_in_Havana/slides/Cuba_01_E_10_32-Arabic_Arch.html
Nice blog. Just came back from Cuba. Always, an exciting journey!
Is wonderful that I’ve found this blog. I’m Cuban, just moved to NY, and I know I’ll be reading all these posts… So many of them!
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My one experience with the Arab Center in Habana was quite outrageous: they don’t let women play pool there (that’s what me and me friends went there for. It felt very wrong.
Since the Arabs were in Spain for quite some time, their influence passed on to Cuba, by way of the Spanish colonization, not direct Arab influence. You can find it in the food, mosaics and other architectural details, words we still use, etc.
I also think you’re right in that Floridians Cubans can be blame on some of the rabid foreign policies US has implemented, invading Iraq among them… Cubans from Florida, are not Cubans. They don’t have love for the Island, only melancholic resentment turned into bitterness and desires for revenge. Plus, as time passed, they lose perspective of what life inside Cuba has been like in the last 50 years (quite some time!)
Inaccurate opinions come as a result.
Cubans who suggest the embargo is the way to go, or even nuking Habana…! How very sad.
Tommy,
Thanks for the link - great photos!
Theo,
Glad you like it.
Alnitak,
Thank you very much for your comments - I had no idea the arab center didn’t let women play pool - that is outrageous!
I also agree that Cuban Americans - at least the ones not born in Cuba - don’t have much understanding of the situation or life in Cuba beyond the blind hatred they’re raised with. I don’t live in Cuba so I don’t have nearly the same amount of perspective as someone who does, but I spend a lot of time there, which is more than can be said for almost all Cuban Americans.
I’m glad there are still lots of rational Cubans like yourself living in the US though!