Unlike its neighbor Iraq, Kuwait cannot point to a clear historical and cultural legacy. Its small population is largely descended from traditionalist Bedouin societies, and its inhabitants have never quite felt at ease with the influences of contemporary society.
The country of Kuwait was able to become an economic superpower because of its oil reserves. Before the economic rise of most other states in the Gulf region—and before the establishment of some of those states—Kuwait saw its own growth in the 1950s and 1960s.
Kuwait’s early goals included fostering cultural growth in addition to economic growth. This was the pinnacle of Egyptian and Lebanese urban Arab culture, which served as a model for the rest of the Arab world. Not only did native Kuwaitis welcome this change with open arms, but so did many newcomers from neighboring countries, including Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinian Territories.
Also, Kuwait could look to its prosperous neighbor Iraq, whose major cities were embracing modernism with regional overtones and serving as an example. When compared to Kuwait’s other neighbor, Saudi Arabia, Iraq’s example was considerably more appealing. However, Iraq has since turned against its little neighbor, Kuwait.
Cultural life in Kuwait was nearly eradicated during the 1990 invasion by Iraq, and the country has hardly recovered since then. This was because many immigrants had departed the nation as a result of the physical and economic destruction, as well as the effect of the Iraqi terror on the Kuwaitis themselves.
The PLO, led by Yasser Arafat, had strong ties with Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship, which led to the expulsion of the vast majority of Palestinians living in Kuwait.
Cultural progress in Kuwait is slow because of a number of issues. Native Kuwaitis are not more conservative than those in the Emirates or Qatar, but the country has developed a model of moderate constitutional monarchy, and conservative parties have more influence over the country’s direction through the parliamentary system than in other Gulf nations.
The economic and cultural development of the Emirates and Qatar occurred later, corresponding with the rise of globalization in the 1990s, which is another key distinction. The growth of Dubai has become a major news story. Without drawing too much attention to itself, Kuwait may quietly withdraw from modernism.
Kuwait’s National Council for Culture, Art, and Letters (NCCAL), which oversees the country’s museums and other cultural institutions, has played a significant role in the country’s artistic growth from its inception. We are going to take a short look at Kuwait’s main cultural aspects and history to help you get a better understanding of this spectacular country.
History of Kuwait
In the third century BC, Greeks settled on the island of Failaki (then called Ikaros) in what is now Kuwait. The island had previously been inhabited by a sun-worshipping civilization. The ancient Greek temple and other structures are now open to modern tourists. Charax, in Characene (approximately present-day Kuwait), was a prominent commercial port by 127 BC, when the Seleucid Empire was in a state of ruin.
As a result, the region’s self-sufficient desert culture migrated to the coastal harbors for their commercial possibilities. Kuwait’s economy benefited from the sale of Arab horses, dates, spices, coffee, and timber, as well as from the discovery of pearl banks in the Persian Gulf. Successive tribe chiefs, including the Al-Khalifa, Al-Roumi, Al-Jalahma, and Al-Sabah, established new social and political systems befitting a stable economy.
After the sheikhs reached an agreement in the 18th century, splitting up commercial, governmental, and military matters, the area was dominated by the Al-Sabah family. Nomads in the desert were giving up grazing in favor of commerce, pearling, and shipbuilding.
At the height of his authority in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Al-Sabah could name his son as his successor and create diplomatic ties between Kuwait and other countries, most notably the British East India Company.
Until oil was discovered in the area, the affluent pearl merchants continued to stop Al-Sabah projects and preserve the status system.
Through shared traditions, a robust tribal and commercial network was established among the emirates of the Persian Gulf. In the late 19th century, the Gulf was in disarray due to family conflicts and Ottoman intrusions, and Al-Sabah was relegated to provincial governor of Kuwait when the Iraqi governor successfully demanded Ottoman rule in Kuwait.
By 1913, the British Empire had taken over foreign policy in Kuwait and recognized the country as an Ottoman province. Kuwait became a sheikhdom, or independent state, under British protection after World War I. After declaring independence in 1961, Iraq aggressively reasserted its claims to Kuwait because of the country’s oil wealth, which had been found in 1938.
Military involvement by the British convinced the Iraqis to surrender in 1963, though border raids persisted intermittently for decades afterward. After Iraq invaded Kuwait during the Iran–Iraq War, the country’s monarchy was overthrown, and half of the people fled.
The United States eventually invaded and occupied Iraq to restore order. Damage to oil infrastructure resulted in repair costs of more than US $5 billion.
Culture of Kuwait
Visitors to Kuwait may expect to be treated to the same level of respect, friendliness, and excellent manners as locals. Tea and coffee (sometimes with nuts and sweets) are offered to all visitors to Bedouin and Arab offices and shops, and refusal is seen as an insult to the host’s hospitality. Maintaining social distance between male and female family members is commonplace, despite the significance placed on family connections.
Kuwaitis value food highly, and they often prepare elaborate meals for guests as a way to show their hospitality. Men’s social life revolves around the Diwaniya, a separate space in houses and business organizations where men may unwind and chat with one another. When visiting the Grand Mosque or other religious institutions, the souqs, or a restaurant, it is essential that women, in particular, dress properly.
Kuwait is a semi-Islamic country where Islamic law is respected, yet religious tolerance is the norm. If you happen to be in Kuwait during Ramadan, the month in which Muslims throughout the world abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, it is considered rude to be observed eating or drinking until after nightfall.
Kuwait language
Although Arabic is the official language in Kuwait, English is very often used in daily life in Kuwait. It is a common business language and a required subject for secondary education worldwide. Many non-Kuwaitis are fluent in Farsi or Urdu, the national languages of Iran and Pakistan, respectively.
Classical Arabic has not changed in hundreds of years, despite the fact that spoken Arabic differs from country to country. There are differences between the urban and rural varieties of Arabic spoken in Kuwait.