Popular Culture During the Philippine Pre-Colonial Period
Arab Influence
Members: Belleza, Cesista, Encila, Setrina, Ycong
Agenda
Brief History
Trade Items
Religion
Goverment
Meteorology
Dance
Arts & Architechture
Language
Weaponry
Legend of Princess Urduja
Additional Info
Brief History
Almost 2000 years ago, Arab traders began traveling to the
Philippines for trade purposes. They engaged in substantial
trading with the Malayan chiefs, datu's, and Rajahs who ruled
different Rajahnates in the area. Karim al Makhdum
introduced Islam to what is now the Philippines in 1380,
first arriving in Jolo. He was the first Muslim missionary to
reach the Sulu Archipelago. The Islamic faith was
strengthened in the Philippines by later journeys by Arab
Muslim missionaries, who concentrated in the south and spread
as far north as Manila.
Usual trade Items
The Philippines' links with other Asian nations were
strengthened as a result. The following items are traded:
textile
wool
calico
gold bullion
metal tools
jewelry and other precious gems
Religion
The indigenous inhabitants of Mindanao
were inspired by and converted to Islam by
the Arab Muslims. The Filipinos are first
exposed to Arabic script, madrasah schools,
and the muezzin's siren. Muslims believe that
Quran is a book composed of God's words
as revelealed by the prophet Muhammad.
Government
The sultanate system of governance
was introduced by the Arabs. A Sultan
is the principal leader of this sort of
administration. Instead of wealth, a
Sultan acquires his authority,
dominance, and sovereignty through
the number of followers he gathers.
Meteorology
Meteorology in Islam was part of the natural
sciences.
The knowledge about meteorological
phenomena contributed to the weather
forecasting.
In the Philippines, the Arabs also introduced
the use of the calendar.
Dances in Arab
Arab Folk Dances
-are traditional folk dances of the Arabs.
-also referred to as Oriental dances, Middle
Eastern dances, & Eastern dances.
-the Singkil Dance is also thought to be Arabic in
Origin.
Types of
dances Classic dances
Folk dances
Popular dances
Sacred dances
1. Classic Dances
- these dances date from the antiquity and have not ceased to
evolve in history and in time.
2. Folk Dances
- are performed during civil celebrations such as birth, death,
wedding, and sometimes during religious festival.
3. Popular Dances
- involves all forms artistic expression of people.
4. Sacred Dances
- are related to fhe dominant religion of the Arab world which is
Islam.
Arts & Architecture
The Sarimanok, a very colorful
bird in traditional Arabic lore, is
likewise a design most common in
Lanao that is distinctively Arabic in
origin.
Arts & Architecture
They also introduced the Okir design, particularly the elaborate
designs on the beams of Maranaw houses in Lanao which latter
today use for art.
Arts & Architecture
That part of bahay na bato our ancestors used to call "zaguan", meaning
"hall" in spanish, is originally from the Arabic istawan. "Baño", the part we
call bathroom, is said to be also Arabic in origin, via the Spanish. Another
little Spanish-Arabic influence is the use of the Neo-Mudëjar architectural
style, albeit limited to Spanish-era Manila and a few other places.
Language
Apo - grandchild
Sulat - letter
Alamat - legend
Salamat - thanks
Alam - knowledge, understanding
Akala - hunch, from "agala", intelligence
Hiya - to feel shame, blush
Hikom - judge
Gunting - scissors
Weaponry
The Arabs were the first to introduce explosive weapons when
they brought in a "lantaka," a small cannon made of brass
Princess Urduja
Princess Urduja is recognized as a heroine in
Pangasinan. She was a warrior princess who had
personally led her soldiers to the battlefields. Her
retinue, the Kinalakian, consisted of women
skilled in arms, and horseback riding, and with
well-built, muscular bodies.
The Pangasinenses always include the story of
Princess Urduja hosting a banquet for Arab
scholar and explorer, Ibn Battuta, where he was
served pinakbet and allegedly liked it.
Additional Info
Other influences that Arabs had on Today, the imam, the masjid or
the Philippines would be the mosque, the crescent moon, the
preponderance of some Arab words celebration of Eid al-Fitr and
in the Filipino language, as well as Ramadan, the hajj or yearly
some Arabic surnames and names pilgrimage to Mecca by the
among the Muslim Filipino thousands, the sight of veiled
communities, and the direct bloodline women, as well as the plethora of
of the current royals of Sulu and Arabic-sounding names, have
Mindanao which they trace from become part of the Philippine
Fatimah, Muhammad's daughter. landscape, particularly in the
eastern parts of Mindanao, because
of the influence of these visitors
from the ancient Arabian peninsula.
Quiz time!
1st question
Who was the first muslim missionary that reached
Sulu Archipelago and introduced Islam to the
Filipinos/Philippines?
A B C D
Aleem Said None of the
Karim al Ibn Khaldun
Ahmad above
Makhdum
Basher
2nd question
What do you call a design, a very colorful bird in
traditional Arabic lore, that is most common in
Lanao?
A B C D
Okir design Sarimanok Sari-sari Adarna
3rd question
These dances date from the antiquity and have not
ceased to evolved in history and in time.
A B C D
Sacred Classic Popular
Folk Dances
Dances Dances Dances
4th question
Which religion was brought to the Philippines by the
Arabs?
A B C D
Roman
Protestant Islam Budhism
Catholic
5th question
What dish did the heroine, Princess Urduja, serve to
Arab explorer, Ibn Battuta, during the banquet?
A B C D
Kaldareta Giniling Sinigang Pinakbet
Thank you
for listening!
