Occidentalism: Between Concept and Application

Abstract

The current study is concerned with one of the most important matters that the Western world ought to examine scientifically and objectively. It is a counterpart to Orientalism in terms of importance. Its origins go back to the early Islamic eras, represented by the efforts of Muslim travelers and historians. The study adopts a historical, analytical, and descriptive approach which is based on a group of geographical and historical sources and references. It is believed that Occidentalism is an independent science that is concerned with studying the West objectively and is not merely a reaction to Orientalism. The confusion between Occidentalism and Westernization has led to a misunderstanding of this field, which requires correcting the terminology and re-distinguishing between the two concepts. The roots of Occidentalism go back to the early Islamic eras, and its motives are diverse. The study concludes that Occidentalism is a stand-alone science that deserves more careful studies to understand its origins, developments, and goals, away from confusion with Westernization. It also represents an effective means of confronting the Western distortion of Islamic culture and history, by studying it in an objective and precise scientific manner. The study recommends the need to strengthen academic studies on Occidentalism and open new horizons to explore its developments and effects on Islamic and global thought.