A comparative analysis of orientalism in one-thousand and one-night films

This dissertation delves into the study of Orientalist symbols within cinematic adaptations of One Thousand and One Nights, specifically focusing on the Disney animated film Aladdin. Employing a semiotic analysis of the movie, this research investigates the visual and cultural components that sustain Orientalist narratives, including the portrayal of the East as exotic, sensual, and uniform. The dissertation explores how the film constructs an enigmatic and alluring Arab realm, replete with belly dancers, genies, and enchanted flying carpets. Moreover, it examines the representation of Arab individuals as homogeneous and characterized by stereotypes, exemplified by the cunning and power-hungry sorcerer Jafar. The primary contention of this thesis posits that works like Aladdin, along with other adaptations of One Thousand and One Nights, contribute to the perpetuation of Orientalist narratives and the propagation of negative stereotypes concerning the Arab world and its people. By scrutinizing the film, this dissertation endeavors to enhance awareness regarding the perils associated with Orientalist discourse in media and popular culture, urging the promotion of more respectful and nuanced depictions of diverse cultures and societies.