Arab Sicily, a story still alive in the present

Sicily is a mix of cultures, a millennial history composed of multiple nuances. One of the sides of the island, tangible especially in some parts of this region, leads toward the Middle East. Arab Sicily is a historical parenthesis that has left a great legacy, an indelible mark that today can be found in dialect, cuisine, architecture, and the names of some cities. Let’s find out more about Sicilian Secrets.

The history of Arab Sicily begins in the 8th century, more precisely in 827 AD, that is, when the island was ruled by a young emir while maintaining its own autonomy. Things changed at the beginning of the 9th century when Islam began to increasingly pervade the soul of the island, not only from a religious but also from a political standpoint so much so that in as early as the year 1000 Sicily became an emirate with a hereditary Islamic monarchy. The kingdom prospered until, in 1091, it was the Normans with King Roger I who conquered the last Islamic stronghold of Noto and created unity under the County of Sicily.

Palermo, the heart of Arab Sicily

The years when the Arabs populated Sicily were marked by great prosperity such that the island became the heart of trade in the Mediterranean. Economy and culture flourished, and Palermo was certainly the main city so that it became a true metropolis. The climate of tolerance toward those who professed a religion other than Muslim created an atmosphere of serenity throughout the land that was enriched with sincere beauty. Walking around the Sicilian capital today, it is not easy to find buildings that totally retain their original character, but the traces of this Arab past are clearly visible even where readjustments and restorations have taken place over time. Looking at the Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the Cuba, the red domes of the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, and markets such as the Vucciria and Ballarò the oriental character comes through powerfully, an echo of history and tradition that has never faded.

Arab Sicily, let’s taste it

Arab culture can be…tasted! Those who travel to Sicily never give up indulging in the pleasures of the table, but perhaps not everyone knows that many of the most famous dishes have a Middle Eastern root. Browsing through any local recipe book, you can discover some desserts such as cassata or almond dough, the former can be traced back to the word ‘quas’at’ probably relating to the container in which this cake is prepared, while the latter (made with almonds and sugar) was imported to Sicily during Islamic domination.

Let’s think about cous cous with fish broth or ‘tummala’ that is, the rice timbale prepared mainly in the Ionian coast area. The use of pistachios, saffron, cinnamon, sesame, honey and aniseed to make several delicacies made in Sicily is definitely ‘Arab’!

Do you know…?

Even the world-appreciated and well-known arancine (rice balls) were invented (maybe) during the time of Arab Sicily. The origin would in fact be Saracen, although the complete recipe as we know it today with also tomato and breadcrumbs is clearly recent.

Sicilian dialect and Arab influences

What did the Arabs leave us? In addition to what has already been mentioned, we can add something more: the language. Yes, because the dialect of the island is full of words that retain within them all the memory of Arab Sicily.
Here is a small glossary that includes commonly used words and place names: