From the very beginning, The Arab Universe has carried the mission of celebrating the scholars, thinkers, and creators who shaped the course of Arab civilization. Our goal has always been to shed light on the men and women whose wisdom, ingenuity, and vision helped build the foundations of the modern world.
Yet as we journeyed through the realms of science, history, and great achievements, it became clear that no portrait of our heritage could ever be complete without turning toward literature—that ancient art in which the Arabs excelled, weaving words into worlds, and giving life to stories that traveled far beyond their borders.
When we sought to take our first step into this vast domain, we found ourselves standing before an endless sea: countless works, thousands upon thousands of tales, biographies, poems, and legends. It was impossible to grasp it all, no matter how far we reached.
So we chose to begin with what is closest to the heart, easiest to enter, and deepest in its enchantment…
We chose to begin with One Thousand and One Nights— a masterpiece that blends the elegance of Arab storytelling with the wonders of the East, carrying within its pages the wisdom of nations from India to China, from the Arabs to the Persians and the Sasanian kings.
And we chose it for two simple reasons:
First: Its extraordinary fame.
For who among us—Arab or foreigner—has not heard of Shahrazad’s tales?
Second: Its enduring presence in our collective memory, from the beloved radio performances of decades past, to the famous 2015 television series, and the many adaptations that revived the world of King Shahryar, Princess Shahrazad, and the long-awaited happy ending born after the final night.
But, my friend…
Do you truly know what unfolded in those thousand nights?
For within them lie the stories of ancient Arabs, the chronicles of Persian kings, Sasanian legends, and the wonders of India and China—tales shaped by strange lands, forgotten realms, and destinies written long before our time.
Before we begin this journey, there are two errors often found in modern adaptations—whether in film or television—that we must point out:
-
Serious distortions in the order of events
-
And inconsistencies with the original manuscripts
We will uncover these for you—without unnecessary length and without leaving out what matters—so you may taste the sweetness of the stories exactly as they were told in the classical texts.
So prepare yourself, my friend…
For in a moment, we shall step into the beginning of the tale—
and the stories will rain upon us night after night,
as though Shahrazad herself were whispering in your ear:
It has reached me, O fortunate king