In his illuminating work, “The Arab of the Desert,” Colonel Dickson offers a detailed ethnographic account of the Bedouin Arabs, delving into their lifestyles, customs, and social structures. This book, renowned for its comprehensive exploration of Bedouin culture, particularly in and around Kuwait in the early 20th century, sheds light on the stark contrasts between the nomadic Bedouin communities and the more urbanised societies in Arabia.
Dickson’s narrative touched upon the nuanced and complex topic of prostitution within these contrasting societies. It aims to elucidate the cultural, social, and economic aspects of prostitution among the Bedouin Arabs and in Arabian towns, presenting a detailed comparison that highlights the divergent attitudes and practices in these different settings.
Prostitution Among Bedouin Arabs
Dickson asserts a significant observation regarding the Bedouin Arabs: the virtual non-existence of prostitution among the women of the desert. This absence is noteworthy, considering the prevailing norms in the urban centres of Arabia. The Bedouin society, known for its rigid adherence to tradition and honour, appears to have successfully insulated itself against the practices common in more cosmopolitan areas. While Dickson acknowledges the possibility of rare clandestine affairs, these instances do not equate to the organised nature of professional prostitution found in towns.
The absence of prostitution among Bedouin women speaks volumes about their societal structure and values. It underlines a stark contrast in moral and social frameworks when compared to urban Arabian societies, where prostitution is not only present but also, as Dickson notes, somewhat institutionalised. This dichotomy sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the complexities surrounding the issue in different Arabian societies, shedding light on the cultural, social, and moral fabrics that define these communities.
Prostitution in Arabian Towns
In contrast to the Bedouin Arabs, Dickson notes a markedly different scenario in the larger towns of Arabia. Cities such as Jiddah, Mecca, Madina, Basra, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Mascat are highlighted for their significant presence of prostitutes. This prevalence in urban centres suggests a societal acceptance, or at least a tolerance, of prostitution as a part of urban life. Dickson goes further to describe these women as a ‘necessary evil’, believed to ensure the safety of respectable women who might otherwise be at risk in public spaces such as streets and bazaars. This perspective is particularly intriguing, as it indicates a complex social system where the presence of one group is rationalised as a means to protect another.
The role of prostitutes in these towns is not just limited to providing sexual services; they are seen as an element in maintaining the social order. This viewpoint suggests a pragmatic approach to a profession often shrouded in moral and ethical debates. Dickson points out that, despite their recognised role, prostitutes in these towns do not enjoy the freedom of movement. They are closely monitored by officials tasked with maintaining the city’s morals and are usually confined to specific, often secluded, parts of the town. In Kuwait, for instance, the prostitute quarter is located in the southern and south-westerly part of the town, facing the desert – a location that speaks volumes about the city’s attitude towards these women, acknowledging their existence but keeping them at a distance from the city’s everyday life.
Life and Origins of Prostitutes in Towns
Delving deeper into the lives of prostitutes in Arabian towns, Dickson faces the challenge of tracing their origins, a task made difficult by the lack of clear records and the secretive nature of this profession. He suggests that these women often come from backgrounds marked by vulnerability: many are orphans, without relatives, or have been brought into the trade through clandestine means. A significant number, Dickson observes, are daughters of prostitutes, born and raised in the environment of their mothers’ trade. This cyclical nature of the profession highlights a stark aspect of societal neglect and the absence of support systems for women in distressing circumstances.
Dickson also touches upon a crucial point regarding the safety of these women in their profession. The fact that most prostitutes have no known male relatives is a key factor that enables them to work in this trade. In a society where familial honour is paramount, and where men might go to extreme lengths, including violence, to preserve this honour, the absence of male guardianship paradoxically offers these women a degree of safety in their chosen or imposed profession. This point underscores the complex interplay between societal norms, gender dynamics, and economic survival in Arabian towns.
Furthermore, Dickson briefly mentions the rare but poignant cases where a young girl, perhaps driven by desperation or misled by the promise of quick money, finds herself in the world of prostitution. These instances, although not the norm, shed light on the vulnerabilities and risks faced by young women in these urban settings.
Town Women’s Perception of Prostitutes
In his observation of urban Arabian society, Dickson delves into the nuanced perceptions held by town women towards their counterparts in prostitution. He notes a complex relationship characterised by a blend of disdain and tacit acceptance. The ‘decent’ women of the town, while viewing prostitutes with a degree of disgust, recognise their existence and, to some extent, understand their role in the societal fabric. This recognition does not translate into approval but rather an acknowledgement of a system that has woven itself into the urban social structure.
Dickson highlights specific instances where the paths of these two groups of women intersect, particularly during public events such as feasts of circumcision. In these settings, prostitutes are not only allowed but expected to come out of their quarters to entertain – to dance and sing. This paradoxical situation, where the same women are shunned in daily life but sought after for entertainment during festivities, reveals the complex social dynamics at play.
Furthermore, Dickson compares the status of dancers, singers, and actresses in the East to that of prostitutes, noting that they are often viewed as existing in a similar social category. This association underscores a broader cultural tendency to marginalise women in entertainment, equating their professions with a lack of morality.
Cultural and Social Naming Conventions
Dickson’s exploration into the life of prostitutes in Arabian towns extends to the language and terms associated with them, revealing much about the cultural and social attitudes of the time. He identifies various names and epithets used to refer to prostitutes, each carrying its own connotations and insights into how these women were viewed by society. Terms like banat al Hawa (Daughters of Lust), fawāḥish, banat al Hārām (Daughters of Sin), and qalā’ib indicate a range of perceptions, from romanticised notions to outright condemnation.
Dickson also sheds light on the role of the ‘qawwād‘ (procureur), a person responsible for bringing customers to prostitutes. This term, he notes, is perhaps the most severe form of insult among men in Arabia, indicating the deep societal contempt for those associated with the trade. Interestingly, the same word, while seen as a grave insult in adult interactions, is used affectionately by women towards their boy babies, highlighting the complexities and contradictions in language use.
Curiously enough, the word, which is a town word pure and simple (and never heard among the Badawin) is frequently used by women, and nice women too, when addressing their boy babies of a few months old. In their case it is used entirely as a term of endearment.
H.R.P Dickson The Arab of the Desert
Economic and Social Behavior of Prostitutes
In his detailed account, Dickson portrays the economic and social behaviour of prostitutes in Arabian towns, shedding light on their personal lives and community dynamics. He observes that as a class, these women are known for their generosity, often displaying a selfless attitude towards others, particularly those in need. This generosity, however, extends to a notable lack of financial prudence. Dickson points out that prostitutes are among the world’s worst savers, with very few managing to retire in comfort and affluence. This trend starkly contrasts with their counterparts in regions like Iraq, Syria, and Egypt, where prostitutes are seen to be more financially astute.
Dickson also highlights the prostitutes’ sense of community and solidarity. Their willingness to help others, especially young unmarried men who are out of work, is noteworthy. He recounts instances where prostitutes have provided shelter, food, and clothing to young men purely out of friendship and affection, without any financial transaction. This aspect of their lives offers a glimpse into the humane and compassionate side of a group often marginalised and stigmatised by society.
Customer Attraction
In terms of attracting clientele, Dickson describes a system that reflects the intricacies of urban life in Arabian society. To maintain decorum and adhere to the moral codes of the time, prostitutes rely on intermediaries to facilitate their business. These intermediaries come in the form of male and female servants. The female servants, often black, play a key role as they navigate the city, visiting houses and discreetly arranging meetings between young men and prostitutes. Their role as messengers and go-betweens is crucial in a society where direct contact between prostitutes and potential clients would be scandalous.
Male servants, on the other hand, have a more domestic role. They are typically responsible for maintaining the household, acting as doorkeepers, and managing provisions. They also play a part in ensuring that order is maintained within the premises, dealing with unruly or undesirable guests when necessary.
Negative Social Impact
In his ethnographic study, Dickson does not shy away from addressing the darker aspects of prostitution in Arabian towns, particularly focusing on the negative social impact. A significant concern he highlights is the role of ‘negress’ procurers. These women, often employed by prostitutes, act as intermediaries, but their influence extends beyond mere business transactions. Dickson describes them as a ‘real menace to society‘, actively involved in luring unsuspecting girls into the world of prostitution.
These procurers often use deception and manipulation, preying on young girls’ naivety and their desire for love or adventure. They entice them with promises of rich, lovelorn suitors, only to lead them into a trap from which escape is difficult. This predatory practice not only endangers the well-being of these young women but also perpetuates a cycle of exploitation within the society.
Furthermore, Dickson touches upon the broader implications of such practices. The involvement of these procurers in facilitating clandestine liaisons between young men and women poses a significant risk to the moral fabric of the society. It undermines traditional values and exposes vulnerable individuals to exploitation and harm.
The absence of prostitution among Bedouin women, as observed by Dickson, contrasts sharply with its prevalence and institutionalisation in the urban centres of Arabia. This contrast not only highlights differing moral and social values but also reflects the broader themes of survival, honour, and societal structure in these communities. The urban prostitutes, often marginalised and stigmatised, emerge in Dickson’s narrative as figures of both resilience and tragedy, navigating a world that is at once accepting and rejecting their presence.
Dickson’s work serves as a crucial historical document, offering insights into the complexities of Arabian society in a time of significant cultural and social flux. It sheds light on the often unseen and unspoken elements of this society, reflecting a world where appearances, moral codes, and economic necessities coexist in a delicate balance. Through his detailed and empathetic portrayal, Dickson not only chronicles the lives of these women but also invites a deeper understanding of the human stories behind the veil of historical and cultural narratives.