The Rise of Orientalism in France: From Archeology to Hellenophilia

Orientalism, a term coined by Edward Said, refers to the academic and cultural discourse of the West concerning the East. While the concept gained prominence much later, its roots can be traced back to the period following the French Revolution. This article delves into the factors that made Orientalism popular in France, highlighting the roles of archeology and the emergence of Hellenophilia.

Foundations of Oriental Studies in France

Baron Antoine Isaac Silvestre de Sacy played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for Oriental studies in France. Although he never ventured further than Genova, his expertise in Arabic studies made him the most renowned academic in the Western world at the time. He served as the director of the Institute of Arabic Studies shortly after the French Revolution, thereby setting the stage for a growing interest in the Orient.

At the time, Baron de Sacy's work was admired by the Egyptian 'ulama (Islamic scholars) after Napoleon's conquest of Egypt in 1798. They were struck by the achievement of a non-Muslim in understanding Arabic, a testament to his remarkable academic prowess. This recognition contributed to the growing fascination with the East among Western scholars.

Egyptology as a Catalyst

The uncovering of the Rosetta Stone during Napoleon's occupation of Egypt was a significant milestone in the popularization of Orientalism. This discovery facilitated the decipherment of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, thanks to the efforts of Jean-Fran?ois Champollion. The success in solving the mystery of the Rosetta Stone underscored the potential of Oriental studies for advancement in knowledge and understanding.

The 'ulama of Egypt, however, maintained a different perspective. They did not view these discoveries as valuable in understanding their own history or culture. Instead, they regarded Egyptology as a futile pursuit, aligned with their belief that all they needed was already contained in the Quran. This view, while rooted in religious sentiment, further underscored the burgeoning interest in the East among Western scholars.

Hellenophilia and Romanticism

The Greek War of Independence in 1821 marked another significant moment in the rise of Orientalism in France. This period saw a shift in popular culture, integrating Hellenophilia into various forms of art and literature. The Enlightenment had already instilled a cultural appreciation for Greek science and philosophy, but the War of Independence was a catalyst for a more profound engagement with Greek culture.

Enlightenment thinkers saw Greece as the cradle of Western civilization, and this belief gradually permeated French society. Poets such as Lord Byron and painters like Eugène Delacroix became synonymous with the Romantic movement that embraced Greek themes. Their works often romanticized the defeat of the Ottomans and the revival of Greek culture, thus reinforcing the cultural importance of the East.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its popularity, Orientalism has faced significant criticism for perpetuating misconceptions about the Orient. Barrows Silvestre de Sacy, for instance, perpetuated the myth of the Hashishiin Assassins, a notion that despite its historical inaccuracies, became part of Western folklore. Similarly, artists like Eugène Delacroix contributed to the stereotype of Oriental women as exotic, passive objects. These stereotypes not only misrepresented the cultures of the East but also reinforced colonialist and sexist attitudes.

The rise of Orientalism in France, from the groundbreaking work of Baron de Sacy to the cultural movements like Hellenophilia, reflects the complex interplay of academic curiosity, cultural engagement, and colonialist undertones. As we continue to study and understand Orientalism, it is crucial to critically examine its impact and the historical contexts in which it emerged.