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by prustage on June 23rd, 2006
The original story of Aladdin came from Syria and is collected in 1001 Arabian Nights along with other stories from that and other areas.
Although 1001 Nights is set in Arabia, the story of Aladdin is set in China - this is mentioned a number of times. From this one would think therefore that Aladdin was meant to be Chinese. But Aladdin's father is called Mustafa (in all translations) and Aladdin himself is referred to as "Alla ad Deen" in one translation. This may make one think that Aladdin is an Arab immigrant in China.
But, elsewhere in the story, the local magnates in the area are referred to as Sultans and Viziers - Arab terminology though these people clearly arent Arab immigrants in China.
The most likley explanation is that when the story was written it was set in a place that was unknown and far away - and China was used to give this exotic flavour to the story. Unfortunately the writer of the story probably knew very little about the real China - such as Chinese names and the form of government - so gave his characters Arab names and made the local ruler a Sultan.
So the short answer to your question is that Aladdin is the Arab view of what a Chinese boy is like.
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Comments
Very informative, thanks.
by Max Power on June 23rd, 2006