Admired and desired, immortalised by pen and brush, the Arabian horse had, arguably, more influence on civilisation than any other equine breed. The nomadic Bedouin were the first who tame the wild Arabian, but they treated it as a friend and ally rather than a beast of burden. The camel was a means of survival, providing meat, milk, leather and transportation on the long treks across the desert sands.
However, the horse’s bravery, endurance, speed, agility and loyalty were vital for inter-tribal raids and skirmishes. But it would also provide the bridge for momentary truces. The rules of hospitality dictated that even in times of war, the unexpected guest should be welcomed and given nourishment. In token, the warrior’s mare’s bridle would be hung from the pole of the host’s tent where the men would eat together.
With the rise of Islam, to the spread and defense of which they have contributed, horses became regarded as a gift from Allah. One Bedouin story tells of how the Prophet Muhammad turned his horses loose to drink at a desert oasis, recalling them a mere moment later. Only five faithful mares returned before reaching the precious water. The Al Khamsa, as they are known, are still believed by some to be the genesis of the five strains of the Arabian: Kehilan, Seglawi, Abeyan, Hamdani and Hadban.
As Islam reached out, the Arabian carried warriors westwards to North Africa, the Mediterranean, Europe and as far east as China. Although they left many dead comrades behind them, the crusaders did take back many Arabians to cross breed with their own horses. In Spain, the Moors crossed their horses with indigenous species to produce the jennet or genet. And it was this new breed that Columbus took to the Americas. By the 17th century, the Ottomans had acquired a vast array of Arabians which their armies rode to battle as far away as Eastern Europe.
In their defeat, some of the captured horses were to found new bloodlines that would provide the building blocks for some of the greatest studs of the region. The Turkish rulers of the time also gifted horses to heads of state and European royalty. The man who rides the horse in the postcard wears the traditional Emirati clothes, well-suited for the the hot and dry climate. Kandura (Thawb, Thobe) is an ankle-length garment with long sleeves, commonly white, but it can have also other colors, such as brown, dark blue or black.
In UAE it hasn't collar, being cropped around the neck, and the sleeves are wide. An Izaar is typically donned underneath, similar to a kilt, but lighter and thinner. On the head he wears Keffiyeh (Kufiya), a square scarf, which aims to fixed the Ghutrah (Shumagh), a headscarf white, or with red and white checks. The black cord, worn doubled, used to keep the Ghutrah in place on the wearer's head, is named Igal (Agal, Iqal, Egal or Igal). All the the clothes are usually made of cotton. Na'al are traditional sandals, made of leather.
About the stamp
The stamp is a commemorative stamp, issued on February 2, 2014 by the Emirates Post Group in association with the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Centre to mark the anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Crown Prince of Dubai. Born 14 November 1982 as the son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, the senior wife of Mohammed, he is the second son of their 12 children and the fourth of his father's children.
References
The Arabian Horse: A Symbol of Power, Grace, & Sensitivity - Arab News official website
A breed apart: the history of the Arabian horse - Vision, Fresh Perspectives from Dubai
UAE National Clothing - Grapeshisha
Portul tradiţional - emiratesfun.blogspot.ro
Sender: Weny
Sent from Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi / UAE), on 30.06.2014
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