Orientalism, popularized by Edward Said in his influential book Orientalism (1978), is a term that refers to the representation of the East by the West, often in a stereotypical, distorted, and exoticized manner. Said argues that Orientalism is not just a form of discourse but also a mode of domination and control that justified colonialism and imperialism, criticizing Western scholars, writers, and artists for their complicity in oppressing and marginalizing the Orientals. As defined by Said, Orientalism emerged in the Christian West, particularly with the establishment of chairs in Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, and Syriac in the Church Council of Vienne in 1312, encompassing the study of the geographical, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic aspects of the Orient. However, its complexity makes defining Orientalism challenging, as it spans various geographical, political, and historical realities. Over time, the scope of Orientalism has expanded to include diverse languages, cultures, and civilizations, blending empirical knowledge with myths, fables, and romanticized notions about the East. While “Orientalist” is less prevalent today, academic programs and departments in Oriental languages or civilizations continue to exist in universities worldwide.