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Ivory
العاج (al-'aaj) is an Arabic noun meaning "ivory," referring to the hard, creamy-white material that makes up the tusks of elephants and other animals. It is commonly used in both classical and modern Arabic to describe this precious material, whether in its raw form or as crafted objects. The word carries both literal and metaphorical significance in Arabic literature and daily discourse.
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تمثال منحوت من العاج بدقة عالية.
Timthaal munhoot min al-'aaj bi-diqqa 'aaliya.
A statue carved from ivory with high precision.
منعت الدول الدولية تجارة العاج لحماية الفيلة.
Mana'at ad-duwal ad-dawliya tijarat al-'aaj li-himayat al-fi'al.
International countries banned ivory trade to protect elephants.
لون العاج أبيض ناعم جداً.
Lawn al-'aaj abyad naa'im jiddan.
The color of ivory is very smooth white.
تحتوي هذه المجوهرات على قطع صغيرة من العاج الحقيقي.
Tahtawi hadhih al-majouharaat 'ala qita' sagheera min al-'aaj al-haqiqi.
These jewels contain small pieces of real ivory.
العاج كان مادة ثمينة في التاريخ الإسلامي القديم.
Al-'aaj kaan madda thamina fi at-tarikh al-islami al-qadim.
Ivory was a precious material in ancient Islamic history.
Ivory has significant historical importance in Islamic and Arab cultures, where it was used to create intricate carvings, decorative objects, and luxury items for centuries. In contemporary times, the term العاج is frequently referenced in discussions about wildlife protection and international conservation efforts, as the trade of ivory has been heavily restricted to protect endangered elephant populations. The word appears frequently in classical Arabic poetry and literature as a symbol of wealth, purity, and beauty.
When using العاج, remember it is a masculine noun (al-noun). In modern contexts, you'll often encounter it paired with words like 'prohibition' (منع) or 'trade' (تجارة) when discussing environmental conservation. The word is used both literally to describe the material itself and metaphorically in classical texts to describe white, smooth, or precious things.
The Arabic word العاج (al-'aaj) translates to "ivory" in English and refers to the hard, creamy-white material that comprises the tusks of elephants and certain other animals. This noun has been part of Arabic vocabulary for centuries and continues to be relevant in modern usage, particularly in discussions about wildlife conservation and international trade policies.
In its most literal sense, العاج describes the actual material of animal tusks, primarily from elephants. Historically, this material was highly prized in the Islamic world and throughout the Middle East for crafting luxury items, decorative objects, and religious artifacts. Artisans would carve intricate designs into ivory, creating pieces of remarkable beauty that were reserved for royalty, the wealthy, and religious institutions.
Metaphorically, the word appears frequently in classical Arabic poetry and literature as a symbol of whiteness, purity, smoothness, and precious value. Poets would use comparisons like "أبيض كالعاج" (white as ivory) to describe something of exceptional beauty or purity.
In contemporary Arabic, العاج is most commonly encountered in discussions about conservation and international law. The phrase "تجارة العاج" (ivory trade) and "منع تجارة العاج" (ivory trade ban) have become significant terminology in environmental discourse throughout the Arab world. Most Arab countries have become signatories to international agreements protecting elephants and restricting ivory commerce.
العاج is a masculine noun in Arabic and follows standard masculine noun patterns. When used in phrases, it typically appears with the definite article (ال), as in "العاج الحقيقي" (real ivory) or "العاج المنحوت" (carved ivory). The word can be used in both singular and plural contexts, though the plural form "الأعاج" is less commonly encountered in modern usage.
Throughout Islamic history, particularly during the Abbasid period and the Ottoman era, ivory was considered one of the most luxurious materials available. Intricate ivory carvings, often combined with other precious materials like wood and mother-of-pearl, decorated mosques, palaces, and important manuscripts. These artifacts represent some of the finest examples of Islamic craftsmanship and continue to be preserved in museums throughout the world.
For English speakers learning Arabic, العاج is a useful vocabulary word that appears in news reports, historical texts, and environmental discussions. Understanding this word helps learners engage with important contemporary issues in Arabic-speaking regions and appreciate the cultural and historical depth of Arabic literature and craftsmanship.