Cultural assimilation is the process by which individuals or groups from one culture come to adopt the practices and values of another, often dominant, culture, leading to a loss of distinct cultural identity. This process can occur voluntarily or as a result of coercion, and it impacts social integration, identity formation, and cultural diversity within societies.
Cultural identity is the sense of belonging to a group that shares common cultural traits, such as language, religion, traditions, and customs, which shapes an individual's worldview and self-conception. It is dynamic and can evolve over time as individuals interact with different cultures and societies, influencing how they perceive themselves and others.
Cultural hegemony, a concept developed by Antonio Gramsci, refers to the dominance of a culturally diverse society by the ruling class, who manipulate the culture of that society—the beliefs, explanations, perceptions, and values—so that their imposed worldview becomes the accepted cultural norm. This domination is achieved not through force, but by the consensual acceptance of the subordinate classes, who internalize the values and norms of the ruling class as their own, thus maintaining the status quo.
The Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates were two of the most significant dynasties in Islamic history, with the Umayyads expanding the empire significantly and establishing a centralized government, while the Abbasids are noted for their cultural and scientific achievements during the Islamic Golden Age. The transition from Umayyad to Abbasid rule marked a shift from Arab-centric leadership to a more inclusive, multi-ethnic administration, influencing the political and cultural landscape of the Islamic world.