<strong>Noor</strong> | Has a <strong>Turkish soap opera</strong> fueled change for women in the Arab world? at Schema : more than ethnic

Noor | Has a Turkish soap opera fueled change for women in the Arab world?

Noor is envied by millions of women. She's a successful fashion designer with a handsome husband who not only is supportive of her career but also owns a pair of "soulful blue eyes." Oh yeah, he's also romantic and attentive to her whims to boot. Their marriage was arranged by a grandparent, yet their union is successful -- even with that bit of illicit sex outside the vows.

Ho hum, sounds like a typical (and fantastical) soap opera couple. Except, Noor and Mohannad are the fictional stars of the popular Turkish soap opera NOOR ("Light" in Arabic), which just finished its run at the end of August across Arab countries. The show originally aired in Turkey (with the Turkish title Gumus meaning "Silver") between 2005-2007, but was released across Arabic countries in 2008. A bit scandalous as Noor idealized a modern married life, which disturbed Muslim preachers in the West Bank and Saudi Arabia enough to deem it "un-Islamic," urging viewers to boycott the show.

Did the viewers listen? Nope. Ever the faithful, die-hard fans deserted streets when the show aired; maternity wards in Riyadh and Hebron reported a rise in babies named Noor and Mohannad; and Noor fashion knock-offs were snapped up in boutiques.

The only thing is...the next series following Noor will be Bab al-Hara, a show that waxes nostalgia about the traditional Arab lifestyle. Aw, shucks.

More: via Globe & Mail and Jam Canoe!