What are the One Thousand and One Nights?

The One Thousand and One Nights is a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales that has become one of the most famous works of Arabic literature. The tales are told by the legendary queen Scheherazade, who uses her storytelling abilities to captivate King Shahryar and delay her execution. The collection includes stories of romance, adventure, magic, and morality.

The tales have origins in Arabic, Persian, Indian, and Jewish folklore, and were originally compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age. Over the centuries, the collection has been translated into numerous languages and has become a popular cultural touchstone in many parts of the world.

The stories have had a profound impact on literature, music, and other forms of art, inspiring countless adaptations, retellings, and works inspired by the original tales. Some of the most famous stories include Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, and Sinbad the Sailor.