Orientalism

Orientalism is a depiction or an image people have of Eastern cultures.

At the same time, Orientalism describes the imitation of aspects of 'the Orient' by Western writers, designers and artists.

In the 19th century, scholars translated the writings of 'the Orient' into English. By doing this, they wanted to gain knowledge about the Eastern countries they were planning to conquer.

Source

http://www.english.emory.edu/Bahri/Orientalism.html