The dance is older than Islamic or even Christian culture. Many believe its roots are in the temple dancing and fertility rites of rites of ancient matriarchal religions.

I am still wondering which one is older:
pole dancing or belly dancing?
I remember watching this 'documentary' on the telly.
It looks pretty old to me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBDYJH1Z7jg

My theory is that they evolved together! Early belly dancers would use the poles to blind the audience if they didn't like their dancing!! This would explain why the two are done separately now...right?

My wife Nesrin said to me all Turkish girls should be able to belly dance

It would be a bit of a poor do if she couldnt!

what do you mean?