Silk Road: Baghdad
Monday, June 2, 2014
$1.25
By Leah, Kelly and Jane
Religion
Geography
Major religions:
- Islam (then)
- Arabic (then)
- Muslim Arabic (now)
Religious sites
- The Armenian Orthodox Church
- The Syrian Catholic Church
- both built near 1840
Five Important Things to Know about The Religion
1. Most of the people are Muslim Arabs
2. Jews, Christians, Arabs and Muslim Iranians make up the minority groups
3.Arabic is the Chief Language
4. Baghdad is Iraq's Chief center of culture
5. Baghdad is an active cultural center for the Arabic world
Arts and Sciences
- Baghdad is in modern country Iraq
- Baghdad covers 254 square miles on a fertile plain
- Baghdad is 25 miles east of the Euphrates River and is at the same point the 2 rivers flow together, the Euphrates and Tigris
- The climate of Baghdad is semiarid/steppe
- Travelers traveling form the east of Baghdad would have to travel past Xi'an, Lanzhou, Danhuang, then go through the through the dangerous Taklamakan Desert (some travelers wouldn't return after going through this desert), pass Bactra, Merv, Ray, Hanadan, and then would enter Baghdad!
- Travelers traveling from the west of Baghdad would have to go through the Mediterranean Sea, then pass through Antioch, and then would enter Baghdad!
Architecture
- Hospitals were first established in Muslim world
- House of Wisdom was an educational institution
Scientific breakthroughs
- Algebra was introduced to civilization by Al Khwarazmi
- Ophthalmology was written about in a book by Ibm al-Haytham
- treating illnesses
Visual Art
- Muslim abstract art, it was believed that human images would distract worshipers from praying
- geometric designs were an expression of the idea that unity and order exists everywhere at all times
Performing Arts
- Symphony Orchestra
- National theater for performances
Politics
Society
Economy
The language spoken is Arabic
The leader right now is Saddum Hussien
A major problem in Baghdad is war
The first leader in Baghdad is King Faysal Ist ( 1921-1933 )
The type of government is republican
The current currency in Baghdad is the Iraqi Dinar.
1 IQD = 2.8 USD
- Baghdad was the "hub of world trade" at this time
- Baghdad's role in Silk Road trade was to be the focal point of both maritime and caravan trade
- products that this area sold/exported were metal boxes, ceramic bowls, tiles, carpets, ext.
- Imports from Zanzibar: ivory, gold, spices
- Imports from India: printed cotton cloth
- Imports from the Persian Gulf: Pearls
- Imports from Ceylon: precious stones, silk, porcelain
- Bazaars in Baghdad provided food and drink for traders
- At bazaars, traders would learn about each others cultures
- Major businesses and industries today in Baghdad are, Petroleum refining, cement, cigarettes, and textiles
Clothing- Clothing in Baghdad is primarily traditional. Though western outfits or casuals clothes are still very seldom in Baghdad but they are slowly making their way in Baghdad wardrobe. Womans Clothing Traditional dress of Baghdad is a reflection of Iraqi technical skills, aesthetic and political ideals, moral standards, and religious values. Mens Clothing Men’s clothing in Baghdad includes undershirts and drawers, loose trousers, and a cotton or wool coat.
Food: Food includes yogurt, lamb, veggies, fruits and occasionally other meats or fishes.
Entertainment: South of the downtown district lies a relatively newer commercial area that features entertainment venues, cafés and restaurants, hotels, and fashionable upscale housing. Adjoining these commercial areas are older residential districts. There are also large tracts of public housing for low- and middle-income families.
Sports: Soccer