Video summary
Two Islamic merchants, Jafar and Salma, are signed up for this makeover show parody.
Pupils are introduced to traditional male and female attire and fashion accessories as a merchant and his wife prepare to take up a prestigious invitation to the House of Wisdom in Baghdad.
Bonus fashion tips fill in background to the society, such as the importance of modesty, how to keep cool, and following the teachings of the Qur'an.
This short film is from the BBC series, History of Early Civilisations - Islam. Through parodies of reality TV shows, this series introduces different aspects of life in the Islamic Golden Age, circa AD900.
Teacher Notes
Research a range of Islamic modes of dress AD900 and compare/contrast these with fashion in Britain in the same era.
Compile a class glossary of Islamic terms and create a crossword with definitions.
Create own Islamic fashion show across all levels of society, with commentary.
Prepare museum displays of these outfits, with captions.
Compare and contrast British society in parallel times.
Explore the influence on our own history and society of early Islamic civilisation.
Create an Islamic fashion catalogue.
This short film is suitable for teaching history at Key Stages 2 and 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Second and Third Level in Scotland.
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