SUBMITTED BY: MUTEE UL HAQ (TD 20)
SUBMITTED TO: MAAM MUQADAS LARAIB USHA
TOPIC: MIDDLE EAST IN 1900S
MIDDLE EAST IN 1900s
FASHION IN MIDDLE EAST
TRADITIONAL CLOTHING
Traditional garments in the Middle East during the 1900s varied across different countries and
regions. Here are a few notable examples:
THOBE
The thobe, also known as a dishdasha, was a prevalent attire for men across the
Arabian Peninsula. It is a loose, ankle-length garment made of lightweight fabric
and was often worn with a head covering, such as a keffiyeh or a ghutra.
ABAYA
The abaya is a flowing, black cloak worn by women, particularly in Gulf
countries. While it is commonly associated with modern times, its origins
can be traced back to the early 1900s.
KAFTAN
The kaftan is a loose, robe-like garment that gained popularity among both men and
women in various Middle Eastern countries. It featured intricate embroideries, vibrant
colors, and rich fabrics, reflecting the region's cultural diversity.
Influence of Western Fashion
Throughout the 1900s, there was a growing influence of Western fashion in the
Middle East, primarily due to increased contact with European countries. Here are
a few ways in which this influence manifested:
Adoption of European Styles
Wealthier individuals in urban areas began incorporating European elements into
their wardrobes. Men started wearing tailored suits, while women embraced
fashionable dresses, hats, and gloves.
Influence of Hollywood
The rise of the cinema industry introduced Middle Eastern audiences to
glamorous Hollywood stars. This led to a fascination with Western fashion trends, prompting
people to emulate the styles of famous actors and actresses.
Islamic Revival
The early 1900s witnessed a cultural and religious revival in many Middle Eastern countries,
resulting in a renewed interest in traditional Islamic values and clothing. This period marked
the emergence of several trends:
Modernized Traditional Attire
Traditional clothing styles were adapted to align with the Islamic principles of modesty.
Women started wearing looser-fitting abayas and headscarves, while men began favoring longer
and more modest versions of the thobe.
Embroideries and Patterns
Intricate embroideries and detailed patterns became an essential part of traditional
Middle Eastern attire, reflecting cultural heritage and craftsmanship
ART MOVEMENT IN MIDDLE EAST
Orientalism
Orientalism emerged in the 19th century but had a lasting impact on Middle Eastern art in
the early 20th century.
Western artists depicted the Middle East through exoticized and romanticized
representations, often reinforcing stereotypes.
Middle Eastern artists, such as Osman Hamdi Bey, responded to Orientalism by
incorporating elements of modernity while preserving their cultural identity.
The Hurufiyya Movement
The Hurufiyya Movement originated in the 1960s, primarily in Iraq and later spread to other
parts of the Middle East.
Artists focused on Arabic calligraphy as a primary form of artistic expression.
They explored the visual and symbolic potential of Arabic letters, creating abstract
compositions that merged traditional Islamic calligraphy with modern art techniques.
The Alexandria School
The Alexandria School emerged in Egypt during the mid-20th century.
It was a group of artists and intellectuals who sought to establish a new artistic
language rooted in the local environment and social context.
Influenced by European modernism, the Alexandria School artists incorporated elements of
folklore, traditional crafts, and Egyptian identity into their work.
The Iranian Contemporary Art Movement
In Iran, the contemporary art movement began in the 1940s and gained momentum in the
1960s.
Artists, such as Farhad Moshiri and Shirin Neshat, challenged traditional norms and
explored social, political, and cultural issues.
The movement encompassed various mediums, including painting, photography,
installation, and video art, and gained international recognition.
The Palestinian Art Movement
The Palestinian art movement emerged as a response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
and the Palestinian struggle for statehood.
Artists expressed their experiences of displacement, identity, and resistance through
their artwork.
Mixed media, installation art, and street art have become prominent mediums for
Palestinian artists to convey their messages.
TEXTILE DESIGN IN MIDDLE EAST
Traditional Craftsmanship and Patterns
Persian/Iranian Carpets
Persian carpets are renowned worldwide for their exquisite craftsmanship and
intricate designs. During the early 1900s, Persian rugs were hand-knotted using high-
quality wool or silk, and they featured elaborate patterns inspired by nature, such as
floral motifs, geometric shapes, and intricate medallions.
Ottoman Turkish Calligraphy
Ottoman Turkey had a strong tradition of calligraphy, which was considered a
highly respected art form. Skilled calligraphers produced intricate Arabic and
Persian scripts, often adorning important documents, manuscripts, and architectural
elements such as mosques and palaces.
Moroccan Zellige Tiles
Moroccan architecture is famous for its vibrant and colorful zellige tiles. During the
early 1900s, these tiles were meticulously handcrafted and used to decorate walls,
floors, and fountains. They featured geometric patterns and motifs inspired by
nature, with vibrant colors such as blue, green, yellow, and white.
Egyptian Mashrabiya
Mashrabiya refers to the intricate latticework screens or windows commonly found in
traditional Egyptian architecture. Crafted from wood, these screens were carved with geometric
patterns, creating a delicate interplay of light and shadow. They provided privacy while
allowing airflow and natural light to enter the buildings.
Lebanese Mosaic
Lebanese artisans were known for their exceptional skills in creating mosaic
artworks. Mosaics were made by arranging small, colorful tiles or glass pieces into
intricate patterns and designs. These mosaics adorned walls, floors, and architectural
elements, and they often depicted floral motifs, geometric patterns, and religious
symbols.
Palestinian Embroidery
Palestinian embroidery, also known as "tatreez," was a traditional craft practiced by
Palestinian women. They would hand-stitch intricate patterns and motifs onto clothing,
such as dresses, scarves, and cushion covers. These designs often featured geometric
patterns, floral motifs, and symbols representing Palestinian culture and heritage
Influence of Traditional Techniques:
Agriculture and Irrigation
Agriculture was a vital part of the economy in the Middle East, and traditional techniques played
a crucial role in farming practices. Techniques such as qanats (underground channels for water
transportation) and falaj (gravity-fed irrigation systems) were used to efficiently
distribute water to crops. Many farmers relied on traditional knowledge passed down
through generations to cultivate their lands.
Handicrafts and Artisanal Skills
Traditional crafts and artisanal skills thrived in the early 1900s. Skilled artisans
created intricate pottery, carpets, textiles, metalwork, and woodwork using age-old
techniques. These crafts represented both cultural heritage and a source of income
for many people in the region.
Traditional Medicine
In the early 1900s, traditional medicine still played a significant role in
healthcare in the Middle East. Herbal remedies, traditional healing practices,
and the knowledge of local healers were relied upon by communities.
Although Western medicine was also making inroads, traditional techniques
persisted and were trusted by many.
Traditional Clothing and Fashion
Traditional clothing styles and fashion continued to be an essential part of daily life in the
Middle East during this period. People wore garments like thobes, abayas, kaftans, and turbans,
which varied in style and design across different regions. Traditional weaving and embroidery
techniques were used to create intricate patterns and designs on fabrics.
Geometric designs
Persian Carpets
Persian carpets have a long history in the Middle East, and they are renowned for
their exquisite craftsmanship and intricate designs. Many Persian carpets feature
geometric patterns, including repeating motifs such as medallions, arabesques,
and floral elements. These designs often convey symbolic meanings and reflect
the cultural and religious influences of the region.
Mosaic Art
Geometric patterns also found expression in mosaic art throughout the Middle East. Mosaic
works adorned the interiors and exteriors of buildings, creating stunning visual displays. The use
of geometric shapes such as squares, triangles, and hexagons allowed for the creation of complex
and visually captivating designs.
Woodwork and Calligraphy
Geometric patterns were often incorporated into traditional Middle Eastern woodwork,
creating intricate latticework screens and panels. These designs, along with Arabic
calligraphy, were used to decorate doors, windows, and furniture, combining both artistic and
functional elements.
Pottery and Ceramics
Geometric designs were commonly seen in Middle Eastern pottery and ceramics. Artists
utilized geometric motifs to create patterns and intricate arrangements, often using vibrant
colors. Examples include the famous blue and white geometric patterns found in Persian and
Turkish ceramics.
Textile and Embroidery
Geometric designs were also prevalent in Middle Eastern textiles and embroidery.
Traditional garments, such as kaftans and abayas, featured geometric patterns, which
were often enhanced with intricate embroidery using silk threads and metallic
embellishments
ARCHITECTURE IN MIDDLE EAST
Early 20th Century Influences
The early 1900s marked a transition in the Middle East's architectural style due to increased
contact with the Western world.
Influences from Europe, particularly the Art Deco and Neo-Classical styles, started appearing in
the region's buildings.
Notable examples include the Cairo Opera House in Egypt and the Tehran University Main
Campus in Iran.
Islamic Architecture Revival
During the mid-20th century, there was a renewed interest in Islamic architecture,
drawing inspiration from traditional designs.
Arabesque motifs, intricate geometric patterns, and the use of local materials became
prominent features.
The Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco, and the State Mosque in Kuwait
City, Kuwait, are examples of this revival.
Modernism and Urban Development
The 1950s and 1960s witnessed a wave of modernist architecture in the Middle East.
Governments invested in urban development projects and embraced modern designs
to showcase progress and modernization.
Iconic structures such as the Kuwait Towers in Kuwait and the Cairo Tower in Egypt
emerged during this period.
Skyscrapers and Futuristic Architecture
From the late 20th century onwards, the Middle East saw an explosion of
ambitious skyscraper projects and futuristic designs.
Dubai, in particular, became known for its skyline dominated by awe-
inspiring structures like the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab.
These buildings not only symbolized economic prosperity but also pushed
the boundaries of architectural innovation.
Sustainable Architecture
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainable architecture in the Middle
East.
Given the region's extreme climate, architects have focused on energy-efficient
design, water conservation, and use of renewable materials.
Examples include Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, UAE, which aims to be carbon-neutral,
and the Qatar National Convention Center, designed with sustainable features.
Preservation of Heritage
Despite the rapid development, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the
Middle East's architectural heritage.
Renovation projects, such as the restoration of historic city centers like Aleppo in
Syria and Sana'a in Yemen, highlight the importance of preserving cultural
identity.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Petra in Jordan and the Old City of Jerusalem
also serve as reminders of the region's rich architectural legacy.
INVENTIONS IN MIDDLE EAST
The Qanat System (1900s)
Our journey starts with an ancient invention that predates the 20th century but played a
significant role in shaping the Middle East's development. The Qanat system,
also known as the underground aqueduct, revolutionized water management in
arid regions. This ingenious system enabled the transportation and distribution
of water over long distances, allowing for agricultural development, population growth, and
urban expansion.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) (1960s):
In the 1960s, the concept of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was introduced by
Dr. Roger Tomlinson, a pioneer in the field, who was born in England but spent much of
his career in Canada and the Middle East. GIS revolutionized spatial data analysis and
mapping, becoming an essential tool in fields such as urban planning, environmental
management, and disaster response. Today, GIS technology is widely used across the
globe, including in the Middle East, to make informed decisions based on spatial data.
Artificial Heart (1980s)
The Middle East has also made significant contributions to medical science. In the
1980s, Dr. Magdi Yacoub, an Egyptian-born surgeon, led a team at Harefield Hospital in
London to develop the first successful artificial heart. This groundbreaking invention
paved the way for advancements in cardiovascular medicine and provided hope for
patients suffering from heart failure worldwide.
Palm Computing (1990s)
The 1990s witnessed a revolution in personal computing with the
introduction of the Palm Pilot, a handheld personal digital assistant (PDA)
developed by Jeff Hawkins, an American entrepreneur. However, what
many people may not know is that Jeff Hawkins drew inspiration from the
ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic numbering system, showcasing the
influence of the Middle East's historical achievements on modern
technology.
Al Jazeera (1996)
In the realm of media and communication, the Middle East made a significant
impact with the establishment of Al Jazeera in 1996. This Qatari-based news
network introduced a fresh perspective to the global media landscape,
providing a platform for diverse voices and alternative narratives. Al Jazeera's
coverage of events in the Middle East and beyond has played a crucial role in
shaping public opinion and promoting freedom of information.
Dubai's Burj Khalifa (2010)
No exploration of the Middle East's inventions would be complete without
mentioning the Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Standing at a
staggering height of 828 meters, it is the tallest building in the world. The
construction of this architectural marvel showcased the region's engineering prowess and pushed
the boundaries of what was deemed possible in skyscraper construction.
