How was food grown?
Farming was important for growing food in the early Islamic civilisation.
- Baghdad was built close to the Rivers Tigris and Euphrates which meant lots of crops could be grown and watered.
- Wheat and semolina were often grown for food.
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Baghdad was on the Silk Trade route.
Other goods such as spices, silk and perfume came from other parts of the world.
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What was the most common food?
People ate food like dates, honey, fish and milk.
Spices like cumin, tarragon, mint and caraway were used in dishes.
Richer people ate meat such as lamb and goat.
Certain foods like pork and drinking alcohol weren't allowed.
Some popular dishes included:
- Tharid - meat broth with breadcrumbs on top
- Asida - a porridge flavoured with dates or honey
- Zulabiyya - a sweet fritter dessert
- Luqam - a fried sweet pastry served with syrup
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How do we know what people ate?
Caliphs hosted grand banquets in their palaces with lots of food and music.
A writer who went by the name al-Warrāq wrote an Arabic cookbook in the 9th century called Kitab al-Tabikh (The Book of Dishes). It has recipes used for the courts of the Abbasid Caliphate (AD750 - 1258) in Baghdad.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims would fast (not eat or drink) during the hours of daylight. At the end of Ramadan, people celebrated with lots of food and gifts.
Muslims around the world today still participate in Ramadan and celebrate its end during Eid ul-Fitr.
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Activity: Quiz – Early Islamic food
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Help Dr Chris, Dr Xand and Dr Ronx explore the hospital to find all of Billy’s missing bones. Collect power ups and rib-tickling facts. But watch out for the snot zombies!
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