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About Arab

Arab is a word used to identify a certain cultural group or ethnicity. The Arab culture began in the 2nd century spreading from the Middle East. Though, Arabic language is actually older than the culture associated with it. The word Arab is usually defined as a religious identity which predates Islam. The Arabic language was used to write the Qur’an. Politically speaking an Arab is anyone from a country where Arabic is either the national language or one of the official languages. Arabic culture has spread around the world, but the largest population is still in the Middle East. Words associated with Arab are harem, sheik, or sultan. These words are often applied to the types of costumes available as well as from past “dynasties.” Though, Sheik is still used today to describe a person of power either political or monetarily speaking. Aladdin is a good example of a fictional look into the Arabian culture of the past.

Dressing up as Arab

We mentioned a few costume ideas above such as Sheik, Harem, Belly Dancer, Genie, or even Jasmine. These costume ideas fit under the Arab concept. To begin with Sheik you would need a robe in any color. To go over the robe would be another robe or cloak style costume piece. This would need to contrast with the main robe. To complete the Sheik a head piece is appropriate. The headpiece is made with a cloth to cover most of the head, with a band around the top to hold it in place. A sultan which is also a male costume would have loose fitting pants, tight at the ankles and waist, a belt, with a long sleeve loose fitting shirt. A turban or Arab headpiece would then be needed along with fake weapons. For females a Harem costume or Jasmine might be most appropriate. For both you would need loosing fitting pants of a sheer material. The pants would be tight on the waist, and at the ankles, knit shoes with a rounded point on the end would complete the bottom of the costume. For the top a sheer shirt from the mid- drift up to a rounded collar and long sleeves would be appropriate. A crown or other headpiece could also be added.