Ziryab's Cultural Impact Quiz

Ziryab's Cultural Impact

• Ziryab, a figure admired for his manners and intelligence, introduced cultural practices from the Middle East to the royal court of Córdoba.
• These practices, including food, fashion, and hygiene, continue to influence society today.

Food

• Ziryab introduced new vegetables like asparagus.
• He introduced recipes from Baghdad.
• Ziryab established the use of tablecloths and glassware, and how to set a table with three courses.

Fashion

• Ziryab introduced shorter hairstyles and new clothing styles.
• He introduced the idea of different clothing for each season & time of day (e.g. warm cotton in winter, light materials in summer).
• Bright/dark colors were used depending on the season as well.

Hygiene

• Ziryab invented a pleasant-tasting toothpaste.
• He developed new underarm deodorant, perfumes, cosmetics, and hair conditioners.
• Ziryab's innovations improved the process of personal hygiene, including shaving.

Musical Legacy

• Ziryab set up one of the first music colleges in Europe, which accepted both women and men.
• He encouraged the development of new musical sounds and styles, mixing Spanish/Islamic music, resulting in new instruments/dances.
• His eight sons and two daughters were also renowned musicians.
• Ziryab's music profoundly influenced medieval European music, affecting minstrels and troubadours.
• Flamenco, a Spanish dance using the oud as a guitar, exemplifies this influence.