ISLAM
Resources – Harvard University Center for Middle Eastern Studies
Adam's World (#8) (Sound Vision ICNA 1991)
1/2" VHS 30 min color English
Adam’s World 1. "Sesame Street" type of show with amusing, informative sequences showing the diversity of Islam, its practices and beliefs.
Among the Non-believers (#26) (See Living Islam)
1947 partition of India...Muslims in Britain...Russia and Central Asia
Beirut to Bosnia (#18, 19) (Discovery Channel, 1993)
1/2” VHS 180 min color English
Robert Fiske, reporter for the Independent in England attributes the rise in Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism to West’s betrayal of Muslims. During a subjective, personal journey he introduces us to Muslims in the occupied territories, Lebanon, Egypt and Bosnia.
Part I. The Martyr’s Smile #18
Documents the guerilla war of Lebanon’s hezbollah and Islamic Jihad Movement to free Lebanon of Israeli occupation forces.
Part II: Road to Palestine #18
Displacement of Palestinians, Hamas, Israeli rule in Gaza and the settlers.
Part III: To the Ends of the Earth (Egypt/Gaza and Bosnia) #19
Muslims in Egypt feel betrayed by west.
The Boy and the King (#40) (Astrolabe Pictures, 1996)
1/2”VHS 78min color English
A children’s film of a legend about a boy
blessed with divine protection, adapted from an authentic narration of the
Prophet Muhammad.
The Bridge (#69) (Films for Humanities and Sciences, 1998)
1/2”VHS 50min color English
Lays out the role of Islamic culture in preserving important knowledge while the West was in the midst of the Dark Ages. It shows various parts of the Middle East and Europe including monuments, sites, libraries and universities.
Challenge of the Past (#30) (See Living Islam)
Al Andalus...Ottomans...Sufi...India...Pakistan
Choosing Islam (#35) (Sound Vision, 1993)
1/2”VHS 55min color English
Presents Islam to non-Muslims through the personal experience of those who have accepted it; a documentary collage of interviews and images.
Conquest of Muslim Spain (#49) (A&E, 1997)
1/2”VHS 30min color English
Brief account with commercials. 1st part of
video with Islam.
Dome of the Rock (see JERUSALEM #7)
Door to the
Sky (see MOTION
PICTURE, ARABIC #6)
Ecstatic Circle (#64) (Audio-Forum, 1992)
1/2”vhs 30 min color English
Call to prayer…washing…devishes, mystics of Islam…nice scenes of Turkey and society…little history…13th C Rumi…Maknowee order…dancing chanting etc…good video for introduction .
Faith of Islam (#22) (Maryknoll Video, 1988)
1/2” VHS 28min color English
Exploration of basic tenets of Islam with insight from Muslim religious leader and a Maryknoll missioner.
Fatih: Sultan Muhammad (#33) (Al-Fateh International, 1995)
1/2”VHS 116min color English
Full length animated cartoon tells the story of the famous Muslim ruler who captures Constantinople in 1453.
Foundations: The Prophet, the Book and the Desert (#13) (See Living Islam)
Includes central passion of Shia, the martyrdom of Ali.
Geometry, Symmetry and Order: Islamic Patterns in Persian Tradition (see ART #2)
The Glory and the Power: Fundamentalism Observed - Remaking the World (#11) (PBS, 1992)
1/2" VHS 58 min color English
The film concentrates on Islam in the Middle East.
The Great Moghuls (Landmark Films)
1/2”VHS 30 min each color English
Elaborate documentary series about six
generations of the Moghul Empire. Though they ruled with extravagance and
style, family life was full of treachery and murder. At the same time their
exquisite art and architecture was an extraordinary cultural achievement.
Akbar (#41) The Young Akbar (#43) Shah Jahan (#45) Babur (#42) Jahangir (#44) Aurangzeb (#46)
The Guests of God (#32) (Meridian Comm, 1991)
1/2”VHS 70min. color English
Video follows 2 converts to Islam, an Irish woman and German man on the pilgrimage to Mecca with their two children.
The Hajj: A Journey of Faith (#62) (CNN, 1998)
1/2”VHS 22 min color English
Hajj rituals are put into context and perspectives of US pilgrims offered.
The Hajj: Mission of A Lifetime (CNN,
1998)
1/2”VHS 22
min color English
Repetitive footage about CNN making the film.
The Hajj: Nightline (#48 ) (ABC News, 1997)
1/2”VHS 20 min color `English
Brief amd interesting pictorial introduction to the Hajj in Saudi Arabia by an American Muslim.
Hajj: the Fifth Pillar of Islam (#50) (Islamic Info Service, 1987)
1/2”VHS 60min color English
Description and ‘how to’ video.
Happy to be a Muslim (#36) (Sound Vision, 1990)
1/2”VHS 25min color English
Adam’s World 2. Visit to Turkey, shadow puppets in Muslim Spain, ablutions, basketball player.
I Am a Sufi, I Am a Muslim (#14) Films for the Humanitites & Sciences, 1996)
1/2”VHS 52 min color English
Introduces Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, in India, Pakistan, Turkey and Macedonia.
The Inner Life (#59) (Landmark, 1998)
1/2”VHS 25 min (each) color English
The role of Sufism, the mystical path of Islam, in Jerusalem, Egypt, Morocco and Iran.
Islam (Wisdom of Faith series) (#49) (PBS TV, 1996)
1/2”VHS 55min color English
In this segment of The Wisdom of Faith, Huston Smith, author of The World’s
Religions, talks wIth Bill Moyers about Islam on the 2nd half of the video.
First half-hour is Conquest of Muslim Spain.
Islam: a Closer Look (#34) (Sound Vision, 1994)
1/2”VHS 25min color English
Well known guests, Muslim and non-Muslim share their insight and experiences in a portrayal of Islamic beliefs and practices.
Islam: Empire of Faith (#70) (PBS, Gardner Films, 2000)
1/2”VHS 180min color English
Narrated by Ben Kingsley, this program tells the story of the first 1000 years of Islam from the birth of the Prophet Muhammed to the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, at the height of the Ottoman Empire. It uses historical re-enactments as well as interviews with scholars.
Islam: a Pictorial Essay (#3) (Islamic Text Society 1989?)
1/2" VHS 90 min color English
Beautiful still footage on video and a narration describe in depth the doctrine, faith, history, and culture of Islam.
Islam: An Introduction (#2) (Middle East Institute 1990)
1/2" VHS 23 min color English
Narrated, with still photographs, this video gives a good introduction to the faith and its history to the present day. Note: shares slides with A Common Ground. Excellent informational packet.
Islam in America (#6) (Monitor TV 1991)
1/2" VHS 50 min color English
The growth of Islam in the United States is explored with a look at its origins and the diversity of believers.
Islam in Tibet #27 (Fons Vitae, 19 )
1/2”VHS 30min color English
Tibetan Muslim man tells the story of Muslims in Tibet before the Chinese takeover; harmony between Buddhists and Muslims.
Islam Rising: The Quran and the American Dream #68 Films for the Humanities and Science, 2000
In the United States, Islam is a growing religion. This video traces the expansion of Islam in New York City as well as featuring the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Islam: the Faith and the People (#21) (United Learning, 1991)
1/2” VHS 20min color English
A very good, simple, brief introduction to Islam.
Islam: 600-1200 (The World: A Television History) (#10) (Bricomin Films, 1984)
1/2" VHS 60min color English
Part of a very good world history series. Begins with Byzantine and Persian Empires and goes on to cover the development and growth of Islam; Shia/Sunni split, Abbasids, Safavids.
(Note: Copied from Arts and Entertainment therefore commercial breaks)
Islamic Conversations: Women and Islam (see WOMEN #16)
Islamic Fundamentalism and Democracy (#20) (KETC St. Louis, 1993)
1/2” VHS 60min color English
NPR’s Scott Simon focuses on two powerful forces shaping the modern Arab world; democracy and Islamic fundamentalism. Includes interview with Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman.
The Janissaries (see TURKEY #17)
Jihad in America (#20) (SAE Prod. WGBH, Boston, 1994)
1/2” VHS 60min color English
(Second half of video) Journalist Steven Emerson reports on the rhetoric and operating styles of militant Islamic fundamentalists in the USA. Includes interviews with moderates of different opinions.
Journey of Faith (#15) (Cable News Network, 1997)
1/2”VHS 60 min color English
Very good video on Islam and the Hajj.
Knowledge of the Word (#58) (Landmark, 1998)
1/2”VHS 25 min (each) color English
This video covers the contributions of Islam
to the dark ages in Europe, when it bridged the gap between Europe and the
knowledge of ancient Greece and the Muslim world.
Last Crusade (#24) (See Living Islam)
Gulf War...cultural colonialism...Zionists...Hamas in Palestine
Let’s Pray (#37) (Sound Vision, 1990)
1/2”VHS 25min color English
A children’s video that teaches Muslims of
all ages the basics of prayer. Uses Adam, a puppet, as well as animation and
people.
Living Islam (Ambrose Video Pub. Inc., 1987)
1/2”VHS 45 min (each) color English
Part I. Foundations: The Prophet, the Book and the Desert (#13)
Includes central passion of Shia, the martyrdom of Ali.
Part II. Challenge of the Past (#30)
Al Andalus...Ottomans...Sufi...India...Pakistan
Part III. Struggling With Modernity (#25)
Disintegration...11th-13thC crusades...Mongols...struggle with modernity
Part IV. The Muslim Family (Paradise Lies at the Feet of the Mother) (#31)
Shia recreation of Hussein’s death...balance between religion and society...Egypt and family...influence of Hinduism in Java...Muslim saints...rights of women
Part V. Among the Non-believers (#26)
1947 partition of India...Muslims in Britain...Russia and Central Asia
Part VI. Last Crusade (#24)
Gulf War...cultural colonialism...Zionists...Hamas in Palestine
Man and Nature (#56) (Landmark, 1998)
1/2”VHS 25 min (each) color English
Examples from different parts of the Islamic world of man’s cooperation with the forces of nature.
Mecca: The Forbidden City (#1) (Iranfilm Studios n.d.)
1/2" VHS 50 min color English
Pilgrims arrive from all over the world to perform the Hajj, taking place in Medina, Muna and Mecca. Very informative pictorially, but old print is quite worn.
The Message: the Story of Islam (see MOTION PICTURE #9,10)
Moslem World (#4) (Educ. Design Inc 1990)
1/2" VHS 30 min color English
Islam's Bond and Breath, Legacy, Life and Leisure, Winds of Change. (TG)
Mosque (#23) (Maryknoll, 1992)
1/2” VHS 28 min color English
Filmed in Cairo, this film provides non-Muslims with a respectful introduction to Islam.
Muhammad, the Last Messenger (#29) (Islamic Books & Tapes Society)
1/2”VHS 45min color English
Narrated documentary about Muhammad and his influence on the history of civilization.
The Muslim Family (Paradise Lies at the Feet of the Mother) (#31) (See Living Islam)
Shia recreation of Hussein’s death...balance between religion and society...Egypt and family...influence of Hinduism in Java...Muslim saints...rights of women
Muslims in America: the Misunderstood Millions (#61) (ABC News, 1995)
The Nation of Islam in Boston (#9) (WGBH, PBS, 1993)
1/2" VHS 30 min color English
One of the first "Say Brother" programs on African-American participation in the Nation of Islam in Boston is repeated with current perspective.
Nomad and the City (#55) (Landmark, 1998)
1/2”VHS 25 min (each) color English
Scenes of the nomadic life of Berbers, Bedouins and Turkoman people are contrasted with the urban dwellers of Sana in Yemen and Fez in Morocco.
O Protector of the Gazelles (#63) (unknown, nd)
1/2”VHS 25 min color No narrative
Practices of the Shia Muslims and Sufi in Iran.
The Patterns of Beauty (#57) (Landmark, 1998)
1/2”VHS 25 min (each) color English
The unique visual arts of the Islamic world ,calligraphy, painting and the architecture of Ottoman Turkey and Mughal India.
A Practical Guide to Performing the Hajj (#28) (World Assembly Muslim Youth, 1995)
1/2”VHS 91 min color English
Very thorough and interesting introduction to the pilgrimage at Mecca. Details about performance and symbolism.
Ramadan (#16) (Schlessinger Video Prod., 1996)
1/2”VHS 25 min color English
For grades k-4, an introduction to Islam, Muhammad, the 5 pillars and the meaning of the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan: a Fast of Faith (#67) (Filmmakers IE Entertainment, 1997) 1/2”VHS 52 min color English
Filmed in Java and Sumatra, this film tells the story of the month long fast through the eyes of a young couple. Good detail on observances and the reflections of the people fasting.
Ramadan Mubarak (#60) (Sound Vision, 1997)
1.2”VHS 35 min color English
Number 9 in the “Adam’s World” series for children, this film explains the importance of fasting on the holiday of Ramadan.
Saints and Spirits (#39) (First Run/Icarus, 1979)
1/2”VHS 26min color English & Subtitles
Film explores the personal dimensions of Islam during 3 religious events in Morocco.
Subtitles are not always clear.
Salat: How to Perform Daily Prayers (#51) (Islamic Info Service, 1986)
1/2”VHS 60min color English
Description and ‘how to’ video.
The Secret Mecca (#66) (Centre Nationale de la Cinematographie, 1997)
1/2”VHS 54min color English
The film traces a group of pilgrims through all the steps of the Hajj, and looks behind the scene at the preparation it demands. Also succinctly tells the story of Muahammad and the teachings of Islam.
Siege of Constantinople (see TURKEY #16)
Shahada: Declaration of Faith (#52) (Islamic Info Service, 1986)
1/2”VHS 60min color English
Description and ‘how to’ video.
Spanish Muslims (see SPAIN #2)
Story of Islam (#5) (MPI Home Video 1983)
1/2# VHS 120 min color/b&w English
An introduction to the culture, philosophy, and staples of the Islamic way of life.
Struggling With Modernity (#25) (See Living Islam)
Disintegration...11th-13thC crusades...Mongols...struggle with modernity
Sword of Islam (#12) (Granada 1987)
1/2”VHS 55 min color English
Part I follows the growth of militant Islam in Egypt and Iran...1977 Bread Riots in Egypt Egypt / Israel Peace Treaty. (See New Yorker article on Mahfouz and the Fundamentalists)
Part II goes to Lebanon in 1984...Iran and Shiites and Ashura ceremony ...Israeli invasion
Syam: Fasting During Ramadan (#53) (Islamic Info Service, 1986)
1/2”VHS 60min color English
Description and ‘how to’ video.
Take Me to the Kaba (#38) (Sound Vision. 1992)
1/2”VHS 25min color English
Adam’s World 4. Puppet, animation and humans take children to Islam’s sacred mosques, explains Hajj and Kaba.
Thursday at the Lodge of the Helveti-Gerrahi Order in Istanbul (#17) (Leif Stenberg, 1997)
1/2”VHS 120 min color Music/No Narrative
Video taken by CMES Visiting Scholar of the worship service at a Sufi lodge.Excellent for Sufi study.
Traditional World of Islam (#54-59) (Landmark, 1998)
1/2”VHS 25 min (each) color English
This is a six part series first made for the World of Islam Festival in London in the late 1980s. In 1998 it was put on video. Below are the titles of the 6 parts. The annotations for each title are listed under their separate parts.
Unity (#54) Nomad and the City (#55) Man and Nature (#56)
Pattern of Beauty (#57) Knowledge of the Word (#58) The Inner Life (#59)
Unity (#54) (Landmark, 1998)
1/2”VHS 25 min (each) color English
Shot in Africa and the ME it introduces some
of the basic ideas of Islamic civilization.
Women in Islam: Parts I & II (see WOMEN #4A, 4B)
Zakat: Community Tax (#47) (Islamic Info Service, 1986)
1/2”VHS 60min color English
Description and ‘how to’ video.
MIDDLE EAST (31) reuse #15
Ancient and Modern: The Fall and Rise of the Middle East (#11) (Ency. Brit. 1985)
1/2" VHS 25 min color English
Technology and tradition coexist in an uneasy alliance.
Ancient Journeys: Mongol Hordes, Storm From the East (#20)
1/2”VHS 60 min color English
Dramatic reenactment of Mongol invasion into the ancient Middle East.
Ancient Warriors: the Janissaries (#23) Learning Channel, 1990)
1/2” VHS 25 min color English
Fifteenth century army of slaves were recruited from the Balkans to be loyal military force for the sultan; includes material on the Crusades. (1st part of video)
Captains and Kings: Authority in the Middle East (#10) (Ency. Brit. 1985)
1/2" VHS 25 min color English
Film looks at historical and cultural reasons for autocracy's dominance in the Middle East.
A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia (#17) (WNET,
Anglia Films, 1992)
1/2”VHS 90 min color English
Interesting picture of Arab history before and after WWI
A Dangerous Man: Lawrence of Arabia:the Sequel (#18) (WNET, Anglia Films, 1992)
1/2” VHS 10min color English
10 min. sequel to #17 with archive footage
Edward Said on Orientalism (#31) (Executive Productions, 1998)
1/2”VHS 40 min color English
Narrated by Professor Sut Jhally of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, this is an interview with Prof. Edward Said of Columbia University on his idea of Orientalism – the 19th/20th century western perception of Islam and the Arab world.
Lawrence of Arabia (#24) (BBC, 1990)
1/2” VHS 120min color English
Well done biography with much archive footage.
Lifting the Fog: Intrigue in the Middle East (#5) (Maljack Prod. Inc., 1991)
1/2”VHS 90min color English
The film documents the behind the scenes deals between international power brokers and the forces that have dragged the region into a perpetual state of conflict.
Middle East (#25, 26) (Landmark, 1992)
1/2” VHS 60min each) color English
Part I. 1900-1956 From the end of the Ottoman Empire to the Suez Crisis
Part II. 1956-1991 From the Suez Crisis to the Gulf War
The Middle East: A Unit of Study (United Learning 1986 rev.)
1/2" VHS 75 min color English
"A broad understanding of the Middle East region, from the emergence of early civilization to the present" through slides on video and narration.
1. A Region of Contrasts & Birthplace of Religions (#1)
2. History & Arab/Israeli Conflict & Nomadic and Village Life (#2)
3. City Life in the Middle East & Economy of the Middle East Region
& Middle East Politics and International Relations (#3)
The Middle East: Beyond the Headlines Lies Understanding (#13) (Ency. Brit. 1985)
1/2" VHS 25 min color English
This is an introduction, useful as a brief overview of the Middle East, to a 15 part series put out by Britannica, of which we have the following:
1. The Middlemen (MIDDLE EAST) 6. Captains and Kings (MIDDLE EAST)
2. The Torchbearers (MIDDLE EAST) 7. Sects and Violence (RELIGION)
3. Family Matters (FAMILY) 8. Ancient and Modern (MIDDLE EAST)
4. New Frontiers (MIDDLE EAST) 9. The Story of Oil (PETROLEUM)
12 Revolution (IRAN) 14 Identity: Lebanon (LEBANON)
The Middle East in Transition (#22) (So Ctr for International Studies, 1994)
1/2” VHS 50 min color English
Five part series featuring excerpts from meetings of former U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense. Parts average 10 minutes. Includes comprehensive teacher’s guide.
The Middlemen: the Pivotal Role of the Middle East (#4) (Ency. Brit. 1985)
1/2" VHS 25 min color English
A search for an understanding of the area's turmoil.
Mongol Onslaught (#27) (Network TV, 1984)
1/2” VHS 30 min color English
Dramatic reenactment from The World: a
TV History series. (Includes
Ottoman Empire)
New Frontiers: the Middle East Following World War I (#8) (Ency. Brit. 1985)
1/2" VHS 25 min color English
Focuses on the major historical sources of Middle East tension: the redrawing of the region's map by European powers.
On the Incense Route (#28) (BBC, 1993)
1/2”VHS 48min color English
One in the series Legendary Trails this film traces the old incense route from Oman through Yemen and up the Red Sea to Jordan (Petra). Entertaining and informative young woman narrator.
The Ottoman Empire: 1280-1683 (#21) (Network TV, Goldcrest TV, Bricomm Film. 1984)
1/2”VHS 30min color English
From the series The World: A Television History. Very interesting introduction to the period from 12th to 17th century. (see MIDDLE EAST #27, includes Mongol Onslaught)
Revolution, Fundamentalism, and Democracy (#14) (MCET-TV 1992)
1/2" VHS 45 min color English
Part 6 of a series in which Harvard professors present their subject to HS students through interactive television. In this segment, Houchang Chehabi covers the different paths taken by Arab countries, Iran and Turkey since 1975; the strength of fundamentalism in each, and the prospect of democracy in each.
The Secret Files: Washington, Israel, and the Gulf (#16) (Wash.Post and WETA 1992)
1/2" VHS 60 min color English
Ben Bradlee narrates the complex relationship between these three areas since before W W II.
The Silk Road I: (#19) (Discovery, 1990)
1/2”VHS 60 min color English
“In Search of Wisdom” and “Road to Persepolis”, how Iran straddled the trade route of the silk road. Very good footage of Iran – Persepolis and Isfahan, also the ashura ceremony, carpet weaving, medieval fortresses etc.
Suleyman the Magnificent (#29) (Nat’l Gallery & Met, 1987)
1/2”VHS 57min color English
Beautiful film exploring the palaces and mosques of the Ottoman Empire and focusing on the 16th century Sultan Suleyman.
The Torchbearers: Bridging the Dark Area (#6) (Ency. Brit. 1985)
1/2" VHS 25 min color English
Learning and culture in the Islamic Empire from the 6th to the 14th century.
The True
Collector (see
Art #4)
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