What is the Origin of the Word Sudan?
The word Sudan is the plural of the word "black". Arabs used it to refer to black people in general, all areas where black people live, and the inhabitants of the region. Thus, the Arab geographers' definition in the seventh century AH applies to areas stretching from the Red Sea in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. After the frequent Arab migrations to North and East Africa in the 8th century AH, the meaning of Sudan changed and was limited to the Middle Nile Basin and its major tributaries and the surrounding lands. The lands south of Egypt, which took the name Sudan at the beginning of the 20th century, include the banks of the Nile River. At the same time, the Ottomans (Ms. 1821) and the British (Ms. 1899) began to come to these lands, which are now under the sovereignty of the Republic of Sudan. Sudan has attracted attention with its fertile lands, abundant water and animal husbandry, as well as mineral resources such as gold.
Sudan Geography
The State of Sudan is located in the northeastern part of the African continent. Its territory extends from the Wadi Halfa region on both sides of the Nile to the city of Namli at latitude 22°N, latitude 40_3°S. Sudan is the largest country in Africa in terms of area, before being divided into two countries as South and North, with a total area of about 1,400 miles with its northern and southern borders, as well as an area of about 1000 miles between east and west and in some areas about one million square miles. . As for neighboring countries; Egypt in the north of Sudan; Libya, Chad and Central Africa to the west; Uganda, Congo and Kenya in the south; In the east, it borders Ethiopia and Eritrea and has a coast on the Red Sea. These borders are before the separation of South Sudan in 2011. In terms of size, geographic diversity and population, Sudan represents a microcosm of the entire African continent. To the north and east inhabit the Nubian and Arabian tribes and the Beja tribes; there are African tribes and a few Arab tribes to the south and west. Most of the Sudanese people follow the religion of Islam, the official religion of the state; therefore Sudan is considered as the link between Africa and Arab countries.
Men's Clothing in Sudan
Men wear a dress known as galabias, worn by all Sudanese people. In order to move comfortably, methods such as widening the collar of the dress and adding a pocket on the upper left side of the back are used. A similar style is applied with the Baggara group belonging to the Mahdi sect. There is also a large sleeved jalabiya for men's clothing and a caftan with side holes for riding convenience. Another dress is the light-colored "عراقي", which is worn directly on the body, named with this name because it absorbs sweat. Baggara men also wrap a turban around the head, usually white and directly covering the head, with the end of the turban hanging down to part of the shoulders or chest (العذبة). There is also a local shoe called (المركُوب) made of various types of leather, including cowhide, tiger skin, snakeskin. Baggars like to use walking sticks, especially for decoration, they carry a wide-bladed knife (سكين الضُراع) made of bamboo stick, which is called "short blade" when spear hunting or decorating (الرمح/ الحربه) inside the sheath at the left waist. They also wear an amulet (الحجاب/ التميمه الحجاب/ التميمه) wrapped in animal skin and wrapped around the arm or attached to the neck, during battle or for protection against injury and jealousy.
Sudanese Women Dressing
Words denoting folk costumes for any of the peoples of the world are an important component of historical and cultural heritage. Sudanese women's dresses; many designs benefit from the reflections of motifs and attachments that produce accessories. However, it reflects a certain cultural identity. Sudanese women's clothing is not limited to Sudanese cities, as these clothing are very popular in many countries in the region. But of course; There are slight differences in various aspects such as wearing, material and colour. Sudanese women's clothing is worn around the woman's body and some of it covers her head. Moreover, Sudanese women can choose a dress or skirt and blouse that match the color of the dress, shoes and handbag to complement the elegance with other accessories. Working women sometimes wear a pure white dress with colorful stripes and patterns. In the event of her husband's death, instead of wearing black as a symbol of sadness and mourning, a woman continues to wear a white dress made of natural cotton as a mourning dress during all days of mourning.
As a result, clothing is a tool that still maintains its social importance today. No matter what kind of society it is, clothing is an indispensable cultural element. clothes; It should be protected because it is a part of national culture and reflects the character of the country. In addition, the style of clothing and clothing varies from country to country depending on the climate, religion, customs and traditions and environment in which the society is located. Today, tendency to nudity or wannabe behavior is observed from time to time in industrial societies. Rather than being influenced by Western societies, we must adhere to the traditions of our religion and our full Islamic identity valid for all times and places.
