XIsD and XIsJ recently concluded their in-depth study of the medieval Islamic world, each taking a different approach to exploring its rich history through research, writing, and creativity.

Both groups developed theses and wrote essays on One Thousand and One Arabian Nights, analyzing its themes and significance. XIsD then transformed selected tales into scripts, bringing Shahrazad’s legendary storytelling to life in a spirited performance—complete with costumes, props, and live music by Rafi. Their study culminated in projects showcasing medieval Islamic achievements, including handmade books, a drawing of medieval Baghdad, models of mosques and the Alhambra, a functional trebuchet built in collaboration with Art class, a fashion magazine, a poetry newspaper, a calligraphy film, a trade-based board game, and even a cooking demonstration of a medieval Baghdadi recipe.

XIsJ took a different path, performing original skits earlier in the year inspired by the tales of Sinbad. Their research projects focused on the city of Baghdad, where they studied key locations, wrote descriptive paragraphs, and created models and maps. They also explored the contributions of medieval Islamic scholars, presenting their findings through detailed posters.

Though their tracks varied, both groups deepened their understanding of the era’s literature, culture, and achievements. Their work was a testament to the power of storytelling and inquiry in bringing history to life.