Welcome and Video Introduction

Video Introduction
The Rise of the Modern in Early 20th Century Baghdad and London - How to Use Photographs to Explain Change
       

Photo No. 1  Transitions to Modernity, Baghdad 1934-35

Photograph by the prominent  Iraqi photographer, Kamil Chadirji (1897-1968)

View of Maydan Square taken from roof of the Chadirji residence in Baghdad.  On the right is the Opera House.  On the left is a primary school.  The square connects Rashid Street to the Ministry of Defence and King Faisal’s residence.  Photograph circa 1934-1935

What evidence of transitions to modernization are apparent in this photograph of Baghdad taken by Kamil Chadirji from his house?  (For more on Chadirji click on tab at top of page, or click here)

The Postcard:   Transitions to Modern Life in London and its environs

 Front of Postcard

Back of Postcard

Figure 2  Front and Back of Postcard

Figure 3 Enlargement of Front of Postcard

1. What evidence of transitions to modernization are apparent in this photograph of Baghdad taken by Kamil Chadirji from his house?
2. What does the photograph show about lighting and traffic?
3. What does the image show about the role of manual labor and transport?

                                

Figure 4:  Back of the postcard. 
The date is shown in the upper right corner of the postcard on the postmark over the stamp of King George V.  It reads "4:30 PM 5 Jan 16."  This equals January 5, 1916.  

1. What historical event is taking place in 1916?
2. You may also note that there are no house numbers.  The address merely lists the name of the residence as "May Cottage."  The city is Winchester in Hampshire County (the abbreviation used is Hants for Hampshire) 

The left side is addressed to "Ma" or the writer's mother.  She informs her she will be arriving home on Saturday.  It is signed by Susie who asks her mother to keep the postcard.