1. Golden Age of Islam

2. “Acquire knowledge. It enableth its possessor to distinguish right from wrong; it lighteth the way to Heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless; it guideth us to happiness; it sustaineth us in misery; it is an ornament amongst friends, and an armour against enemies.” Muhammad

3. Muslims felt it was their duty to seek knowledge
Greek texts were translated and used to further knowledge
Many cities became cultural learning centers throughout the Islamic world
Timbuktu, Mali
Cordoba, Spain

5. Achievements Art and Architecture Science and Medicine
Philosophy and literature

6. Art/Architecture

7. The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

9. Cordoba, Spain

10. The Great Mosque
Cordoba, Spain

11. Mihrab, Great Mosque

13. In Islamic art, the depiction of humans is not permitted
Geometric patterns and mosaics
Calligraphy

14. Arabic Calligraphy

16. Astronomy
Astrolobe
astronomical computer for solving problems relating to time and the position of the Sun and stars in the sky
What would inspire Muslims to study the sky?

18. Medicine
In the Qu’ran it is stated that it is the duty of Muslims to care for the sick
At least 30 hospitals are known to have existed during the golden age

19. Al-Razi Islamic physician
Wrote the “Comprehensive Book” –much of western
medicine is based on this

20. Mathematics Al-Khwarizmi Studied Indian mathematics
Pioneer in the study of algebra
5X=25

21. Literature and Philosophy
Qu’ran
Islamic poetry
The Thousand and One Nights
Philosophy
Blended Greek philosophy with Islamic principles
Ibn Rushd