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Invention/Contribution:
Muslim scholars launched a massive translation movement (8th–10th centuries), especially in Baghdad’s House of Wisdom.
Works from Greek, Persian, Indian, and Syriac traditions were translated into Arabic: philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and literature.
Translators like Hunayn ibn Ishaq (medicine), Thabit ibn Qurra (mathematics/astronomy), and many others not only translated but commented on and expanded the knowledge.
These Arabic texts were later translated into Latin in Spain and Sicily, fueling the European Renaissance.
Why it matters:
Saved much of the classical world’s heritage from being lost.
Expanded and improved on the knowledge (e.g., algebra, optics, new medicines).
Showed that Muslim civilization valued knowledge as universal, no matter its origin
“Science is the common heritage of mankind, and every civilization has contributed to it.”
“Science is the common heritage of mankind, and every civilization has contributed to it.”
George Sarton, historian of science (Introduction to the History of Science, 1927)
George Sarton, historian of science (Introduction to the History of Science, 1927)
"The Arabs preserved and extended the heritage of ancient science, and from them it was transmitted to Europe. Without their patient work, the Renaissance would not have been possible"
Sheikh ʿAbd al-Qadir, author of the earliest manuscript on coffee (1588)
Sheikh ʿAbd al-Qadir, author of the earliest manuscript on coffee (1588)
B05. Translating Knowledge.pdfPage updated
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