Golden Age of Islam (jan 1, 700 – jan 1, 1200)

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- The Islamic Caliphates were very globalized in nature – they actively sought inspiration and contribution from other societies such as the Greeks, Persians, Chinese, and Indians.
- To achieve this, various Caliphs set out to create a large ‘Translation Movement’ to help make significant discoveries, texts, and pieces of literature translated into Arabic so that they could be understood by a larger population.
- This allowed Islam to build off the achievements of other civilisations, as well as ensure that these texts were accessible to Muslims in their local language.
- In order to support these discoveries, Caliphs heavily invested in education programs such as the House of Wisdom in Baghdad and Madrasas.
- These centres of education facilitated critical discussions and debate, scientific discoveries, and religious enlightenment for scholars.
- The al-Qarawiyyin Madrasa (pictured) in Fez, Morocco was founded in 859CE and is considered to be the world’s oldest continually operating university.
- The Islamic Golden Age achieved a number of significant achievements including:
- Mathematical innovations: Arabic numerals, geometry, algebra, trigonometry
- Artistic achievements: instruments, fountain pens, lusterware
- Industrial achievements: Mills, crankshafts, kerosene, lamps
- Scientific discoveries: Astrolabes, chemicals, magnifying glasses

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