Seven centuries of outstanding Islamic inventions and innovations will be on display at an exhibition to be held at the Islamic University (IU) in Madina from Nov. 14 to Nov. 18. Entitled “Journey to the past to build the future”, the five-day event includes the participation of the Al-Aghar Group for Strategic Thinking, an independent, non-profit think-tank dealing with national and international issues related to Saudi Arabia. The exhibition is being held under the patronage of Minister of Education, Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al-Saud. Prince Faisal will deliver a speech on Sunday, Nov. 15, titled: “Future outlook on education in the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud”. The Prince will talk about the Kingdom's plans to transform itself into a knowledge-based society. The exhibition aims to raise awareness about the Kingdom's Islamic heritage and the achievements and inventions of Muslims from the seventh to the seventeenth century CE. It also aims to spread the spirit of innovation among young people. The exhibition presents information about several innovations by Muslims in various fields including medicine, science, mathematics, astronomy and aeronautics. Among the scientists featured in the exhibition are Fatima Al-Fihriyya, who founded the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the oldest universities in the world. Other scientists whose work will be on display are Al-Khwarizmi, who developed the basis for algebra; Ibn Al-Haytham, the founder of optics; and Al-Jazari, the first person to develop a water lifting system. Al-Jazari also designed a clock powered by water. The clock still works and will be on display.
