Muslim Contributions

1. Muslim Contributions

2. Chess • Difficult and intellectually challenging

3. Irrigation Techniques & Wells • Water wheel – operated by man, animal and wind • Deep in the ground wells to reduce water loss by evaporation • Agriculture was dependent on irrigation techniques and underground wells

4. Zoology • Dependent on animals for travel and trade • Book of animals – theories and information • The uses of animals – medicines from animals • The lives of animals – an encyclopia of animals

5. Banking System • Established due to the different kinds of money in use • Central banks with branch offices and a system of credit & checks • International trade expanded & goods were sold across the empire and abroad

6. Calligraphy • The art of elegant writing. Used when writing the Qur’an. • Honored above all art forms because it was worthy of God. • Used to decorate walls of mosques, ceramics with inscriptions of wordly wisdom

7. Geometric and Floral Design • Prohibited to make images of humans or animals as it distracted worshippers from prayer. • Arabesque, winding stem of leaves an d flowers was the most common decoration. • Geometry used to express unity and order.

8. Bookmaking • Chinese prisoners taught Arabs how to make paper books. • Encouraged learning • Sign of wealth to own books

9. House of Wisdom • Library that translated Greek classics tin philosophy and science • Encouraged openness to new ways of thinking • Meeting place of scholars

10. Astronomy • Scientific study of the sky • Sun – center of the universe • Earth rotates on axis • Astrolabe – early GPS

11. Algebra • Magic boxes • Uses letters as substitute for numbers in order to solve problems

12. Hospitals • Designed to promote health, cure diseases, and teach medical knowledge • Allah provided cures for every illness

13. Herbal Medicines & Pharmacies • Plants used for their medical powers • Sedatives – kill pain during surgery • Antiseptics – cleaned wounds • Pharmacies fill prescriptions

14. City of Baghdad • Center of the empire in 8th century • Between two rivers • Crossroads of great trade routes

15. Polo • Use of horses made it a favorite game of wealthy

16. Libraries of Cordoba • Center for learning and intellectual life • Bibiliophiles – people who love books • Important people owned large libraries

17. Music of Andulusia • Combined styles from all over the world • 1st conservatory school • Poets & musicians worked together to create songs • Invented many instruments