‘Sultans of science' is an ongoing exhibition on inventions and discoveries by Muslim scientists being held in Canada, and aims to highlight the Muslim civilization's contribution to science. Held at the TELUS World of Science Center from May 19 to Sept. 7, the exhibition - brought to life through more than 40 magnificent interactive exhibits and giant functional replicas that uses cutting-edge technology to recreate the ingenuity of a golden age - is being enjoyed by visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The exhibition celebrates the contribution of Arab and Muslim scholars to science and technology during the first Golden Age of the Islamic World (700-1700 CE) and the influence of their discoveries and inventions on contemporary society. It covers Arab and Muslim scientific endeavors in architecture, the arts, astronomy, engineering, exploration, flight, mathematics, medicine, instrument making, fine and utilitarian technology and optics researched and manufactured by MTE Studios. MTE Studios is a specialized consultancy firm focused on themed architecture and interactive learning experiences. The firm claims that it “designs, prototypes and manufactures inspiring interactive exhibits for science centers, museums, shopping malls and corporate environments.” “Sultans of Science' is a unique exhibition, which not only provides visitors with insight and the rediscovery of missing history, but also sends a powerful and positive message to the world about the way we evaluate history, bridge cultural gaps and realize the need to embrace multi-cultural knowledge,” said Ludo Verheyen, the CEO of MTE Studio's in an email message to Saudi Gazette. This is the second time the inventions and discoveries of Muslim scientists has been put on display in Canada. “The exhibition drew record crowds at the Ontario Science Center, hence leading to increased interest in the exhibition by other Science Centers in North America. The exhibition is at the venue for 3 months and travels to another North American venue thereafter,” Verheyen explained. The ‘traveling exhibition' has already been to the Cape Town Science Center in South Africa, the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey and the Ontario Science Center. “It (the exhibition) is not motivated by religion but the inventors and scholars featured were Muslims, though the exhibition is focused on science and technology and is non-political and non-religious,” added Verhayan. Much like the ongoing exhibition in London, this exhibition demonstrates that the foundations for the Renaissance in Europe were laid by Muslim scholars, who excelled not only in theoretical studies, but also in the practical application of science. The exhibition also emphasizes how Muslims, working harmoniously alongside people of different faiths and races across Europe, Asia and Africa, contributed extensively to science and medicine. The exhibition includes 35 interactive, sensory and static exhibits, three interactive touch screen games, 10 videos and 75 posters. Amazing inventions and discoveries have been brought to life again with modern technology. Some of the exhibits • The invention of the first aviator is on display as “The origin of flight”. Abbas Bin Firnas, a Muslim scientist in Spain, was the first aviator as over 1000 years ago he climbed into harness of his glider, in front of a huge crowed on a hill near Cordoba, Spain, launched himself into the air and flew across the Spanish countryside. • Al-Haytham, the Muslim scientist, gave the gift of optics to the world and laid the foundation for modern optics lenses, inventing the world's first camera and shedding light on the mechanisms of the human eye. • Muslim physicians and scholars were centuries ahead of their European counterparts in the development of medical science. They first used catgut for sewing up surgical wounds, discovered the pulmonary circulation of the heart, and pioneered many new surgical procedures. They were also the first to establish efficient public hospitals. • Ibn Battuta and his fellow Muslim travelers were some of the greatest explorers at the time. On their trade routes they reached as far as China and Central Africa, exploring the greater part of the known world, decades before many famous European travelers. • While Europe slumbered through the Dark Ages, the Islamic World enjoyed a golden age of intellectual growth and creativity. They established Houses of Wisdom, precursors to modern libraries and universities, with vast collections of manuscripts, where international scholars debated cutting edge issues. • Muslim scholars invented algebra and made significant contributions to trigonometry and geometry. Mathematics was widely applied in navigation and astronomy, as well as in art and architecture. • The study of celestial bodies was pursued initially to aid accurate time keeping and navigation, especially on the pilgrimage to Makkah and during long voyages across deserts and oceans. Cloistered in magnificent observatories with complex instruments, Islamic astronomers combined ancient knowledge and revolutionary new theories to make significant new contributions to science. • Controlling and harnessing the power of water was vital in the arid lands inhabited by many Islamic people. Muslim scientists developed complex irrigation systems, fountains, water-raising devices and machines powered by water. Some of these systems still function today. • Al-Jazari, the Banu Moosa brothers and other Muslim scholars laid the foundations of modern engineering. They made the first robots, in the form of giant water clocks, as well as tantalizing trick devices that explained technological innovations. They also invented segmental gears, sinking floats and many clever hydraulic devices. The exhibition cluster on fine technology incorporates interactive exhibits on trick devices. Stories such as that of Aladdin and his magic lamp were brought to life when ninth century inventors such as the Banu Musa brothers tricked each other with science demonstrations. What appeared to be impossible was easily explained by the ingenious science and technology behind the trick. This way of informal learning complies with the principles applied in today's science centers. There are also little stories of the origins of products in our daily life such as soap, perfume and coffee, which was discovered by a Muslim herdsman who observed that his cattle became hyperactive after eating the beans of a certain plant. “Recently, the multidisciplinary team delivered a turnkey museum on Islamic Science for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia,” said Verhayen. “Although we cover in the exhibition a particular period of great achievement, this doesn't mean that this civilization disappeared. In fact, the exhibition exit cluster highlights this point and we illustrate this by a presentation on contemporary brilliant minds and Muslim Nobel prize winners. There is a spirit of invention, innovation and creativity in Arab nations which led the world in the past and can lead to an even more prosperous future.”
