The Museum of the History of Arabic and Islamic Sciences

The Museum of the History of Arabic and Islamic Sciences at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh is the first specialized museum of its kind in Saudi Arabia. It focuses on highlighting the contributions of Muslim scholars to the development of science and technology throughout the ages.

Key Information:

• Establishment: Founded in collaboration with the Institute for the History of Arabic-Islamic Sciences at Frankfurt University, Germany, based on an agreement signed in 2008.
• Mission: The museum aims to introduce current generations to Islamic innovations across various scientific fields, bridging the past and present by showcasing inventions that laid the foundations for the modern scientific renaissance.
• Contents: It houses an extensive collection of replicas, manuscripts, and historical scientific instruments dating from the 3rd to the 10th century AH (9th to 16th century AD).

Main Museum Sections:

The museum features several specialized halls, including:

• Astronomy and Navigation: Featuring astrolabes, observational instruments, compasses, and the Planetarium.
• Applied Sciences: Covering physics, chemistry, mechanics (ilm al-hiyal), and horology (al-fankanaat – Islamic clocks).
• Medicine and Pharmacy: Showcasing surgical tools and ancient treatment methods.
• Engineering and Architecture: Models of prominent Islamic architectural and engineering designs.
• Geography and Optics: Historical maps and optical instruments used by Muslim scholars.

The museum is more than just an exhibition space; it is an educational center that hosts international conferences and student visits to foster a deep understanding of the history of science.