Section 4: Culture of Islam

Philosophy, Science, and History translated/preserved Greek thought - rediscovered during Renaissance - preserved in Baghdad’s House of Wisdom

Preservation of Knowledge Muslim scholars helped to preserve the knowledge of Greece and Rome by translating works and making them available to other scholars. It is because of this that European scholars were able to rediscover the works of Aristotle and other Greek philosophers. In the twelfth century these works were translated into Latin . The discovery of paper-making technology from China made this much easier.

Math and Science numerical system and use of zero 9th ninth-century developed algebra

Astronomy Astrolabe - used for naval navigation - observing positions of stars and other heavenly bodies

Medicine medical encyclopedia - explained contagious diseases - hospitals

Art and Architecture Quran forbids representation of living beings mosques and palaces decorated with - geometric patterns - calligraphy

The Great Mosque at Samarra In present-day Iraq, it was the largest mosque at the time. It covered 10 acres. Most famous section is the minaret, or tower, it is from this tower that the Muezzin, or crier calls the faithful to prayer five times a day.

Great Mosque of Cordoba, Spain Ninth-century mosque in southern Spain. Its hundreds of columns support horseshoe arches and make it seem like a forest of trees.