The Atabegs and Ayyubids / Madrasas and Education

‘Decorative metalwork on scientific tools attests to the development of the scientific disciplines.’

The sciences were taught alongside religious and linguistic studies, and the sophisticated decorative metalwork on scientific tools attests to the development of the scientific disciplines. Astrolabes and celestial globes were crucial for accurate readings of the constellations. The practice of geomancy made use of especially designed instruments to predict the future. The brilliant mechanical engineer Abu al-‘Izz Ismail al-Jazari, was sponsored by the Artuqid court at Diyarbakir in 603 / 1206 to write an illustrated book on hydraulic and mechanical engineering.

NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Geomantic InstrumentHegira 639 / AD 1241–2AyyubidThe British Museum
London, England, United Kingdom
An unusual object that was used to predict the future.
AstrolabeHegira 683 / AD 1240–41AyyubidThe British Museum
London, England, United Kingdom
Astrolabes served both a religious and a practical scientific function by which Muslims worked out the correct direction of Mecca for prayer; and the instrument helped to guide ships carrying merchandise for trade and pilgrimage.