From the 7th century and for a few centuries after, men and women of different faiths and cultures worked together during the golden age of Arabic science, which spread from Spain to China. It had an integrated network of land and sea transportation, a developed economy with vibrant trading, in addition to flourishing scientific and cultural scenes.

By building and improving upon the knowledge of ancient civilizations such as Greek, Ancient Egyptian, Persian, Indian, African and Chinese, these scientists and inventors made breakthroughs that led to an incredible expansion of knowledge – for they collected, translated, corrected and added to this knowledge in the Arabic language enabling it to become the lingua franca of the time. As such the Arabic language served as the language of science, poetry, literature, governance and art. With this wealth of knowledge and scientific discovery came prosperity, and so this period is often called the golden age of Arabic science.

Macao Science Center (MSC) proudly presents The Golden Age of Arabic Science: Exhibition from 1001 Inventions, sponsored by Macao Foundation. The event will run until October 27, 2019, at Gallery 2, Exhibition Center. This afternoon, MSC hosts an opening ceremony for the exhibition, officiated by VIP guests including, Vice-President of Macao Science Center, Mr. Tong Chi Kin, Member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Jonathan Wong, Deputy Curator of MSC, Mr. Sylvester Cheong, as well as Ms. Hanan Dowidar, Head of Strategic Partnerships of 1001 Inventions, and Ms. Serena Lei, Assistant Communications Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Macau.

The Golden Age of Arabic Science: Exhibition from 1001 Inventions has toured many major cities around the world, including London, New York and Los Angeles. And for the first time, this exhibition launches in Macao. It has a network of international partners including National Geographic Society, UNESCO and the United Nations World Food Programme.

Featuring over 60 interactive exhibits, short films, guided appreciation of theatre and workshops, the exhibition introduces a rich, millennium-long history of scientific development starting from the 7th century onwards. The Center aims to showcase a scientific and cultural legacy that still influences our lives today and also to promote diversity in science and intercultural appreciation. 

Among the signature exhibits, the most outstanding is the Elephant Clock model, an invention of the 13th century by Al-Jazari, an ingenious engineer from Diyarbakir in the south of Turkey. With an exquisite design, the Elephant Clock was a weight powered water-clock, featuring a combination of multicultural elements – the elephant support represents the Indian culture, the water works represent ancient Greek culture, the hour hand in the shape of a dragon represents Chinese culture, and the phoenix represents Egyptian culture, etc. In addition, not less eye-catching are: the Astrolabe, which in ancient time was used for telling directions and astronomic observation, and a forerunner of the Hang Glider designed by Arab inventor Abbas Ibn Firnas. Also provided on-site is VR flight simulator experience. All in all, the exhibition offers the public an understanding that many of the common products and technologies in our everyday life – such as coffee, cameras, carpets and airplanes, among others – originated from inventions and gems of wisdom from ancient Muslim civilization. For details of activities relating to the event, please visit MSC website at www.msc.org.mo.

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Macao Science Center Limited

April 26, 2019                                                                                              05-PR-PUB-19