Special
exhibition will be held for the first time in the UAE
Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has held a press conference at the university
headquarters on Al Reem Island to announce the launch of the ‘Golden Age of
Arab and Islamic Science’ exhibition. This will be held in the university’s lobby
from 24 September 2013 to 14 January 2014.
The exhibition will shed light on a selection of
scientific and intellectual accomplishments that the Islamic civilisations
became famous for, changes that went on to have a huge impact on the future of civilisations
across the world. These include the study of The Sky and The Earth, Humanity,
and the Arts and Sciences.
The exhibition, which will be held for the first time in the UAE,
reveals fascinating insights into an era of ground-breaking discoveries and
innovations by Arab and Muslim thought leaders in the scientific arena. The period
between the 8th and 15th centuries was characterized by
numerous intellectual breakthroughs that still have enormous significance in
modern science. The exhibition is expected to attract the academic elite,
particularly the scientific fraternity, as well as high profile representatives
of diplomatic missions.
The highlights will include inventions, writings and artefacts that had
a massive impact on Islamic civilization in fields as diverse as architecture,
the arts, pharmacology, applied physics, chemistry and mathematics as well as
human and environmental sciences.
Visitors will come face to face with intriguing models, images and
ancient manuscripts dating back to the golden era, and will be able to trace
the dawn of a scientific revolution begun by Arabs and Muslims that inspired
the world and paved the way for modern advancements. Over 200 artefacts and manuscripts
will bring this productive era to life, and visitors will be transported back
in time through audio-visual interactions and advanced computer-generated simulations
of what life was like.
HE Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and Vice President of the Management Council of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, elaborated: “This scientific and cultural
showcase proves that the Arab world has a proud heritage of intellectual and
humanitarian contributions to mankind. These profound innovations still
resonate in the academic communities of the West, and indeed the entire world. I
call on all students from all schools and universities in the UAE to come and
rediscover the pioneering accomplishments of our ancestors, so that we can
reclaim our rightful position as the global pacesetter and pathfinder in the
academic sphere, while inspiring the rest of the world to follow in our
footsteps.”
Commenting on the exhibition, Prof. Eric Fouache, Vice-Chancellor of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu
Dhabi explained: "We are nurturing a
greater level of awareness and appreciation for the remarkable contributions
made by Arab and Muslim thinkers who set the foundations for modern science and
art. By hosting this exhibition, we will reawaken the same unquenchable thirst
for knowledge in the minds of modern students that led to these revolutionary
breakthroughs.”
He added: "Nobody can dispute the impact Muslim scholars had on
modern medicine, chemistry, mathematics and other fields. Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is bridging between civilizations by showcasing the connection between
ancient and modern thinkers. This will enrich the world’s understanding of
contemporary challenges by re-examining the wealth of knowledge that we
inherited from the constellation of early scientists.”
A series of scientific lectures, seminars and workshops have been
organized to supplement the insights gained from the exhibition, raising awareness
and interest among students. The lectures will be delivered by an all-star
line-up of internationally acclaimed researchers, academics and prominent
industry personalities from the UAE, France, Lebanon and the US, among others.
According to Dr Fatima Al-Shamsi, Deputy Vice Chancellor of
Administrative Affairs for Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi: "Hosting
this exhibition for the very first time in the UAE is a clear indication of this
country’s ability to host high profile events of global significance. At Paris-Sorbonne
University Abu Dhabi we are immensely proud to embrace a scientific and
cultural event of this magnitude and importance, particularly since the scientific
advancements being showcased have had a major impact on scholars at the world's
leading universities. We have no doubt that this exploration and rediscovery of
Islamic innovations will positively impact the world of academia, igniting a
rethink and a shift of attitudes about the role of Arabs and Muslims in
scientific and cultural advancement.”
The highly acclaimed exhibition made its debut in 2005 in Paris, before
being hosted in Doha, Qatar in 2011. A media campaign will be run throughout
September, giving additional information to foster a greater understanding of
how Arab and Islamic thinkers contributed to a quantum leap in scientific and
cultural progress.
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