[LEFT]1000 Years of Knowledge Rediscovered is a unique exhibition which aims to increase awareness on 1000 years of Muslim contribution in science and technology to modern civilisation and is the first of its kind in the World. The exhibition consists of 27 historical inventions, discoveries and innovations all by Islamic scholars that can be seen in different locations throughout the mall.
Mr Sultan Ahmed Sultan bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of Nakheel, said at the opening event:
‘Ibn Battuta Mall is extremely proud to be home to these wonderful inventions. This is a tremendous project that will educate, entertain and increase awareness of more than a thousand years of Muslim contributions in science and technology.’
He added: ‘The Islamic world should be proud of its heritage and the many inventions that were created throughout time by Muslim masterminds. We are delighted that we can share these important historical figures with not only UAE residents, but the many tourists who visit our mall from around the world.’
Ibn Battuta Mall commissioned MTE Studios, a specialized consultancy practice that focuses on themed architecture and edutainment, to re-create the inventions within the Mall. Visitors have the opportunity to view all of the exhibits free of charge, as they stroll through the mall’s six courts. Andalusia Court is home to the Flying Machine invention, created by Abbas bin Firnas, who constructed and attempted to fly in his machine between 875 and early 880 AD.
Visitors will also be able to visit the House of Wisdom, which was a society rather than simply a house. From the 9th to the 13th Centuries, it was an unrivalled centre for the study of humanities and science, including maths, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, geography and astrology. Within the House of Wisdom, visitors can learn about ten scholars who contributed to the inventions of this time.
The exhibition hosts eight fully operational interactive exhibits representing ingenious devices of Al Jazari, known as the father of modern day engineering. Six of Al Jazari’s Water Raising Devices can be explored in the Tunisia Court at the Mall. An ingenious 13th Century Muslim mechanic and engineer, Al Jazari worked on these fascinating and innovative projects between 1174 and 1200 AD.
Egypt Court is home to many fascinating inventions, including the 8 m tall armillary sphere, an accurate reconstruction of a manuscript from the 14th Century. The Ibn Battuta time line takes the visitor on an historical journey and explores the lifestyle such as trade, fashion and art & culture of that period.
The ancient astronomical computer called the Islamic Astrolabe is one of the four astro-tools exhibited in Persia Court. The astrolabe was used by Muslims to determine prayer times and the direction of Mecca. They remained popular until 1800 AD. The Islamic Celestial Globe, a 3 dimensional map of the stars, the quadrant and armillary sphere are interactive astronomical tools which are based around the Mini Observatory in the Persia Court.
A whole host of other exhibits can be viewed throughout the mall, including Bana Musa’s trick devices, the giant Al Jazari’s Castle clock and an exhibition on medical discoveries in India Court. The Chinese inventions of Zheng He, a Muslim who was the Admiral of the vast Chinese fleet which traversed the oceans in the 15th Century, can also be viewed.
The exhibit can be viewed every day throughout Ibn Battuta Mall’s opening hours which are 10am-10pm Saturday to Tuesday and 10am-12 midnight, Wednesday to Friday.[/left]