S – Social Dimension
Science and Changes in Daily Life
In the Islamic world between the 8th and 13th centuries, the so-called “Golden Age” was not limited to theoretical debates among scholars, but also had a profound impact on the daily life of people. Muslim scholars, by applying scientific knowledge in practice, improved the well-being of society. This process manifested itself in the social structure, the education system, urban life, and even in agriculture.
For example, the development of astronomy led to more accurate calendars. This was important both for religious life (the beginning of Ramadan, the determination of holidays) and for agriculture and trade. The calendars prepared by al-Battani and Omar Khayyam still astonish scientists today with their precision.
The Social Impact of Medicine
The works of physicians such as al-Razi and Ibn Sina changed the organizational structure of hospitals. The so-called “Bimaristans” were not only treatment centers but also educational institutions. The principle of social justice was observed here — patients were treated regardless of whether they were rich or poor, Muslim or non-Muslim.
The use of alcohol for disinfection, the division of hospitals into departments, and the establishment of pharmacies — all of this raised the quality of social life.
Social Transformation of Cities
Cities such as Baghdad, Cairo, Cordoba, Bukhara, and Samarkand were not only centers of science but also hubs of culture and social life. Libraries, schools, and scholarly gatherings changed people’s ways of thinking. Public life became increasingly built on knowledge.
A – Academic Dimension
Bayt al-Hikma and the Tradition of Learning
Founded in Baghdad by the Abbasid caliph al-Ma’mun, Bayt al-Hikma (“The House of Wisdom”) was a turning point in the academic history of the world. Thousands of books from Greek, Indian, and Persian were translated into Arabic there. These translations were not mere copies — scholars commented on them, refined them, and added their own theories.
Mathematics and Geometry
Al-Khwarizmi established algebra as an independent discipline. His book “Kitab al-Jabr wa’l-Muqabala” was used in Europe as a textbook for centuries. Omar Khayyam introduced new methods for solving cubic equations, and his Jalali calendar was even more precise than the modern Gregorian calendar.
Medicine
Ibn Sina’s “Canon of Medicine” remained a major textbook in European universities for over 600 years. Al-Razi’s “Al-Hawi” was a classical example of a medical encyclopedia. Al-Zahrawi described hundreds of surgical instruments and laid the foundations of modern surgery.
Astronomy and Physics
The Maragha Observatory, established by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, was one of the most advanced scientific centers of its time. His astronomical tables later influenced Copernicus’ heliocentric theory. Al-Biruni almost precisely measured the radius of the Earth.
İ – Public Dimension
Dissemination of Science and Culture
In the Islamic world, science was not confined to a narrow circle. Mosques, madrasas, and scholarly gatherings were open to the wider public for enlightenment. Education was free, and young people were actively encouraged to learn.
The Role of Women
It is often mistakenly thought that women were not involved in science. However, history shows that Aisha bint Abu Bakr played an important role in transmitting religious and legal knowledge. Female teachers and students were present in various cities.
Formation of Public Institutions
The waqf (charitable endowment) system provided funding for libraries, schools, and hospitals. This was a social mechanism that ensured the sustainable development of science and education.
T – Research Dimension
Influence on Europe and the Beginning of the Renaissance
The works of Muslim scholars reached Europe through al-Andalus (Spain) and Sicily. In the 12th–13th centuries, the “translation movement” began in Europe. The works of Ibn Sina, al-Khwarizmi, al-Farabi were translated into Latin.
For example, the term “algorithm” derives from the name al-Khwarizmi. Ibn Rushd’s commentaries on Aristotle formed the basis of scholasticism in Europe. Without these influences, the Renaissance would not have advanced so rapidly.
Lessons for the Modern Era
Today, the Islamic world needs to revive that spirit once again. Research shows that the scientific methodology of Muslim scholars — observation, experimentation, doubt, and criticism — is the very foundation of modern science. When science and faith complement each other, development becomes sustainable.
Conclusion: What Does the Legacy of the Golden Age Tell Us Today?
The legacy of Muslim scholars should not remain only in the past. It shows that:
-
When faith and knowledge unite, society rises.
-
Social institutions (school, hospital, waqf) ensure the sustainable development of science.
-
Without a culture of research and questioning, progress halts.
Today, the Islamic world must revive this tradition and instill in young people a love for knowledge. Only then will the legacy of the Golden Age shine again.
Questions and Opinions
-
Why do you think science and research developed so rapidly in the Islamic Golden Age?
-
What steps can modern Muslim countries take to revive this tradition?
-
How can the legacy of scholars like Ibn Sina, al-Khwarizmi, and al-Biruni be used today in education and daily life?
-
Do you think science and faith can develop together, or does one weaken the other?
Share your opinion:
-
What do you think about this topic?
-
What questions arose in your mind after reading?
-
Which scholars would you like to explore more deeply?