Art, obsession, and identity
Often referred to as "The Father of Algebra," al-Khwarizmi also invented the algorithm during the 9th century.
The first soap-like material was invented around 2000 BCE in ancient Babylonia.
Fragrant soap as we think of it today was created by combining vegetable oil with sodium hydroxide and aromatics like thyme oil.
Al Jazari invented the four-dial combination lock. Only five caskets from the early 13th century with such a lock are known to still exist today.
Sources: (Business Insider) (Euronews)
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The most important inventions since 1990
The University of al-Qarawiyyin was founded by Princess Fatima al-Firhi in Fez, Morocco, in 859 CE. It was founded as a mosque and subsequently became one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Islamic Golden Age.
It is the basis for much of the machinery in the modern world, including the bicycle.
The crankshaft was invented in the 12th century, in modern-day Turkey, by engineer Ismail al-Jazari. The device converts rotation into linear movement.
The earliest general hospital was built in 805 CE in Baghdad by Harun Al-Rashid. By the 10th century, Baghdad had five more hospitals.
Windmills were invented in 7th-century Iran, and some 1,000-year-old windmills in the region are still in use today.
It was the first degree-granting educational institute in the world, and still operates as a higher education institution today, teaching Islamic sciences and law.
Another well-known invention by al Jazari was the first ever combination lock for a chest or casket.
By the 15th century, Damascus had six hospitals, and Córdoba in Spain, which was under Islamic rule, had 50 major hospitals, many exclusively for the military.
The system of counting from zero to 60 originates from 2000 BCE in Sumer, modern-day Iran and Iraq.
The fountain pen was invented in 953 CE in Egypt, after Sultan Ma'ād al-Mu'izz expressed his frustration at how messy it was using ink and a quill.
The first English patent for a fountain pen was only issued in May 1809 to Frederick Fölsch. An improved fountain pen patent was issued to Joseph Bramah in September of that same year.
The system was developed in order to avoid having to transport money through dangerous territories.
Prophet Mohammed popularized the use of the first toothbrush in around 600 CE.
The first recorded use of a toothbrush was around 3500 BCE, when cultures in ancient Egypt and Babylon used twigs with frayed ends to remove plaque from their teeth.
The modern check, originating from the Arabic word saqq, was first used by 9th-century Muslim traders. The Arabic word was a written vow to pay for goods after they were delivered.
The world's first coffee shop is thought to be Kiva Han, which opened in Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul, in 1475.
Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī, also known simply as al-Khwarizmi, was a Persian polymath who produced vastly influential works in mathematics, astronomy, and geography.
Known as asbads, these ancient windmills can be found in eastern Iran. Rotating around a vertical axis, they're made of six to 12 sails covered in reed matting or cloth material. They were used to grind grain or draw up water.
One of the most significant inventions from the Middle East was the clock, and formalized time-keeping itself.
The use of coffee spread across the region and led to a second invention: cafés. Although the use of coffee spread all over society, it was initially associated with religion.
However, during the 11th century, the berries were then transported to Yemen, where they were used by Sufi Muslims to increase their concentration during prayer.
There's a legend that it was an Ethiopian shepherd named Kaldi who first discovered the effects of coffee beans. He noticed that after eating the berries from a certain tree, his goats became so energetic that they didn't want to sleep at night.
In the West, the Middle East and North Africa are known for being a center of religion, often in the headlines for a troubled recent history. However, these are countries that overflow with diverse and rich cultures, which are also known for a history of innovation in philosophy, mathematics, literature, and science. All of these areas have also given the world many items, concepts, and institutions that we frequently use, but don't often acknowledge their origin.
Check out this gallery for everyday things you probably didn't know were invented by Arabs and Persians. Click on for a real education!
Everyday things you had no idea were invented in the Middle East
These innovative inventions helped shape the world
LIFESTYLE Innovation
In the West, the Middle East and North Africa are known for being a center of religion, often in the headlines for a troubled recent history. However, these are countries that overflow with diverse and rich cultures, which are also known for a history of innovation in philosophy, mathematics, literature, and science. All of these areas have also given the world many items, concepts, and institutions that we frequently use, but don't often acknowledge their origin.
Check out this gallery for everyday things you probably didn't know were invented by Arabs and Persians. Click on for a real education!