If you are a history nerd or simply a bookworm, you ought to be familiar with the House of Wisdom by now. ‘House of Wisdom’ was a revolutionary library situated in Baghdad, Iraq. It was thought to be a significant Abbasid-era public academy and intellectual center in Baghdad. In its day, it was among the most prominent public libraries.
The city of Baghdad is situated on the bank Tigris River, where the first paper mill was established. As the Abbasid dynasty conquered Baghdad and made it their Capital Baghdad became a significant place for Muslim civilization. Because of the geographical location of Baghdad, it became a center of trade and cultural hub for people nearby. Makes sense as many scholars for the 8th to 13th century studied there on their individual passion and flourished on their disciplines.
The library was established in the late 8th century by the fifth Abbasid caliph Harun al- Rashid (Ruled:786-809 AD) to store rare Arabic books that he got from his father and grandfather. Later, in his son’s realm, the seventh Abbasid caliph Al-Ma’mun (813-833 AD), was transformed into a public academy and library. The House of Wisdom was an intellectual hub for not only Persians but also Arabs and other scholars of the Islamic world.
Translation movement which took place in the Abbasid era, House of Wisdom, took a major part in that. Translating numerous books of Greek, Chinese, Syriac and foreign language to Arabic accelerated the research and study on different disciplines such as medicine, mathematics, astronomy, philosophy etc.
Abbasid society started valuing knowledge more than ever. Scholars made their living comfortably by pursuing their own passion for research. The modern era of academics and learning broadened the minds of people and enlightened them with the power of knowledge. Different languages were spoken in the House of wisdom. A translation department, a society of scholars and scientists, and a library that housed the information the Abbasids had accumulated throughout the ages were all part of the House of Wisdom. Alchemy, which later served as the foundation for modern chemistry, was also researched and studied there. It was also connected to significant experimental projects and astronomical observations.
Al-Ma’mun was involved in the House of wisdom actively. Funds and scholarships were abundant in his time. He overserved and kept his keen eye on the studies and research that were occurring. He established the academy, which promoted the transcription of Greek scientific and philosophical works. He also brought manuscripts of significant works to the library from Byzantium that the Islamic nations could not access. Al-Mamun introduced sessions, seminars and discussions among the scholars to create an intellectual atmosphere.
The scholars House of wisdom were involved in diverse original research on mathematics, physics, astronomy, philosophy, astrology, medicine etc. For the first time ever, research on science disciplines were done on such a large scale. The very first initiative of an astronomical observatory by the Muslim world was taken by the hand of Al-Mamun. The House of Wisdom had such a momentous influence that a lot of libraries were established during that era.
At the time of the Siege of Baghdad, The House of Wisdom was eradicated, and all the collection of the books were gone in the stream of the Tigris River, making the water dark. Although we regret the permanent loss of this historic library, its impact will last forever due to its contributions to remarkable literature, research and innovation.
To read these types of blogs. Click here.
Writer,
Sayeda Jannatun Nahar
Intern,
Content Writing Department
YSSE.