Lecture 1: From camels to stars
I have to admit that I knew I would enjoy Professor Gearson’s lessons as soon as I saw him quote parts of a poem (I Keep Six Honest Serving Men) by R. Kipling. In that beautiful poem, Kipling talks about the importance of the question words: what, why, when, how, where, and who. Professor Gearson then proceeds to structure his first lesson in this series around these questions. Below, I will post the questions and summarize the professor’s answers.
What is a “golden age”? What is the Islamic Golden Age?
The Ancient Greeks were the first to use the term “golden age” to mark a period in time. In their case, this term was used in a mythological aspect, to mark a period of the mythological past, when, according to them, humans were in complete peace with gods. In that sense, it means a period that outshines any other in terms of success and progress. The Islamic Golden Age is marked by remarkable achievements in science, technology, and all fields of knowledge and is characterized by a new paradigm where wisdom and progress were praised as being the highest values in a society. By adopting this paradigm, the Islamic-based civilization flourished and changed the entire world for better.
Why did it happen?
The caliphs of Bagdad had a strong army and therefore had the “luxury” to worry less about military investment or security threats and thus focus more on economical and educational progress. Under the influence of Ancient Greece’s rationalism and observation-based conclusions, which they believed went viz a viz with religious faith, they sponsored the creation of a dynasty based on intellect and curiosity.
When did it happen?
While different sources might use other dates to pinpoint when the Islamic Golden age started and ended, as it is impossible to define its beginning or end sharply, Gearson’s chooses to go with the overthrowing of the previous caliphate based in Syria, by the new, Abbasid caliphate centered in today’s Bagdad (the city itself was built in 762) for the beginning of this period (year 750) and the occupation of Bagdad by Mongol forces in 1258 to mark the end of this golden age.
How did it get manifested?
The movement began with Bagdad’s caliph, Harun al-Rashid, who established the House of Wisdom (year 786) and started the translation movement which encouraged the collection and translation of any source of intellectual work, regardless of origin. The literal goal of al-Rashid and his descendants (starting with his son, al-Mamun) was to translate all books, materials, and papers of knowledge into Arabic.
Where did it happen?
The Islamic golden age has some characteristics that differentiate it from other important civilizations of the past: diversity, geographical territory, and the creation of a non-discriminatory support system for non-Muslim communities. It includes, among others the Arabic peninsula, Persia, North Africa, and parts of Europe (Spain and Portugal). In that sense, it was an intercontinental empire.
Who made it happen?
The Islamic golden age was established under the Abbasid Caliphate, which takes the name from Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib (prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) uncle) the descendant who created this dynasty. Professor Gerson strongly emphasizes the point that, while this civilization was ruled by Muslims and therefore takes the name Islamic Golden Age, it is not just driven by (one) religion, but rather is a notion that transcends labels. The caliphs supported the collection of knowledge from all around the world, which was then further spread, first throughout the empire due to freedom of traveling, and then even outside of it. The Islamic Golden Age is the main reason that the intellectual achievements of previous civilizations have survived and have been carried out to modern ages. However, it would be unfair to limit this civilization in the mere role of translation, as its thinkers have contributed with remarkable original works and have further deepened the work started by other civilizations. As an example from the field of astronomy, 2/3 of stars that have names have names or Arabic origins.