More than 85,000 people have visited the ongoing Museum of Islamic Art’s (MIA) Arabick Roots and 1001 Inventions exhibition, which is celebrating the richness and diversity of Muslim
civilisation’s golden age.
The exhibition was opened by Qatar Museums Authority chairperson HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani on October 16.
The exhibition traces the untold story of how knowledge from Muslim civilisation inspired the scientific revolution in Europe.
The exhibition was produced for Qatari audiences by 1001 Inventions in collaboration with MIA. It is of particular interest to educators and students, as part of MIA’s aim to equip and inspire them to be 21st century knowledge
transmitters and producers.
“The record-breaking number of children who visited this exhibition has been a great source of pride and also a lesson to us on the substance and design that our young audiences respond to,” MIA director Aisha al-Khater said.
“It is true that we owe our rich scientific heritage to cultures and civilisations worldwide, but it is also our obligation towards our youth to inform them about our past achievements, as well as inspire and enlighten their path to move forward,” she added.
1001 Inventions, which closed last month after receiving more than 72,000 visitors, was visited by the Emir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who met with the young scientist working inside the marquee that housed the exhibition.
Ahmed Salim, producer and director, 1001 Inventions, said: “We’re amazed by the success of 1001 Inventions in Doha, and honoured that HH the Emir endorsed the good work that was achieved here. We’re particularly pleased to note that this has been the most popular science show to ever launch in Qatar and the independent research demonstrates that 1001 Inventions has engendered pride and enthusiasm in this hidden history of scientific excellence in Muslim civilisation.”
Wael Sawan, chairman and managing director, Qatar Shell Company, one of the sponsors, said: “We are proud of the great achievement of the exhibition and the new country record of visitors. This achievement is the result of the solid partnership that we have established with QMA and MIA and 1001 Inventions.”
“We were honoured by the visit of HH the Emir to the exhibition. We hope that this exhibition has inspired young Qataris that innovation is key to the future development of this great country,” he added.
Meanwhile, independent research carried out during the exhibition demonstrated its achievements in changing local people’s perceptions about science, with 90% of surveyed visitors saying the 1001 Inventions show made them feel more positive about the
future of science in Qatar.
A separate survey of local school teachers who visited the exhibition was even more positive with 90% saying that the 1001 Inventions content was relevant to the school curriculum and 100% of all respondents stating that they wanted to see 1001 Inventions included in the curriculum.