Islamic Contribution to Ancient Knowledge

Modern Egypt: A Historical Overview

• This study notes document provides a historical overview of modern Egypt.
• Key figures in this field include Professor Dr. Doaa Kandil.
• The text covers the Islamic world during the Medieval Ages.
• The 9th and 10th centuries were considered the golden age of Islamic civilization regarding contributions to various branches of knowledge.
• Abbasid caliphs patronized scholars and fostered individual creativity.
• Baghdad became a renowned learning center, notably the House of Wisdom.
• Muslim scholars translated and analyzed knowledge from other cultures (Greek, Persian, and Indian).
• Muslim scholars in this era developed the scientific approach.
• Notable advancements in chemistry such as distillation and crystallization were made.
• Muslim physicians, like Avicenna and Al Razi, influenced European medicine.
• Hospitals and medical services reached a high quality in this period.
• Music was used to promote serenity and tranquility in hospitals.
• The development of astrolabes made a significant contribution to determining local time and latitude.
• The introduction of paper by the Arabs significantly facilitated the preservation and dissemination of knowledge.
• The Muslim world acted as a prominent center for learning and trade.
• This resulted in a significant transfer of knowledge to Europe during the Medieval Ages.
• The Ottoman Empire's rise marked the end of this golden age of Islamic civilization.
• The Mongol invasion in 1258 led to the destruction of libraries, including those in Baghdad.
• The fall of Andalusia in the 12-13th centuries also marked the end of a period of Islamic dominance.
• The Ottoman conquests greatly impacted the spread of Islamic culture and knowledge.
• European scholars later inherited the scientific and technological contributions of the Islamic world, paving the way to the scientific revolution.
• The European Dark Ages saw chaos, ignorance, poverty, and widespread disease.
• The Black Death resulted in the deaths of millions of people.
• The feudal system governed relationships between land owners and serfs.
• The transition to modern times was characterized by major changes affecting the Ottoman Empire as well as other areas of the world.
• The fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the end of Arab rule in Spain in 1492 were crucial events.
• Discovery of the New World in 1492 and the Discovery of the Cape of Good Hope.
• The Spanish conquest and the expulsion of Muslims from Spain (1609-1614) had a significant impact on European and global history
• The Ottoman conquests marked the end of the Mamluk Sultanate's power.
• The Ottomans adopted modern military technologies such as artillery and firearms, contributing to their expansion.
• The rise of the Safavid dynasty marked a shift in religious and political landscapes.
• Egyptian society under Ottoman rule saw the rise of the Mamluk beys.
• The European expedition to Egypt brought about significant developments in print.
• Key figures in Egypt's history during this time period involved in cultural/intellectual/governmental transformations/political changes.
• The French expedition brought significant changes to Egyptian society through ideas and practices.
• The French expedition also led to more cultural exchange.
• The rise of Muhammad Ali led to a pivotal transition in Egyptian power structures which saw new and lasting changes to the landscape.
• A multitude of factors contributed to the decline of the Ottoman Empire.
• These factors included economic hardships following inflation, widespread corruption, and governmental instability.
• A key aspect of the history of Egypt in the 18th and 19th century was the conflict/tension between the Ottomans and other groups. 
• The Mamluks played an important role in Egypt.
• The French expedition to Egypt in 1798.
• The Battle of the Pyramids (1798)
• The Battle of Abu Qir (1798)
• First Revolt in Cairo (1798).
• The British campaign in Egypt (1801).

Europe during Medieval Ages

• The period following the fall of the Roman Empire was known as the Dark Ages.
• Large scale deaths occurred from diseases such as the Plague.
• Feudal systems were common in parts of Europe.
• The relations amongst the various governing bodies in Europe was a complex system of often conflicting loyalties and interests.

Transition to Modern Ages

• The 15th century marked the start of the modern era and was characterized by new developments.

The Fall of Constantinople

• The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked a significant turning point in world history.

Islamic World during the Medieval Ages

• The 9th and 10th centuries were considered the golden age of Islamic civilization.

Islamic World at Closing Decades of 15th Century

• The Islamic world at the closing decades of the 15th century included the Mamluks, Ottomans, and Safavids.