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The National
4 days ago
- General
- The National
‘Handasa': Why the Arabic word for engineering is built to last
From the shaping of things to finely honed skill, the Arabic word for engineering is more than the sum of its parts. Handasa, this week's word, stems from the root letters ha, noon, dal and seen, and is believed to have originated from the Persian word andazah, meaning measurement or dimension. The term entered the Arabic language in the ninth century during the Abbasid era, when Baghdad's Bayt Al Hikma, the historical House of Wisdom and library, became a centre of translation. Scientific texts from Greek, Persian and Indian traditions were rendered into Arabic, and the word handasa appeared in several of these translations of mathematical theories and treatises. These mathematical roots informed the early Arabic use of handasa, which at first referred specifically to geometry. In the ninth century, the Iraqi scholar Thabit ibn Qurra translated Euclid's Elements and expanded the use of handasa to include spatial reasoning and architectural design. His interpretations helped define how early Islamic cities were planned, from water irrigation systems to the curvature of domes. Handasa is now used as an umbrella term for engineering, with various branches ranging from handasa madaniyya (civil engineering) and handasa kahraba'iyya (electrical engineering) to handasa ijtima'iyya (social engineering). In literature and the arts, the word is often used metaphorically as a reference to precision and intricacy of craft. A well-executed event might be described as muhandasa, while a solution that feels overly calculated can be hailed, or derided, as masnu' bi handasa, meaning artificially engineered. Perhaps this explains some of the affection directed towards Iraqi singer Majid Al Mohandis, whose full name is Majid Al Attabi. While his stage name, translated as 'Majid the Engineer,' began as a nod to his former profession, it has come to describe the carefully calibrated pop hits he has continued to release over the past two decades. A term that spans science and structure, concept and culture, handasa can be used to construct everything from great ideas to remarkable buildings, when shaped by ambition and precision. Like many words in the Arabic language, it has evolved beyond its standard definition to carry deeper meanings. It is a word built to last.
Gulf Today
20-05-2025
- Gulf Today
Sharjah shows scientific genius of Islamic Golden Age
From Arabia to Southern Europe, through the Levant, Egypt and North Africa, eastward to Transoxiana, Sindh and India, Muslim travellers and scholars of the Islamic Golden Age embarked on journeys that transcended mere exploration. Their meticulous records, spanning trade routes, cultural practices, and geographical wonders, laid the foundation for the 'Ilm al-Masalik wa al-Mamalik (Science of Roads and Kingdoms), a pioneering branch of Islamic geography that blended administrative precision with intellectual curiosity. Now, Sharjah's House of Wisdom celebrates this legacy through its exhibition 'Chapters of Islamic Art: Travelogues', running until 5 July 2025. 13 centuries of exploration The exhibition showcases 13 centuries of exploration through the manuscripts and books of renowned Muslim explorers who travelled across vast distances, circumnavigating the seas; driven by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for discovery and knowledge. On a journey that traces back the evolution of geography and cartography, visitors will be able to view rare manuscripts, hand-drawn maps and detailed scenes, offering the opportunity to learn about Ibn Battuta's three-decade travels, Ibn Jubayr's diaries that recorded his observations across Jerusalem, Egypt, Hijaz, Najd, and Iraq; among others. The exhibition also explores Al-Yaqoubi's geographical perceptions, and highlights the incredible contributions to navigation by Ibn Majid, who relied on the stars to determine directions on the open seas. The history of cartography A key highlight of the exhibition is a chronological experience that takes visitors to the 12th century AD, showcasing the brilliance of Muslim geographer Al-Sharif Al-Idrisi. His renowned 'Inverted' or South-Oriented Map, which is oriented with the south at the top in line with the prevailing tradition of honouring Makkah as the centre of the world, was not only a geographical and artistic marvel but also an ambitious scientific project commissioned by the Norman King Roger II of Sicily to draw a precise map of the world. The exhibition also showcases the brilliance of Muslim geographer Al-Sharif Al-Idrisi. It is considered to be one of the most significant cartographic achievements of the medieval ages, given the stunning detail that made it one of the first scientific attempts to map the world on a systematic and methodological chronological timeline continues through the 14th to 16th centuries, a key period in cartography, marked by a shift from south-up to north-up orientation. The change was influenced by the translation of Ptolemy's 'Geographia', as well as the discoveries of Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and other European explorers. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, the exhibition explores advancements in precise measuring instruments such as telescopes, theodolites, and marine chronometers, highlighting their impact on improving cartographic accuracy. The 20th century saw the new surge of aerial photography, remote sensing technologies and satellite imaging, which provided the first space-based full images of Earth from outer space, and thanks to innovations, digital cartography has become a vital tool for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and global communication. The Third Millennium and the Digital Age At the beginning of the 21st century, Google Earth and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) reflected the pinnacle of modern geography. These tools transformed cartography from eye-witness accounts to the digital world which relies on tools like satellite imagery and LiDAR scanning to provide high-resolution 3D mapping for Earth's surface, in addition to AI technology that enabled AI data processing to offer real-time data analysis. This leap in development created new horizons for global exploration, and transformed geography into a universally accessible resource of knowledge. Google Earth allows users to reorient maps with the south on top, echoing Al-Idrisi's 12th-century 'Inverted' or South-Oriented Map. Exploration has evolved from physical travel to virtual journeys that transcend borders, offering immersive access to the vast expanse of human knowledge. Featuring four sections, namely; 'Journeys in Ink: The Art of Islamic Travel and Geographic Literature'; 'Al-Idrisi: Mapping the World'; 'Navigating the World: Tools of the Trade'; and 'From Scrolls to Screens: Travel and Mapping in the 21st Century', the exhibition is held in collaboration with Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, the Sharjah Museums Authority, the Manuscripts House in Sharjah, and the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Saudi Arabia. 'Chapters of Islamic Art: Travelogues' bridges the past and present, proving that curiosity knows no borders, and by highlighting the legacies of Muslim explorers and cartographers, Sharjah's House of Wisdom invites the public to see geography not just as maps, but as a testament to humanity's timeless quest for connection and understanding.
Gulf Today
25-02-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sheikha Bodour's ‘The House of Wisdom' receives BolognaRagazzi Award in Italy
Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder of Kalimat Group, has led a reading session for her new book, 'The House of Wisdom,' aimed at young readers aged nine and above, and received the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award in the fiction category as part of the Bologna Children Book Fair (BCBF) in Italy. The BolognaRagazzi Award recognises books distinguished by their high-quality content and artistic design. It celebrates innovation in children's literature, helping to promote meaningful storytelling and foster a culture of reading among younger generations. Bodour Al Qasimi's latest work takes readers on a journey through the history of the House of Wisdom also known as the Grand Library of Baghdad, an iconic institution established by Caliph Harun Al Rashid during the Islamic Golden Age, and its lasting impact on the world of knowledge before its eventual destruction by Hulagu Khan, leader of the Mongol Empire. This engaging narrative, illustrated by Majid Zakeri, emphasises knowledge's pivotal role in shaping societies, highlighting its power to build futures. The book encourages young readers to think critically, explore scientific concepts, and recognise their potential to contribute to the advancement of humanity. Reflecting on the award, Sheikha Bodour said, 'The House of Wisdom invites readers on a profound journey into the heart of Arab and Islamic civilisation, shining a light on a rich legacy that continues to inspire and guide future generations. Through this book, we aim to celebrate the intellectual achievements of Arabs and Muslims, whose contributions laid the foundation for a global renaissance.' She continued, 'In today's world, it is easy to overlook the origins of progress, yet every innovation has roots in the vision and efforts of pioneers who sowed the seeds of discovery. 'Our youth must understand their heritage, drawing strength from it to shape a brighter future. We envision the House of Wisdom in Sharjah as a modern-day embodiment of its Baghdad predecessor - a beacon of knowledge that will ignite curiosity and passion for learning among our younger generations.' Celebrating the award, Kalimat Group organised a reading session with children and youth, where Sheikha Bodour drew attention to the House of Wisdom's contributions in Baghdad to key fields like medicine, engineering, and astronomy. She highlighted the institution's inclusive nature, welcoming scholars of all backgrounds, languages, and faiths - spanning Arabic, Persian, Aramaic and Hebrew. A notable historical anecdote shared during the session was Caliph Al Mamun's practice of paying translators the weight of their manuscripts in gold, emphasising the priceless value of knowledge. The reading session was part of a four-day cultural programme, starting on Feb.20, 2025, in collaboration with the House of Wisdom in Sharjah, which has organised a series of creative workshops and an art exhibition. French artist Benjamin Bené and Moroccan calligrapher Marouane Aouinat lead workshops on Feb.21 and 22, where 40 students from Rubu' Qarn, including girls from Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah and boys from Sharjah Youth, created artworks inspired by the book's themes. The exhibition showcasing the students' creations opened on Feb.23 and will run until Feb.27 at the House of Wisdom. Benjamin Bené, a renowned French artist who was honoured by UNESCO in 2012, brought his unique approach to visual arts to the workshops. Marouane Aouinat, an influential Arabic calligrapher, is celebrated for his dedication to preserving and innovating Arabic calligraphy. The book aims to enhance reading skills and foster critical thinking, encouraging young readers to explore history and the invaluable contributions made by Arab scholars. It will be available for purchase in both Arabic and English at the House of Wisdom bookstore and Kalimat Group website.
Zawya
23-02-2025
- General
- Zawya
Bodour Al Qasimi's latest work, ‘The House of Wisdom' received prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award
Sharjah: Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder of Kalimat Group, has led a reading session for her new book, ' The House of Wisdom', aimed at young readers aged nine and above, and received the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award in the fiction category as part of the Bologna Children Book Fair (BCBF) in Italy. The BolognaRagazzi Award recognises books distinguished by their high-quality content and artistic design. It celebrates innovation in children's literature, helping to promote meaningful storytelling and foster a culture of reading among younger generations. Al Qasimi's latest work takes readers on a journey through the history of the House of Wisdom also known as the Grand Library of Baghdad, an iconic institution established by Caliph Harun Al-Rashid during the Islamic Golden Age, and its lasting impact on the world of knowledge before its eventual destruction by Hulagu Khan, leader of the Mongol Empire. This engaging narrative, illustrated by Majid Zakeri, emphasises knowledge's pivotal role in shaping societies, highlighting its power to build futures. The book encourages young readers to think critically, explore scientific concepts, and recognise their potential to contribute to the advancement of humanity. Reflecting on the award, Sheikha Bodour said, ' The House of Wisdom invites readers on a profound journey into the heart of Arab and Islamic civilisation, shining a light on a rich legacy that continues to inspire and guide future generations. Through this book, we aim to celebrate the intellectual achievements of Arabs and Muslims, whose contributions laid the foundation for a global renaissance.' She continued, 'In today's world, it is easy to overlook the origins of progress, yet every innovation has roots in the vision and efforts of pioneers who sowed the seeds of discovery. Our youth must understand their heritage, drawing strength from it to shape a brighter future. We envision the House of Wisdom in Sharjah as a modern-day embodiment of its Baghdad predecessor - a beacon of knowledge that will ignite curiosity and passion for learning among our younger generations.' Celebrating the award, Kalimat Group organised a reading session with children and youth, where Sheikha Bodour drew attention to the House of Wisdom's contributions in Baghdad to key fields like medicine, engineering, and astronomy. She highlighted the institution's inclusive nature, welcoming scholars of all backgrounds, languages, and faiths - spanning Arabic, Persian, Aramaic and Hebrew. A notable historical anecdote shared during the session was Caliph Al-Mamun's practice of paying translators the weight of their manuscripts in gold, emphasising the priceless value of knowledge. An engaging cultural programme will introduce the book to its young audiences The reading session was part of a four-day cultural programme, starting on February 20, 2025, in collaboration with the House of Wisdom in Sharjah, which has organised a series of creative workshops and an art exhibition. French artist Benjamin Bené and Moroccan calligrapher Marouane Aouinat lead workshops on February 21 and 22, where 40 students from Rubu' Qarn, including girls from Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah and boys from Sharjah Youth, created artworks inspired by the book's themes. The exhibition showcasing the students' creations opened on February 23 and will run until February 27 at the House of Wisdom. Benjamin Bené, a renowned French artist who was honoured by UNESCO in 2012, brought his unique approach to visual arts to the workshops. Marouane Aouinat, an influential Arabic calligrapher, is celebrated for his dedication to preserving and innovating Arabic calligraphy. The book aims to enhance reading skills and foster critical thinking, encouraging young readers to explore history and the invaluable contributions made by Arab scholars. It will be available for purchase in both Arabic and English at the House of Wisdom bookstore and Kalimat Group website. Video:
The National
23-02-2025
- Science
- The National
Queens, warriors and thinkers – painting honours Islamic history's greatest women
The painting Islamic Scientists was one of the last that Syrian artist Mahmoud Hammad produced before his death in 1988. It is also perhaps his most ambitious. The work tackles a vast timeline, condensing centuries of Islamic history into a 120cm x 180cm canvas. Yet, the painting has a marked blind spot. The canvas is populated entirely by men – with no reference to the achievements of the female thinkers and intellectuals of the Islamic Golden Age. A new companion piece, A Wonderful World, by Iraqi artist Afifa Aleiby aims to address this oversight. Commissioned by the Barjeel Art Foundation, it will be officially unveiled during a ceremony at Sharjah's House of Wisdom on Sunday. A Wonderful World will be displayed beside Hammad's Islamic Scientists, which is also part of the foundation's collection and has been displayed at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation since 2014. Hammad's Islamic Scientists brings together 16 influential thinkers and scientists from the Islamic Golden Age, which is generally dated between the eighth and 13th centuries. Besides its artistic virtues, the painting is a formidable reference point for those wishing to learn more about the intellectual achievements of the medieval Islamic world. Ibn Rushd is in the centre of the canvas with a copy of his book The Incoherence of the Incoherence in hand. The Andalusian polymath is huddled beside Al Farabi and Ibn Sina, the latter who holds his influential work, The Book of Healing. Jabir, meanwhile, holds his The Secrets of Chemistry as he watches the group from afar, alongside the Persian polymath Razi. There is also, of course, Ibn Khaldun with his book Muqaddimah. Al Kindi, famously regarded as the Philosopher of the Arabs, holds a scroll as he looks towards the distance. Al Biruni beside him holds an astrolabe. In the upper left corner, meanwhile, Abbas Ibn Firnas takes to the sky with wings strapped to his shoulders. Besides being a poet, physician and inventor, the Berber-Andalusian polymath is regarded as the first person to have attempted flight. The painting also has other clues about the achievements of the time. A horoscope wheel touches on the astrological studies by medieval Arab scholars. In the upper right corner, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, built in the early eighth century, reflects on architectural contributions. Suheyla Takesh, director of the Barjeel Art Foundation, says Islamic Scientists was evidently an ambitious undertaking by Hammad. 'There was quite a detailed and meticulous study period that led up to this large-scale piece,' she tells The National. Yet, Islamic Scientists represents only a part of the achievements of thinkers during the Islamic Golden Age, and the foundation wanted to highlight the prominent female thinkers of the time, launching an open call in 2023. 'The open call laid the framework for the painting,' Takesh says. 'It had to be the same size, and it had to have 16 figures. It was up to the artists to find who they would like to represent, research them and then come up with a piece.' The initiative was part of the foundation's ongoing efforts to expand its collection of works by women artists from the region. 'We also started reflecting on the fact that the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation receives a lot of school groups who come and look at Islamic Scientists,' Takesh says. 'Young women come and look at this painting, and we really wanted them to have a more comprehensive picture of our collective history. To have role models that were not only men but also learned women." Though the open call yielded several 'wonderful proposals', Takesh says: 'None fully aligned with our vision for the project at that time.' Finally, in March last year, the foundation reached out to Aleiby. 'We already had a few of her works in the collection,' Takesh says. 'She has an incredible technique and very unique painting style. She is an established artist and has already achieved maturity in her approach and style. She seemed like the perfect fit for this project.' However, Aleiby was initially hesitant to accept the proposal. 'I initially saw the open call on social media,' she tells The National. 'I thought it was a great idea and I hoped it would materialise, but I didn't see myself taking on the project. I don't usually take on commissions.' However, Aleiby couldn't ignore the gravity and necessity of a companion piece to Islamic Scientists and she, too, wanted to highlight the efforts of female intellectuals and figures in the medieval Islamic world. 'It was not an easy decision,' she says. 'The subject matter was difficult. Its proper execution was difficult.' Yet, within a few months after taking on the project, and after strenuous research aided by the foundation, Aleiby completed A Wonderful World. The sprawling painting, much like the work that inspired it, brings together a group who come from various parts of the world and with disparate intellectual interests and contributions. In the upper left portion of the canvas is Fatima Al Fihriya, the ninth-century Arab figure renowned for establishing Al Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fes, Morocco. The mosque eventually became a university, which has been regarded by Unesco as the world's oldest continuously operating educational institution. Al Fihriya's sister, Mariam, is depicted beside her. She is celebrated for founding Al Andalus Mosque, which was a centre of education and learning. Queen Amina is also portrayed in the painting. The Hausa warrior queen sits almost at the centre of the canvas, a shield is propped up beside her. Ruler of the city-state Zazzau in modern-day Nigeria, Queen Amina was renowned for her military campaigns and for fortifying her cities with lofty walls, many of which survive today. Facing Queen Amina is Dayfa Khatun, a former princess of Aleppo. The Ayyubid royalty was the regent of Aleppo from 1236 to 1242. She is famous for having protected Aleppo's autonomy during a period of marked political and regional turmoil. She was also a patron of architecture, having commissioned several notable structures, including Al Firdaws Madrasa and the Khanqah Al Farafra. Zubaydah bint Jaʼfar Al Mansur has a starring role on the canvas, standing in the centre of the throng with her palms upwards. On her left, a mosque looms, symbolising Baghdad, whereas the Kaaba is depicted on her right palm. The Abbasid princess, who was the wife of Caliph Harun Al Rashid, was celebrated for her philanthropy as well as her intellectual pursuits. Among her most famous acts was commissioning a series of wells, reservoirs and pools along the pilgrimage route from Baghdad to Makkah and Madinah to provide water for pilgrims. Razia Sultana, meanwhile, is depicted in the upper left portion of the painting. She was the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in India, having ascended to the throne following her father's death in 1236. The sultana's rule was marked by significant improvements to Delhi's infrastructure. She was also known for her efforts in promoting trade and education. Two figures in the painting even precede the Islamic Golden Age and lived in the time of the Prophet Mohammed. These include Rufaida Al Aslamia, the first female Muslim nurse and surgeon, and Al Shifaʼa bint Abdullah, who was a distinguished companion of the Prophet Mohammed and whose medical expertise earned her the title of "The Healer". While viewing the painting, it is clear the 16 figures hail from different parts of the world and different eras. Aleiby says she wanted to represent these nuances through their clothing. Andalusian figures, such as Lubna of Cordoba and Fatima de Madrid, are dressed in garbs that are European. Khatun's headdress and vest, meanwhile, bring to mind medieval Syrian styles and are notably distinct from Razia Sultana's. However, there were notable gaps in the research, meaning Aleiby had to take some liberties with her depictions, she says. Her figures of Rufaida Al Aslamia and Al Shifaʼa bint Abdullah, for instance, are based on documentaries she watched. A Wonderful World, Aleiby says, stands out from the rest of her oeuvre. It is not an expressive work, she says, but one that aims to document and communicate history. 'I want to show how these women played a role in our lives and in the creation and development of our culture,' she says. 'That they were not just staying at home, but that they were building infrastructure, going to wars and writing poetry.' A Wonderful World will be displayed at the House of Wisdom alongside Islamic Scientists until the end of Ramadan. The two will then hang next to one another at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. "We would very much love for the pair to remain together," Takesh says.
