Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World

Islamic Civilisation Lecture Series 2012

The Alwaleed Centre is delighted to announce a unique series of public lectures in Edinburgh celebrating Islamic civilisation and its contributions to art, medicine, astronomy and carpet-making.

Islamic Civilisation Lecture Series

Celebrating Muslim contributions to global arts, culture and science

We start on the 27th September at the Royal Society of Edinburgh with a re-evaluation of the role of cultural institutions, and particularly museums, in presenting Islamic artefacts in the face of increased interest in Islamic heritage.

On the 25th October we move to the Royal College of Sugeons to hear about Muslim contributions to medical science in the medieval period.

On the 19th November we look to the stars and explore Islamic astronomy with our friends at the Royal Observatory of Edinburgh.

Finally, we conclude on 3rd December with a lecture exploring the world of Islamic carpets at the Nomads Tent; Edinburgh's leading trader of Iranian and Turkish carpets.

Below you will find full details of all four lectures, including the links you'll need to follow to book your FREE tickets.

For help booking tickets or for any further information you can contact us by email: thealwaleedcentre@ed.ac.uk or by phone: 01316504165.

Fragments of a lost past or evidence of a connected history: the role and concepts of Islamic art in a museum context

Dr Stefan Weber, Director of Museum of Islamic Art in Berlin

The first few years of the 21st Century have witnessed an impressive re-evaluation of Islamic art and archaeology and. cultural institutions across the globe have become increasingly important forums for public interest in Muslim cultures.

This lecture will discuss the new role to be played by museums. What are the stories embedded in the Islamic objects they exhibit and how can these stories be told?

Chaired by Professor Robert Hillenbrand, RSE Fellow and Professor Emiritus at the University of Edinburgh.

Date: Thursday 27th September, 6pm

Venue: Royal Society of Edinburgh

Medicine in the medieval Islamic world: between tradition and innovation

Professor Peter Pormann, University of Manchester

Islamic medicine is considered to be one of the most significant contributions of Islamic civilisation to the sciences, particularly during the Middle Ages when figures such as Al-Razi and Ibn Sina revolutionised approaches to medical theory and practice.

This lecture will discuss some of the key Muslim contributions to the development of medical science including anatomy, surgical instruments and procedures, herbal medicine, pharmacology, and the development of hospitals and medical training.

Chaired by Professor O. James Garden, Regius Professor of Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh.

Date: Thursday 25th October, 6pm

Venue: Royal College of Surgeons (King Khalid Building)

An introduction to Islamic astronomy

Dr Bruno Abdul Al-Haq Guiderdoni, Director of the Lyon National Observatory

Copernicus, Galileo, Newton - names we all recognise as historic giants of astronomy. But how many people have heard of Ibn al-Haytham, al-Khwarizmi or Ulugh Beg? We don't learn about them at school, but their influence is no less significant than their western counterparts.

What drove Muslims to make such extraordinary progress in the field of astronomy, and what is it about Islam that encouraged these visionaries to look up to the stars?

Chaired by Professor Andy Lawrence, Regius Professor of Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh.

Date: Monday 19th November, 7:30pm

Venue: Royal Observatory of Edinburgh

Islamic carpets: connoisseurs, dealers and the formation of Islamic taste

Dr Yuka Kadoi, the Alwaleed Centre at the University of Edinburgh

For the last 1300 years, Muslim craftsmen have worked in a variety of media, skilfully transforming ordinary objects into elaborate works of art. In particular, carpets have played a central role in the socio-economic and material life of the Islamic world.

This lecture will explore some key protagonists who helped cultivate the appreciation of Islamic carpets as works of art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as collectors, scholars and art dealers.

Chaired by Andrew Haughton, Manager of the Nomads Tent, Edinburgh.

Date: Monday 3rd December, 6pm

Venue: Nomads Tent