1001 Inventions
1001 Inventions is a unique educational project that reveals the Islamic world's rich contribution to modern civilisation.
Things we take for granted such as coffee, chess, soap and cameras were all invented in the Muslim world, but very few people know it. 1001 Inventions aims to correct that with a travelling exhibition, a colourful, fully illustrated reference book, a free-to-download teachers' pack aimed at secondary schools, a set of supporting educational posters and a dedicated website.
Our role
Useful links
www.1001inventions.com
www.muslimheritage.com
What people said
"Excellent my view of Muslim history has changed for the better"
Visitors' book comment
"A wonderful and timely reminder of what the west owes to the Islamic world"
Visitors' book comment
"This exhibition has the power to challenge stereotypes"
Mayor of Manchester His Grace Afzal Khan
"It is a very important message to the young today that it is important to build, not to destroy to learn from our past"
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Saudi Arabian ambassador to the UK
|
The process began when the Foundation for Science Technology and Civilisation (FSTC) produced a small pamphlet on discoveries made in the Muslim world - it soon became clear there was far too much information to squeeze into a single leaflet.
Muslim Heritage Consulting (MHC), which is owned by International Holdings, took the research and set out to deliver it to the general public.
MHC developed the project into a five-pronged campaign: A travelling exhibition, a coffee-table general reference book, a dedicated website, teachers' packs for secondary schools and a poster set.
The 1001 Inventions exhibition opened in Manchester, England, in March, 2006 with a high profile launch including dignitaries such as Professor Ekmellidin Ihsanoglu, secretary general of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, Mike O'Brian, Attorney General from the UK Home Office, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK.
Three months later more than 88,000 people had walked through its doors, and two out of five were Muslims, a group the museum had struggled to attract in the past. The exhibition was extended for another three months due to popular demand.
In October, 2006 it moved to Cardiff, Wales, where at least another 20,000 people have had the chance to learn more about what the Muslim community shares with other communities in the UK and Europe.
The first print run of the book, 1001 Inventions, was snapped up, with dignitaries such as the then UK Prime Minister Tony Blair receiving a copy. To cope with demand, a second edition is being printed.
But it doesn't stop there. MHC themed an entire shopping mall in Dubai. What was to have been called Gardens Shopping Mall became Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall, with interactive exhibits documenting the adventures of the famous 14th century Arab explorer. Ibn Battuta is now the world's largest themed shopping mall.
1001 Inventions is not a religious or political campaign. The aim is to promote cultural understanding, and to further knowledge of our shared heritage.
As a result of the massive interest in the project, negotiations are underway to change the UK's national curriculum to reflect the research.
1001 Inventions is a unique educational project that reveals the Islamic world's rich contribution to modern civilisation.
Things we take for granted such as coffee, chess, soap and cameras were all invented in the Muslim world, but very few people know it. 1001 Inventions aims to correct that with a travelling exhibition, a colourful, fully illustrated reference book, a free-to-download teachers' pack aimed at secondary schools, a set of supporting educational posters and a dedicated website.
Our role
www.1001inventions.com
www.muslimheritage.com
What people said
"Excellent my view of Muslim history has changed for the better"
Visitors' book comment
"A wonderful and timely reminder of what the west owes to the Islamic world"
Visitors' book comment
"This exhibition has the power to challenge stereotypes"
Mayor of Manchester His Grace Afzal Khan
"It is a very important message to the young today that it is important to build, not to destroy to learn from our past"
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Saudi Arabian ambassador to the UK
Muslim Heritage Consulting (MHC), which is owned by International Holdings, took the research and set out to deliver it to the general public.
MHC developed the project into a five-pronged campaign: A travelling exhibition, a coffee-table general reference book, a dedicated website, teachers' packs for secondary schools and a poster set.
The 1001 Inventions exhibition opened in Manchester, England, in March, 2006 with a high profile launch including dignitaries such as Professor Ekmellidin Ihsanoglu, secretary general of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, Mike O'Brian, Attorney General from the UK Home Office, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK.
Three months later more than 88,000 people had walked through its doors, and two out of five were Muslims, a group the museum had struggled to attract in the past. The exhibition was extended for another three months due to popular demand.
In October, 2006 it moved to Cardiff, Wales, where at least another 20,000 people have had the chance to learn more about what the Muslim community shares with other communities in the UK and Europe.
The first print run of the book, 1001 Inventions, was snapped up, with dignitaries such as the then UK Prime Minister Tony Blair receiving a copy. To cope with demand, a second edition is being printed.
But it doesn't stop there. MHC themed an entire shopping mall in Dubai. What was to have been called Gardens Shopping Mall became Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall, with interactive exhibits documenting the adventures of the famous 14th century Arab explorer. Ibn Battuta is now the world's largest themed shopping mall.
1001 Inventions is not a religious or political campaign. The aim is to promote cultural understanding, and to further knowledge of our shared heritage.
As a result of the massive interest in the project, negotiations are underway to change the UK's national curriculum to reflect the research.