1001 Inventions and The Library of Secrets

1001 Inventions and The Library of Secrets


1001 Inventions: Pioneers of Science and Technology


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Oscar-winning actor and screen legend Sir Ben Kingsley has taken the starring role in a short feature film about the scientific heritage of Muslim civilisation. The mini-movie, entitled 1001 Inventions and the Library of Secrets, accompanies a global touring exhibition that this currently open to the public at the Science Museum in London.

In the movie, Sir Ben takes on the role of a mysterious and cantankerous librarian who takes a group of school children on an enlightening journey to meet pioneering scientists and engineers from the history of Muslim civilization. The librarian is then revealed to be 12th century engineering genius Al-Jazari.

The exhibition runs till 25th April 2010 (with a short hiatus between 25th Feb and 12th March 2010 inclusive).



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Discoveries made from the 7th to 17th centuries by multi-faith scientists in Muslim civilization have had a huge but hidden influence on the modern world. Knowledge from Assyrian, Babylonian, Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Indian, Persian and Roman civilizations was highly prized in the Muslim world. Men and women scholars advanced science by building upon the ancients and making breakthroughs that paved the way for the European Renaissance.

This Golden Age of Discovery in the Muslim World (southern Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia and to China) took place during the so-called Dark Ages of Europe. Muslim civilization promoted free-thinking, rationalism and tolerance. Many scholars expressed their faith by seeking to serve society and improve quality of life for others.