The development and spreading of the ancient Islamic civilizations, as it happens also with the period of Al-Andalus in the Iberian Peninsula, are often portrayed by the media as a dark time, a violent wave that devastated Europe for centuries. This argument, which finds its roots in the idea of the “clash of civilizations” (as developed by Huntington in the 90s) and comes almost to justify the crusades and Christian efforts to stop Islam, reflects still in the common cry of “Islam is invading us”.
This belief in the Islamic expansion as a backward tendency couldn’t be further from the truth. Many are the developments promoted by the Muslims during the Middle Age. Moreover, many of them managed to reach Europe thanks to the influence and diplomatic relations established during the different periods of Al-Andalus with the European countries.
This wonderful short documentary gathers some of the main inventions with which these civilizations contributed to the modern world.
No Comments