‘1001 Inventions’ surprises Muscat Festival visitors

Muscat: Did you know that the camera on your mobile phone was inspired by a Muslim intellectual called Ibn Al Haytham? That a scholar called Al Mawsili invented a way to treat the eye disease cataract, a technique which is still applied in hospitals today?
That Muslim doctors invented medicines that eventually reached the West and influenced pharmacists there? And that the word ‘traffic’ comes from the Arabic word ‘taraffaqa’?
These and many other inventions are showcased at the global exhibition, ‘1,001 Inventions’, one of the highlights of the Muscat Festival this year, being held at Al Amerat Park.
It focuses on the scientific heritage of the ancient Golden Age of Islamic civilisation, which produced Arab intellectuals and scientists like Al Razi, Ibn Sina, Ibn Al Haytham and others. The interactive displays as well as the staff, each of which portray an old inventor, introduce visitors to the significance of these age-old inventions which laid the foundation for many items we use today.
‘Abbas Ibn Farnas’, who was known to have invented wings to be able to fly, told the Times of Oman that this is the first time the exhibition is being held in the Sultanate and that it was received very well by the public.
“Many people like this exhibition, as it is both educational and interactive”, he said. “But it is also funny, as there are games children can enjoy here,” he said.
‘Ibn Farnas’ said that foreign visitors are often surprised to see such an exhibition in Muscat. “Many families visit more than once, as there is so much to
see,” he said.
‘1,001 Inventions’ has certainly surprised visitors to the Muscat Festival. Alaa Ali, an Omani, expressed her surprise at this exhibition.
So much to learn
“I like it as there is so much to learn about these intellectuals who created something to make our lives better. I was not aware of these inventions having come from the Muslim civilisation,” she said.
Charry Deleon, a Philippine national, said she and her children very much enjoyed it.
“This is all new to me and my children love to play the games here. I am looking forward to go to other halls,” she said.
Justine King from France said such an exhibition is necessary to remind us of our heritage.
“I think we have a lot to learn about what happened in the past in this part of the world. We tend to forget about where the inventions came from. The younger generation can particularly benefit from this exhibition,” she said.