1001 Inventions Launched by Deputy First Minister

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“1001 INVENTIONS” OPENS AT GLASGOW SCIENCE CENTRE
 
 
A ground-breaking interactive exhibition “1001 Inventions: Discover the Muslim Heritage in Our World” was opened today (23rd October) at Glasgow Science Centre by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.  The exhibition reveals some of the best kept secrets and inventions by ancient scholars and brings to life an overlooked “golden age” of scientific innovation
 
1001 Inventions  uncovers one thousand years of scientific and technological innovation by Muslim inventors, engineers, doctors, astronomers, and scholars from the 7th to 17th centuries.
 
The exhibition tells the story of innovations from the first flying machine, the first rocket, the first university, the first world globe, our numbers 1 – 9, algebra, astronomy and surgical instruments  to everyday items like coffee, soap, the fountain pen, clocks, and the camera.
 
Opening the exhibition, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said :-
 
“1001 Inventions is a fascinating and much-praised exhibition and I’m sure it will be a huge success here in Glasgow.
 
“It has the power to reach many audiences including schools pupils, students, academics and families across all our communities in Scotland.
 
“The exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the bringing together of the two strands of Islamic art, philosophy and culture, and scientific endeavour.
 
“Cross-cutting science is worth nothing if we can’t inspire our next generation of scientists to study science at school and at college, and to take up any of the fantastic and rewarding careers that a science education can lead to.  The Scottish Government recognises this in the funding it provides to the Glasgow Science Centre and other Scottish Science Centres and is pleased to support an additional programme of school class visits to the 1001 Inventions Exhibition”
 
The exhibition is divided into seven zones – home, school, market, hospital, town, world and universe.  Each zone features the contributions to science, medicine and technology by Muslim scholars.
 
The 1001 Inventions exhibition is currently on a UK tour, with the Glasgow Science Centre the only showing in Scotland.   Over 250,000 people have already visited the exhibition in Manchester, Cardiff and Birmingham and it is expected about 50,000 will see the 1001 exhibition in Glasgow.
 
Professor Salim Al-Hassani, Emeritus Professor at University of Manchester and chairman of the Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation who developed the exhibition said:-   
 
“There is a widespread misconception that science and technology went into decline during the period described in our history books as the “dark ages”
 
“The 1001 Inventions Exhibition aims through understanding and education to challenge this myth and celebrate the fact that today’s world owes much to the golden age of discovery and innovation in the Muslim World between the 7th and 17th centuries.
 
“This exhibition shows that Muslims have always shared their scientific heritage and that heritage provides a platform for many developments in today’s world”
 
Dr Robin Hoyle, Director of Science at Glasgow Science Centre added:
 
“We aim to present science in an accessible and thought-provoking way. 1001 Inventions does exactly that and I’m sure that families and schoolchildren alike will find this exhibition thoroughly enjoyable.”
 
“1001 Inventions:Discover the Muslim Heritage in Our World ” runs for almost three months from Tuesday 23rd October to 8th January in the Science Mall (3rd floor)  at the Glasgow Science Centre.   It is open daily 10 am to 5pm  (except Mondays from November).   A special promotional leaflet for the exhibition offers a child free voucher with every paying adult from 24th October to 11th November.
 
Further information from
 
Claire Gemson
Glasgow Science Centre
Direct line: 0141 420 5034. e: claire.gemson@glasgowsciencecentre.org
Mobile: 07815 512002
 
John Brown
For the Foundation for Science, technology & Civilisation
Mobile 07881 818474   Home 0141 959 4380 e:  john@1001inventions.com
 
 
Notes to editors
 
The 1001 Inventions exhibition is supported in Scotland by  the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, and the Waqf Charitable Trust.  It has also received sponsorship from the UK government,  international institutes and organisations    The Exhibition was developed by the Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation, in association with the University of Manchester, the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, Muslim Youth Foundation and the Dubai-based Muslim Heritage Consulting.
 
Relevant websites
 
www.glasgowsciencecentre.org
www.1001inventions.com
www.muslimheritage.com
 

Contact: Claire Gemson
Phone: 0141 420 5034
Email: claire.gemson@glasgowsciencecentre.org
Website: http://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

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