The House of Wisdom - Info Pack - Islamic Civilisation - Year 6

The House of Wisdom, or Bayt al-Hikma in Arabic, was an eminent institution of learning located in Baghdad, Iraq, established in the 8th century by Caliph Harun al-Rashid of the Abbasid dynasty. Although it has been absent from the world stage since the 13th century, its legacy endures through the pivotal role it played in the medieval world as a hub of intellectual activity and scholarship. This institution was not only a library but also a research centre, attracting some of the most brilliant minds of the time. It was here that foundational knowledge in subjects such as medicine and dentistry was developed and expanded upon, contributing significantly to these fields. The House of Wisdom is often associated with the 'Golden Age' of the early Islamic civilisation, a period marked by remarkable advancements in knowledge and culture.

At the heart of the House of Wisdom's operation was the translation and preservation of important historical texts into Arabic, which opened up a wealth of knowledge from various cultures and eras to the scholars of the time. This process established the House as a leading institution in the realm of education and learning. It was a place where scholars, irrespective of their religious backgrounds, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews, were invited to collaborate and share their expertise in astronomy, mathematics, science, medicine, and dentistry. Such interdisciplinary exchange and the political and economic support provided to scholars were instrumental in advancing literacy among the general population. Moreover, the innovation of papermaking in this period allowed for the meticulous recording of their scholarly pursuits, thereby cementing Baghdad's status as a vibrant and thriving centre of knowledge around 900 AD, during the Islamic Golden Age.