Sharjah Exhibition Shows Muslim Explorers' Achievements

Photo: WAM

The “Travelogues” exhibition, hosted by the House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah, has successfully come to an end. This event was a part of the larger “Chapters from Islamic Art” series, a cultural initiative that aimed to share the rich history and contributions of Islamic civilization.

Running for four months, the exhibition saw an impressive turnout. Nearly 13,000 people visited the venue, eager to learn about the great Muslim travelers, geographers, and mapmakers who helped shape the world’s understanding of geography and navigation.

A Tribute to Islamic Golden Age Explorers

The main theme of the “Travelogues” exhibition was to highlight the incredible work of Muslim explorers during the Islamic Golden Age and beyond. This period, which spanned from the 8th to the 14th century, was known for major advancements in science, culture, and knowledge in the Islamic world.

These explorers and scholars traveled vast distances and recorded their experiences, drawing maps and writing travel books that helped people learn about different cultures and regions. Their work contributed greatly to the development of geography, navigation, and cartography (the science of making maps).

Supported by Sharjah’s Ruler and Cultural Institutions

The exhibition was part of an initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. He has played a leading role in preserving and promoting Islamic heritage.

The exhibition also displayed rare books from the personal collection of the late Professor Richard Ettinghausen, a renowned scholar in Islamic art. These books—over 12,000 volumes—were gifted by His Highness and are valuable sources of knowledge on Islamic history, art, and sciences.

Highlighting the Works of Great Muslim Scholars

The exhibition proudly showcased the works and journeys of famous Muslim travelers and scholars. These included:

• Ibn Khordadbeh—An early Muslim geographer who wrote about trade routes.

• Al-Istakhri—Known for his detailed maps and books on Islamic geography.

• Ibn Hawqal—Combined travel with mapmaking and described various regions of the Islamic world.

• Yaqut al-Hamawi—A famous scholar known for his encyclopedia of geographical places.

• Ibn Jubayr—Traveled widely and recorded his journeys with great detail.

• Ibn Battuta—One of the most famous travelers in history who journeyed for almost 30 years.

• Ibn Majid—A skilled navigator and poet who guided explorers across the seas.

Through their books and maps, visitors were able to see how the science of travel writing evolved. What started as personal stories turned into a proper field of study with clear methods, purposes, and tools. Their work helped improve navigation and encouraged understanding between different cultures.

A Cultural Experience, Not Just an Exhibit

Marwa Al Aqroubi, the executive director of House of Wisdom, shared her thoughts on the exhibition. She said that ‘Travelogues’ was much more than just an exhibit of old maps and manuscripts. It was a journey through time that allowed people to connect with the legacy of Islamic civilization.

According to her, the exhibition helped bridge the past with the present, especially for younger generations. She said the large number of visitors shows that people are truly interested in learning about the Arab world’s role in shaping global knowledge and science.

How’s Mission to Promote Culture and History

Ms. Al Aqroubi also emphasized the mission of the House of Wisdom. She said HoW is committed to creating cultural experiences that present the region’s historical achievements in a modern and engaging way. By doing this, HoW hopes to build pride in the region’s past, inspire future generations, and establish Sharjah as a leading center for cultural exchange and historical learning.

Strong Regional Partnerships Made It Possible

The success of the exhibition was made possible through partnerships with leading institutions. These included:

• Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre

• Sharjah Museums Authority

• Manuscripts House in Sharjah

• King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (Saudi Arabia)

Each partner played a key role in providing rare materials, scholarly input, and organizational support. Their collaboration helped bring the stories of Muslim explorers to life in an engaging, interactive, and informative way.

Why This Exhibition Matters Today

In today’s fast-moving world, events like the “Travelogues” exhibition are important because they remind people of the lasting impact of Islamic culture and science. Muslim explorers helped build bridges between different societies by sharing knowledge and documenting their journeys.

Their efforts contributed to peaceful exchanges, improved sea routes, and deeper cultural understanding. At a time when the world is seeking more unity and learning, this exhibition offered lessons from the past that are still relevant today.

Visitors Engaged with History Firsthand

Many visitors shared that the exhibition gave them a deeper appreciation for the role of Muslim scholars in world history. The interactive displays, old manuscripts, detailed maps, and stories of courage and curiosity left a strong impact on people of all ages.

Children, students, historians, and tourists all found something meaningful at the event. For many, it was the first time seeing such rare historical materials in person.

Looking Ahead: More Cultural Projects from HoW

The House of Wisdom plans to continue organizing events that bring the region’s scientific and cultural history to the public in fresh and exciting ways. They believe that learning about the past can shape a better future, especially when young people are encouraged to explore history with curiosity and pride.

Through upcoming projects, HoW aims to keep Sharjah on the global map as a hub of education, culture, and heritage.

The “Travelogues” exhibition in Sharjah was a major success that celebrated the rich contributions of Muslim travelers, scholars, and mapmakers. With support from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and key cultural institutions, the event attracted thousands of visitors and gave them a chance to explore a remarkable part of world history.

By showcasing the lives and work of legendary explorers like Ibn Battuta and Al-Istakhri, the exhibition reminded everyone that the Islamic world played a key role in advancing science, geography, and global understanding.

The House of Wisdom continues to lead efforts in preserving and presenting this heritage in ways that are meaningful, engaging, and relevant for today’s world.