Baghdad: A Legacy of Enlightenment
"Baghdad represents a magnificent chapter of intellectual and spiritual enlightenment."
The city of Baghdad has played a pivotal role in encouraging, preserving, and increasing the intellectual capacity of our societies. The city was founded in 762 as the capital of the Abbasid dynasty.
The meaning of "Baghdad, " translated from Middle Persian, is "God given" or "God’s gift." During the Golden Age, the city was also known as "Madinat as-Salam." Which translates to "City of Peace." For around 500 years, Baghdad was one of the most significant cities in the world. And, the cultural capital of Islamic civilisation.
"Advancements in intellectual pursuits such as: algebra, calculus, geometry, chemistry, biology, medicine, and astronomy. Many forms of art also flourished during the Golden Age. Including: ceramics, metalwork, textiles, illuminated manuscripts, woodwork, and calligraphy."
The fall of Baghdad (1258) marked the end of 500 years of discovery, innovation, and contributions towards intellectual advancements. The city never recovered, and the loss persisted for centuries, as successive empires failed to recreate that magnificent chapter of intellectual enlightenment.
