Celebrate
Arab-Muslim Culture
In Paris

Let's learn together about how the Arab-Muslim world has influenced Western countries with its amazing innovations and inventions!

Here's a list of topics with roots in Arabic and Muslim culture, spanning from science to lifestyle

Scientific Contributions
Algebra: A branch of mathematics that deals with equations and the rules for manipulating these equations. It's a foundational element in modern mathematics and engineering.
Algorithms: The word itself is rooted in the name of the Persian scholar Al-Khwarizmi, who was instrumental in introducing algorithmic techniques to the world.
Arabic Numerals: The decimal numeral system we use today, including the digits 0 to 9, is based on the Arabic numeral system. It was introduced to Europe through translations of Arabic mathematical texts.
Optics: Ibn al-Haytham made significant contributions to the field of optics and visual perception, forming the basis for modern cameras and even virtual reality.
Cartography: Early Muslim geographers and cartographers like Al-Idrisi contributed significantly to map-making, affecting everything from GPS systems to simple road maps.

Medical Advancements
Surgery: Al-Zahrawi, often considered the "father of modern surgery," wrote an influential book that was used as a reference in Europe for several centuries.
Pharmacology: Ibn Sina’s ‘Canon of Medicine’ was a medical encyclopedia that served as the standard medical text in both the Western and Islamic educational systems for many years.
Hospitals: The concept of hospitals, as we understand them today, with specialized wards and treatment, was pioneered in the medieval Islamic world

Culinary Delights
Coffee: Originated from the Islamic world, with historical roots in Yemen.
Falafel: A deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, commonly eaten throughout the Middle East.
Kebabs: Variations of meat on skewers, often served with pita and vegetables.
Baklava: Baklava is a delicious pastry made from layers of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. Its roots can be traced back to the Middle East, including Arab countries.
Hummus: Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from cooked and mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It's a staple in Arab cuisine.

Clothing and Textiles
Carpets: Persian and Turkish rugs are famous worldwide and have influenced textile industries globally.
Cashmere: Originated in the Kashmir region and has become a luxurious material for garments worldwide.
Technologies and Innovations
Windmills: Early designs were adapted by Muslim engineers and spread to the rest of the world.
Clocks: Water-driven and weight-driven clocks were developed in the Islamic Golden Age, influencing timekeeping instruments globally.
Guitar: The modern guitar does have historical links to instruments that were prevalent in Arabic and Muslim culture

Daily Life
Zero: The concept of the number zero was transmitted to the West via Islamic scholars, based on earlier Indian concepts.
Public Libraries: Early Islamic cities often had libraries that were open to the public, a concept that spread to Europe later.
Gardens: The concept of the paradisiacal garden, filled with fountains and fruits, influenced European garden design, including the notion of public parks.
Chess: Although not originally Muslim, the game was transmitted to the Western world via the Islamic empire and became highly popular.
Alcohol Distillation: The process of distilling alcohol, which is widely used for producing various spirits, was developed by Muslim chemists.