Centuries of Muslim exploration spotlighted in Sharjah exhibition

Nearly 13,000 visit the exhibition honouring Muslim pioneers of travel and science

Last updated: July 10, 2025 | 23:29

Aghaddir Ali, Senior Reporter

2 MIN READ

The exhibition spotlighted the bold travellers and brilliant thinkers who shaped our understanding of the world

Sharjah: For centuries, Muslim explorers and scholars roamed deserts, crossed oceans, and documented the world with remarkable precision — leaving behind a legacy of knowledge that continues to resonate today. This rich heritage came to life at the House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah, where nearly 13,000 visitors journeyed through time at the Travelogues exhibition — a four-month celebration of Islamic contributions to geography, navigation, and travel writing.

Part of the ongoing Chapters from Islamic Art series, the exhibition spotlighted the bold travellers and brilliant thinkers who shaped our understanding of the world — from the bustling markets of Baghdad to the vast oceans navigated by Muslim seafarers. It celebrated their groundbreaking work in geography, navigation, and cartography during the Islamic Golden Age and beyond.

The exhibition was inaugurated under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It featured rare books gifted by His Highness from the private collection of the late Professor Richard Ettinghausen. The collection comprises more than 12,000 volumes on Islamic history, art, and science.

Among the legendary figures featured were Ibn Khordadbeh, Al-Istakhri, Ibn Hawqal, Yaqut al-Hamawi, Ibn Jubayr, Ibn Battuta, and Ibn Majid — each of whom left behind writings, maps, and tools that transformed travel into a science and fostered cultural understanding between civilisations.

“This exhibition wasn’t just about manuscripts and maps — it was about honouring a deep-rooted legacy,” said Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom. “It reminded us that Islamic civilisation made lasting contributions to human knowledge — ones that continue to inspire today.”

She added that the House of Wisdom remains committed to creating cultural experiences that bring this legacy to life for new generations — highlighting Sharjah’s role as a centre for cultural dialogue and historical reflection.

A journey through time and knowledge

The exhibition was divided into four themed sections:

Science of Routes and Kingdoms: Tracing the origins of early Muslim geography during the Abbasid period, this section highlighted how scholars mapped vast territories with precision and insight.
Maps by Al-Idrisi: Featuring intricate medieval maps that were centuries ahead of their time, this section demonstrated how Muslim scholarship influenced European geography.
Maritime Tools: Visitors explored instruments such as the astrolabe and sextant—used by Muslim navigators to master the seas long before the advent of GPS.
Travel in the Modern Age: This final section examined how emerging technologies such as aerial photography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) continue the legacy of exploration and travel documentation.

To engage younger audiences, the exhibition featured interactive workshops for children and youth. Activities such as Design Your Travel Journal, Ibn Majid: Lion of the Sea, and World Stage: Ibn Battuta’s Journeys encouraged participants to explore the world through the eyes of historic adventurers—fostering curiosity, storytelling, and a love for discovery.

The exhibition was made possible through partnerships with the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, the Sharjah Museums Authority, the Manuscripts House in Sharjah, and Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.

Aghaddir AliSenior Reporter

Aghaddir is a senior news reporter at Gulf News with more than a decade of experience covering the UAE’s most pressing developments. Known for her sharp eye for detail and deep expertise in the country’s legal and security systems, Aghaddir delivers journalism that clarifies complex issues and informs public discourse. While based in Sharjah, she also covers Dubai and the northern emirates. She leads daily reporting with a strong focus on breaking news, law enforcement, courts, crime, and legislation. Her work also spans education, public safety, environmental issues, and compelling community and adventure features. Aghaddir’s investigative stories engage readers in meaningful conversations about the nation’s evolving challenges and opportunities. Her interests include public policy, judicial affairs, social issues, healthcare, and governance, and her body of work reflects a commitment to accurate, impactful, and socially relevant journalism. She has established herself as a reliable and trusted voice in the region's media.