Common things you didn’t know were invented in the Middle East-Part II
I have discussed in the first part of Common things you didn’t know were invented in the Middle East that the Middle East is known in the west for its food, as a center of religion, and for its often troubled recent history.
But it is also known for its history of innovation in philosophy, mathematics and literature, and science which has given us many items, concepts, and institutions that we now use all the time.
Now, it’s time for Part-II of everyday things you probably did not know were invented in the Middle East.
8. Telling time
Telling time was invented in 2,000 BC in modern-day Iran and Iraq
One of the most significant inventions from the Middle East was the clock, and even formalized time-keeping itself.
The system of counting from zero to 60 originates from 2000 BC in Sumer, modern-day Iran and Iraq.
The water clock, a device which measured time through the amount of water passing in or out of a container using weights, was also invented and used by the ancient Egyptians.
9. The crankshaft
The crankshaft was invented in 12th-century, Turkey.
Ismail al-Jazari was an Engineer born in 1136 in modern day Turkey. His most significant invention was the crankshaft, a device which converts rotation into linear movement.
It is the basis for much of the machinery in the modern world, including the bicycle.
10. The combination lock
The combination lock was also invented in12th-century, Turkey and interestingly Al-Jazari was also the inventor of the combination lock.
11. Soap
The first ever Soap was invented in 2,800 BC in ancient Babylonia.
Soap was invented by the Arabs through combining vegetable oils with sodium hydroxide and aromatic oils.
12. Algebra and the algorithm
Algebra and the algorithm was invented in 9th-century, Iran.
Al-Khwarizmi was a 9th Century Persian mathematician who is often referred to as “The Father of Algebra,” for his scholarship in the subject. He also invented the algorithm.
Interestingly, some students may also wish algebra was never invented.
13. The University
The University was invented in 9th-century Morocco.
The world’s first university was opened by princess Fatima al-Firhi in Fez, Morocco in 859 AD. The al-Qarawiyyin university was first educational facility which granted degrees and still operates as a higher education institution today teaching Islamic sciences and law.
14. Hospitals
Hospitals were invented in 9th-century, Egypt. The first ever hospital was the Ahmad Ibn Tulun Hospital founded in 872 in Cairo. It was also entirely free to use.
15. Windmills
Windmills were invented in 7th-century, Iran while some 1,000-year-old windmills in Iran are still in use today.
