University Of Sharjah Explores Islamic Scientific Heritage At International Forum In Al-Andalus

The Sharjah International Foundation for the History of Arab and Muslim Sciences (SIFHAMS) at the University of Sharjah recently hosted its Ninth International Scientific Forum. The event, themed "Islamic Scientific Tradition and Heritage in Al-Andalus," brought together scholars from both the University of Sharjah and Spain. This gathering served as a dynamic platform to delve into the lasting intellectual contributions of Islamic civilisation in Al-Andalus.

Dr. Estefanía A. Moschón presented her research titled "Linguistics in Al-Andalus: Linguistic Diversity and Methodology in Manuscripts." Her study highlighted the linguistic richness found in Andalusian manuscripts, shedding light on their importance in understanding Arabic language evolution. This exploration of historical texts revealed the diverse methodologies employed by Andalusian scholars, enhancing our comprehension of linguistic development.

Dr. Montserrat Benítez Fernández delivered a keynote presentation tracing the transformation of Granada’s historic "Casa del Chapiz." Originally a Moorish residence, it became the School of Arabic Studies in 1932, dedicated to advancing Arabic studies and preserving Spain’s Arab-Islamic heritage. Dr. Fernández emphasised its pioneering research in dialectology and sociolinguistics, highlighting its role in maintaining linguistic diversity.

Dr. Sami Di Giuseppa from the University of Sharjah concluded the forum with his presentation on "The Enduring Civilisation of Al-Andalus in Art and Knowledge." He illustrated how Al-Andalus's legacy continues to inspire modern art exhibitions in Sharjah, merging authenticity with contemporary vision. This enduring influence showcases how historical knowledge can be integrated into present-day artistic expressions.

The event saw participation from notable figures such as Prof. Nadia Alhosani, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design, and Prof. Massoud Idris, Director of SIFHAMS. A large audience comprising researchers, graduate students, and enthusiasts also attended, reflecting widespread interest in this rich cultural heritage.

The forum successfully highlighted the profound impact of Islamic civilisation in Al-Andalus on various fields such as linguistics and art. By bringing together experts from different regions, it fostered a deeper understanding of this significant historical period and its ongoing relevance today.

With inputs from WAM