Muslim civilization
Online exhibits from the internationally known exhibition and website on Islam, Science and influential inventions. See also “Fun & Learning” menu, with book, posters, activities and more.
A virtual walking tour of the Nadrid era Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. It features 360 degree views and detailed explanations of the architectural and decorative features, and their significance. (Since Adobe Flash is no longer supported, install alternative Flash emulator Ruffles (http://ruffles.rs) to view the presentation.
Graphic novel version of the true story of the woman who, with members of her community, saved books during the Iraq war. Publishers Weekly featured review.
When and where did the first complete, coherent, and well organized system of medicine develop? Read this research paper to discover the fascinating accomplishment in medical care over 1000 years ago! From the National Library of Health. See also Parts I and II.
Hajar R. The Air of History Part III: The Golden Age in Arab Islamic Medicine An Introduction. Heart Views. 2013 Jan;14(1):43-6. doi: 10.4103/1995-705X.107125. PMID: 23580929; PMCID: PMC3621228.
A Compilation of achievements and inventions made by early Muslims. It also includes short bios of famous Muslims in the US and around the world who made significant contributions in the social, medical, engineering, entertainment, sports, and other fields.
A beautifully illustrated guide to a mosque from the Ottoman period by famous architect Sinan. Online version to borrow from OpenLibrary
David MacCaulay’s book Mosque in the architecture series features the work of famous Turkish archictect in Ottoma Istanbul Mosque. View a readaloud version by MrPsWorldHistory at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EjXYMMZg2U. See also for comparison of sacred and secular architecture, by the same author/architect, Cathedral, Castle, City, Pyramid, and others. See also animated films of same names.
Students evaluate comments made by individuals in the film. The quotes touch upon topics such as Expressions of Faith, Family and Communal Aspects of Muslim Life, Unity and Diversity Among Muslims, Muslims in Mainstream American Society, and Muslim Responses to Extremism in Religion. Students will be better able to distinguish between “Islamic” teachings and “Muslim” practices which may or may not conform to the faith’s widely-held principles and ideals. For use with: Video documentary FRONTLINE: MUSLIMS or standalone. Here is the lesson plan as a pdf lp_FM-C01_ValuesPracticesFaith-C01
A Short video depicting three teenagers who are researching how the modern world has been impacted by the Dark Ages. They meet the Librarian (Sir Ben Kingsley) who guides them through a journey of discovery about the ancient Golden Age. This video is a project of the international exhibition with many other teaching resources at and a page of additional videos at https://www.1001inventions.com/films-and-videos/
Lesson plan and Readings on the origins of Islamic science and its transfer across the Mediterranean to Spain and into Europe is part of the complete set of lessons for comprehension and enrichment written to accompany the Unity Productions Foundation documentary film Cities of Light, in addition to interactive online features, articles, slide shows, timelines and maps is found at http://www.islamicspain.tv. The Lesson Plan Set is available for download in pdf format (individual lesson titles and the complete set on the site at http://www.islamicspain.tv/For-Teachers/LessonPlans.htm).
Islam: Empire of Faith documentary film companion website The site includes an outstanding timeline of Islamic history in four realms of history, as well as lesson plans and access to images from the arts and sciences. The full documentary can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxnT1Trn5kc
Islam: Empire of Faith is a documentary series, made in 2000, that details the history of Islam, from the birth of the Islamic Prophet, Muhammad to the Ottoman Empire. The first episode deals with the life of Muhammad, the second with the early Caliphates, Crusades, and Mongol invasion, and the third with the Ottoman Empire and Safavid dynasty. Directed by Robert H. Gardner.
A list of videos with streaming platform for 20 BBC documentary films on Islam, Muslims, Islamic history and cultures, including the excellent 3-Part documentary, “Islam and Science,” by the BBC, with Jim al-Khalili. http://islamicmultimedia.blogspot.com/ Islam and Science and Technology. Many other topics.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History (TOAH), a magnificent and comprehensive resource for all periods and world regions, with extensive access to images, thematic essays such as The Nature of Islamic Art, maps, timelines and search possibilities. Indispensible for integrating art across the curriculum. See also the MET’s Islamic art collection at http://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/curatorial-departments/islamic-art
Non-fiction, illustrated story of the Abbasid era translation effort that brought the knowledge of the ancient world and many cultures into the Arabic language, where it was preserved, built upon and later translated into Latin in Europe, where it helped stimulate the Renaissance.
This is a list of UPF documentary films with streaming, discussion guides, and lesson plans.
Discover Islamic Art Museum With No Frontiers/DiscoverIslamicArt, a collection of art by period, dynasty, region and themes, bringing together works in many museums with their full information. The site also features interactive games exploring artworks and objects. A great way to see how Islamic art is organized and how it changed over time and across Muslim cultures. A project of the EuroMed with European Union funding.
Islam: An American Faith, Set of 6 documentary films on aspects of Islam, descriptive of the faith, its beliefs and practices. $9.95 ea or $49.95 for the set.
For many these two ideas: Islam and America are not compatible, many on both sides feel that there is a great divide and that America can never reconcile with Islam and Muslims cannot live in peace with America. This film aims to dispel that myth. Starting from a historical perspective highlighting the fact that Muslims were already present in the New World prior to the arrival of the first European settlers and coming to the present post 9-11 America where some are questioning their identity, whereas others are defining their American Muslim identity.
Critical Thinking on Terminology about Islam and Muslims Critical Thinking about Terminology Related to Islam and Muslims: This lesson helps students critically evaluate some of the phrases and concepts used to describe Islam and Muslims. Students learn about the distinctions between using terms such as “Islamic” and “Muslim” to describe different behaviors or cultural products, and gain awareness of journalistic categories such as “Muslim world.” For use with: Video documentary FRONTLINE: MUSLIMS or as standalone lesson.
A collection of stories from authentic Islamic literary and religious sources such as Hadith and Qur’an, which illuminates Islamic morals, ethics and values in an accessible way.
Winner of the 2004 Aesop Prize, Ayat Jamilah/Beautiful Signs: a Treasury of Islamic Wisdom for Children and Parents is the second book in Eastern Washington University Press’ This Little Light of Mine series. A young adult/adult crossover anthology, it draws from not only the core of Islamic spirituality and ethics, the Qur’an, and the traditions (hadiths), but also from the mystical verse, folk tales, and exemplary figures of the Islamic narrative. Unlike any other collection of Islamic stories, Beautiful Signs gathers traditional stories from the farthest reaches of the Muslim world, which stretches from Morocco in the west to Indonesia in the east, and from China in the north to Tanzania in the south. This unique anthology, with its rich and thorough explanatory notes, will be invaluable to anyone wishing to understand, or to teach, geography, world history, or world religions. It will also be treasured by Muslim families and by all parents committed to broadening the lives and values of their children and themselves.