Adding to the list of names among the greatest libraries of the past, the Bayt al-Hikmah (translated as ‘The House of Wisdom’) was established in Baghdad, the capital of the Abbasid Empire, around the 8th century by Caliph Harun al-Rashid (reign from 786-809 CE) during the time of the Islamic Golden Age.

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national archaeology on Instagram: "This was the city of Baghdad, Iraq, in medieval times 🇮🇶 The city was planned in a circular format, on the bank of the Tigris River. It had a total of 3 rings, 1 of which was exclusive to the residence of the nobility. The other 2 rings were commercial and residential areas. On the outside of the 3rd ring, there was a large fortress and a circular moat to prevent invasions 🏰 The city was built on the orders of Caliph al-Mansur, in 762, of the Abbasid…

Seven books to read to learn more about Islam.

Image 18 of 24 from gallery of House of Wisdom Library and Cultural Center / Foster + Partners. Photograph by Foster + Partners

Open a door to imagination. Re-visit forgotten times of untethered awe still left of childhood. Do not worry–your spirit does and always knew exactly how. Just go. Open a door to imagination.…

I bought this book after reading a review in the New York Times. The review largely described Al-Muhaddithat as a women-focused yet Islamically-indigenous

These 16 amazing libraries are full of beautiful interiors — and books — to check out.