The Symposium on the History of Science in Islamic Civilization began yesterday in Doha, bringing together scholars, researchers, and officials to explore the contributions of Muslim scientists to human knowledge and civilization. The two-day event, organized by Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science in partnership with the Islam and Muslims Initiative, marks a continuation of discussions initiated during the International Conference on Orientalism.

The opening ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed al-Khater, HE Undersecretary Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi, senior education officials, academics, and diplomats from various Arab and Islamic countries accredited to Qatar. Participants underscored the importance of reviving the Arab and Islamic scientific heritage as a means to both strengthen cultural identity and draw inspiration for future scientific and intellectual advancement.

Speakers highlighted that contemporary research on the history of science within Islamic civilization has evolved into a multidisciplinary field. Rather than merely recounting the past, the study now connects scientific developments with social, cultural, and intellectual contexts, making use of modern digital tools for indexing and analysis.

The symposium opened with remarks from Prof. Mahmoud al-Hamza, head of the event’s scientific committee, who welcomed attendees and expressed hopes that the symposium would meet its objectives. This was followed by a keynote lecture from historian Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, who spoke on emerging trends in the field of Islamic science history.

The event features two academic tracks. The first focuses on specialized topics such as the history of science, Islamic scientific thought, the transmission of knowledge to and from the Islamic world, and the history of medicine in Islamic civilization. The second track is aimed at a broader audience, offering sessions that simplify complex ideas, including a panel discussion titled “The Duality of Religion and Science” and an open dialogue with educational consultant Dr. Ibrahim Al Khalifi.

The first day concluded at the Doha International Book Fair with a public discussion moderated by Dr. Fella Lahmar. The session featured Dr. Shoaib Malik discussing his book, "Seven Classical Perspectives for Islam and Science," which attracted considerable interest and audience interaction.

The symposium will continue with further sessions covering mathematics, astronomy, and the philosophy of science, drawing wide attention from participants eager to deepen the understanding of Islamic scientific heritage and its relevance today.