The Sharjah International Foundation for the History of Muslim and Arab Sciences (SIFHAMS) has successfully concluded its fifth edition of the International Graduate Winter School, hosted by the University of Sharjah. The week-long event, themed “Scientific Tradition in Islamic Civilization,” brought together a diverse group of approximately 370 postgraduate students, with 50 attending in person and around 320 participating virtually.
In a collaborative effort with esteemed institutions like the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST), the Warburg Institute at the University of London, Utrecht University in the Netherlands, University of Uskudar in Turkey, King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia, MES Mampad College in India, and the Physics Institute at the University of Cologne in Germany, the International Graduate Winter School aimed to foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The opening ceremony, presided over by Prof. Youssef Al Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Sharjah, emphasized the pivotal role of the Winter School in promoting collaboration among universities, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and building academic relationships among postgraduate students worldwide.
Over the seven-day program, participants were treated to two scientific lectures each day, followed by engaging discussion sessions and a series of hands-on workshops. Renowned scholars from diverse fields contributed to the intellectual discourse. Prof. Alparslan Açıkgenç from the University of Uskudar in Turkey delved into the “Concept of Knowledge in Islamic Civilization: An Introduction,” while Prof. Charles Burnett from the Warburg Institute explored the “Translation Movement in Islamic Civilization with a Special Focus on the Period of Translation from Arabic into Latin.”
The Winter School also addressed the importance of heritage protection in Islamic civilization, as Prof. Maamoun Saleh Ab- dulkarim from the University of Sharjah discussed this crucial aspect. Prof. Hisham Mortada from King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia provided insights into “Arabic and Islamic Architecture and its Global Influence: Selected Topics.”
The program also included visits to the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, where participants explored scientific exhibitions and the Sharjah Planetarium. Prof. Mashhoor Al Wardat, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Sharjah and Director of Academic Affairs Department at SAASST, enlightened participants on the Unique Aspects of Islamic Astronomical Knowledge.
An excursion to Maliha Desert, UAE, organized in collaboration with the Emirates Astronomical Society, added a practical dimension to the Winter School. Participants engaged in observational camps, learning about constellations, telescope usage, and had the unique opportunity to observe planets and stars, enhancing their understanding of the night sky.
The success of the International Graduate Winter School 2024 reflects the commitment of SIFHAMS and its partners to advancing scholarly exploration and collaboration in the rich tradition of Islamic civilization. As participants return to their respective institutions, they carry with them not only newfound knowledge but also a strengthened network of academic connections that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued progress of scientific traditions globally.
