Did you know that there was a place in the medieval Islamic world called the “House of Wisdom” which was the largest repository of books in the world towards the middle of the 9th century?

This wonder of human civilisation was known as the Bayt Al-Hikmāh in Arabic.

A thread… 1/ The House of Wisdom was a major intellectual center in medieval Baghdad. Founded in the 8th century, it was a hub of scholarship, research, and translation, and played a key role in the development of the Islamic Golden Age.

Did you know that the world-famous pastry known as the croissant was originally inspired by the Muslim Ottoman Turks and was made in Austria before arriving in France?

Very few people are aware of the hidden Muslim influence behind this beloved French dessert.

A thread…

1/ The origin of the croissant is often attributed to Austrian bakers who were inspired by the crescent shape on the Ottoman flag during the siege of Vienna in 1683.

Did you know that the Akan people of West Africa were known to be one of the most powerful ethnic groups of the continent during the 17th century who fought against European colonialism?

The Akan people dominated the gold trade across West Africa for centuries.

A thread… 1/ The Akan people have a rich oral tradition that predates the written word. Their history, beliefs and customs have been passed down through generations in the form of stories, proverbs and songs.

Did you know that it is believed that Christopher Columbus studied the works of a Muslim Andalusian-Arab geographer in Spain?

This man’s influence extends beyond Earth as the lunar Al-Bakri crater on the moon is named after him.

A thread on the legacy of this 11th century man… 1/ Al-Bakri's most famous work is "Kitab al-Masalik wa'l-Mamalik" (The Book of Roads and Kingdoms), a comprehensive account of the world known to Muslims at the time.

Did you know that one of the most powerful and influential kingdoms in world history was the kingdom of Aksum, located in Ethiopia?

This kingdom was so diverse and tolerant, that the king officially welcomed Muslim refugees in the 7th century fleeing persecution.

A thread… 1/ Aksum was a kingdom that existed from around 100 AD to 940 AD, located in what is now Ethiopia. They were known for their trading prowess and wealth, thanks to their strategic location between the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.

Did you know that the Igbo tribe of Nigeria has a pre-colonial political system based on democratic values which goes back centuries?

Let’s go back in time and trace the origins of this fascinating ethnic group which is one of the largest in all of Africa.

A thread… 1/ The Igbo tribe is one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, with a population of about 40 million. They are known for their rich history and unique cultural practices.

Did you know that one of the reasons why Islamic art is so unique is because it focuses on the representation of patterns and designs instead of people?

Islamic art has for centuries been characterised by the usage of intricate mathematical patterns and designs.

A thread… 1/ The patterns are based on mathematical principles, creating a perfect balance and harmony in the art. It's fascinating how geometry and art can come together so beautifully.

Did you know that the city of Bukhara in Uzbekistan is one of the oldest cities in the world going back more than 2,500 years?

It is an oasis city that was founded on the edge of the Central Asian desert located along the Great Silk Roads.

A thread on the history of Bukhara… 1/ The city has a rich history dating back 2,500 years, with evidence of human settlements found as early as the 5th century BC.

7 things I wish I knew earlier in life: 1. Not everybody cares. Don’t try and get them to care if they clearly showed you they don’t.

Did you know that the unique Socotra island between Yemen and Somalia is known as the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’?

It is one of the most diverse islands in the world, where one can find one of the oldest endangered languages between Asia and Africa: Soqotri.

A thread… 1/ Socotra is an island located in the Indian Ocean, east of Somalia. It has been occupied by various civilizations over the years, including the Greeks, Romans, and Persians.

Samarkand has for over a thousand years been a central location along the famous Silk Roads, with Arab, Chinese, Persian, Mongol, and South Asian traders passing through.

Known as the "Crossroads of Cultures", it was a major hub for traders and scholars.

A thread… 1/ Founded between the 8th to 7th century BC, Samarkand has seen many empires rise and fall. From Persian to Greek, Mongol to Timurid, each left their mark on the city's architecture and culture.

Did you know that the city of Gao in West Africa, presently located in Mali, was the capital of the Songhai Empire in the 11th century?

In the 9th century, Arab writers all the way from the Middle East wrote about Gao in traditional Arabic poetry and literature.

A thread… 1/ Gao was founded in the 7th century and became a powerful city-state in the 11th century. It was located on the Niger River, which made it a key player in the trans-Saharan trade.

Did you know that the island of Sumatra in western Indonesia has history dating back over 3,000 years, with ancient kingdoms, such as Srivijaya and Majapahit, leaving their mark on the island's culture and architecture?

A thread on the history of this fascinating island… 1/ Sumatra is the largest island in Indonesia, and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, and has played an important role in the development of Indonesian culture and civilization.

Did you know that the Haitian revolution led to the independence of the first ever Black republic in the world?

Enslaved Africans in the Caribbean island of Hispaniola revolted against the French colonisers and fought for their freedom.

A thread on the Haitian revolution… 1/ The Haitian Revolution began in 1791 and lasted for over a decade, finally leading to the establishment of the Republic of Haiti in 1804.

Did you know that one of the central locations of Islamic art and architecture throughout history has been in Europe?

Spain has served as the seat of numerous Muslim dynasties from the 8th to the 15th century.

A thread on the history of Islamic art and architecture in Spain… 1/ Islamic art and architecture in Spain has a long and rich history that dates back to the 8th century, when the Moors arrived on the Iberian Peninsula. Over the next several centuries, they established a thriving cultural and artistic center in Al-Andalus.

Did you know that the Tuareg people of the Sahara are often called the "masters of the desert"?

Known as the "blue people" due to their indigo-dyed clothing, they're a nomadic group spread across the Sahara Desert with a rich history that goes back centuries.

A thread… 1/ The Tuareg have been trading across the Sahara for thousands of years, making them expert caravan traders. They even controlled the salt trade, which was essential for food preservation.

The tiny country of Lebanon is filled with a rich and diverse history, spanning over 7,000 years. For millennia, this small Mediterranean country has captured the attention of the world.

Let’s dive into some of the key periods that shaped this fascinating country.

A thread… 1/ The Phoenician Empire, which emerged around 1200 BCE, brought prosperity and trade to Lebanon. The ancient city of Byblos was a major center of culture and commerce.

The Chinguetti Mosque in Mauritania is a breathtaking example of 13-14th century Islamic architecture.

It has a charm that has attracted worshippers for centuries.

Sadly, recent studies have shown that the city, facing many environmental challenges, could disappear.

A thread… 1/ The mosque served as a center for Islamic scholarship and learning, with an impressive library of rare manuscripts. The city of Chinguetti became one of the most important Islamic cities in all of West Africa.

Devastated to hear the sad news of the passing of Harry Belafonte (1927-2023) an actor, singer, and civil rights activist of Jamaican and African-American heritage.

[THREAD] He was a figure of POC empowerment, active critic of Western imperialism, oppression, and racism, having called for nuclear disarmament, was backed by numerous Latin American revolutions, and even pushed for the freedom of a Native American activist & prisoner: Leonard Peltier.

🧵The Impact of European Colonialism on the Middle East ⬇️

[THREAD] European colonialism had a profound impact on the Middle East, shaping its political, social, and economic landscape. The region was subjected to imperialist rule, with European powers vying for control over strategic resources such as oil and natural gas.

Thread of the Day 🧵: the History of Moroccan Architecture.

📍Morocco 🇲🇦 The Islamic period, from the 7th century onward, saw the development of a style that is prominent in most of Morocco's traditional architecture today. This style of architecture was a part of a larger tradition of "Moorish" or western Islamic architecture that was prevalent in