Dr Taha Yasin Arslan (Medeniyet University, Istanbul) will examine the evolution of instruments of observation and calculation in the Islamic world between the 9th and 16th centuries. What was the driving force for making instruments? How did this knowledge survive? Was there a transmission of knowledge on instruments between the Islamic world and West? And if so, was this transmission one-way or two-ways, Intermittent or continuous?

Dr Taha Yasin Arslan is an assistant professor at the Department of the History of Science of Istanbul Medeniyet University in Istanbul, Turkey. His research deals with the extant astronomical instruments and related manuscripts in the Islamic world. As part of his academic studies, he makes digital and physical reproductions of the instruments that were described in the historical texts. His recent focus is on the transition and transmission of practical astronomical knowledge in the Islamic world between the 13th and 16th centuries.

Join us live to hear researchers share their ideas on topics from Medieval Board games and Arabic Books to rethinking what we mean by 'science'. ​​​​​​​Everyone from experts to enthusiasts are welcome to join. And you'll have a chance to ask questions of our speakers and to interact with your fellow attendees.

These talks are designed for adults and young people; if you're looking for online events for young children, take a look at our Family Fun section.

​​​​​​​And don't worry if you can't make it - we'll publish each lecture on our YouTube channel after the event.

​​​​​​​We recommend using Google Chrome when booking or using WebinarJam.​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​The image to the left shows Astronomers conducting observations using a 5.3 metre armillary sphere in the late 16th century Istanbul Observatory.

The Knowledge in Motion – Science and Medicine in the Islamic World Lecture Series has been created in partnership with the HSMT Centre and the Global History Centre​​​​​​​.