The Eleventh Conference: "Important Figures in the History of Arab-Islamic Civilization in Science and Geography
The Eleventh Conference, titled “Important Figures in the History of Arab-Islamic Civilization in Science and Geography,” was hosted by the Al-Ahliyya University of Irbid in collaboration with the Jordanian Society for the History of Sciences, the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, and the Jordanian Geographic Society. The conference was supported by the hosting institution, Al-Ahliyya University of Irbid, and the University of Sharjah. It was attended by Professor Dr. Ahmad Mansour Al-Khasawneh, President of Al-Ahliyya University of Irbid, Professor Dr. Abdel Majid Nasir, President of the Jordanian Society for the History of Sciences, Dr. Eng. Awni Al-Khasawneh, Secretary-General of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, deans, and several members of the faculty and administration. The conference took place both in-person at the Hashemite Hall of Al-Ahliyya University of Irbid and remotely via Zoom from Wednesday evening, January 4th, to Thursday, January 5th, 2023.
Professor Dr. Abdel Majid Nasir, President of the Jordanian Society for the History of Sciences, delivered a speech at the beginning of the meeting, thanking Al-Ahliyya University of Irbid for hosting the conference and emphasizing the importance of researching the history of Arab-Islamic sciences. He highlighted the significance of the society’s research programs in investigating the Arab-Islamic heritage, which is of great importance for education and the dissemination of knowledge among intellectuals and enthusiasts in Jordan and the Arab world.
Dr. Eng. Awni Al-Khasawneh, Secretary-General of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, also delivered a speech, expressing his honor and pleasure to be among the attendees at the opening ceremony of the Eleventh Scientific Conference for the year 2023, titled “Important Figures in the History of Arab-Islamic Civilization in Science and Geography.” He praised the efforts of the organizing bodies and supporting institutions, including Al-Ahliyya University of Irbid and the University of Sharjah.
Dr. Al-Khasawneh stressed the strategic importance of studying history in general and the history of sciences in particular, especially in the era of globalization and the dominance of a single cultural perspective. He highlighted the efforts of institutions like the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, which was founded in 1998 and aims to frame joint Arab work through scientific conferences, seminars, and workshops, contributing to the dissemination of astronomical knowledge and the exchange of information and ideas among Arab specialists and academics. The union supports research in space and astronomy sciences in Arab countries, encourages the preservation of cultural and civilizational heritage, and advocates for revising educational programs to educate future generations, particularly youth, about the Arab-Islamic scientific heritage, which played a crucial role in shaping modern scientific advancement.