Medical innovations in the Arab world that have changed care practices over the centuries
When we think of the development of medicine, our eyes often turn to modern Europe. But the deeper and richer story goes back to the Arab-Islamic civilization, which for centuries was a beacon of science and knowledge, especially in the field of medicine.
From Baghdad to Andalusia, Arab doctors and scientists left a mark on global medical practice that is still present today.
House of Wisdom: Where the golden age of medicine began
In the ninth century AD, Caliph al-Ma'mun established the House of Wisdomin Baghdad, a center for the translation and dissemination of science from various civilizations, especially Greek, Persian and Indian.
But Arab doctors did not limit themselves to translation, but added innovative research and experiments, making them the pioneers of medicine in their time.
Al-Razi: Founder of Experimental Medicine
Abu Bakr al-Razi (865-925 AD) is considered one of the greatest doctors in history.
He invented the method of clinical trial, where he compared treatment methods to choose the most beneficial for the patient, which is what we consider today to be the basis of evidence-based medicine.
Some of his most famous achievements:
- Measles is distinguished from smallpox for the first time with a precise description.
- Author of Al-Hawi, which remained a medical reference in Europe for centuries.
- The use of rubbing alcohol to sterilize wounds, a practice that later became standard in surgery.
Avicenna: The Prince of Doctors and Philosopher of Health
Avicenna (980-1037 AD), or Avicenne as he was known in the West, was Europe's primary authority on medicine until the 17th century.
This book combined anatomy, pharmacology, psychology, and the treatment of diseases, making it a complete medical encyclopedia.
of Avicenna's advanced ideas:
- The concept of quarantine to limit the spread of infectious diseases.
- Explain the microcirculation between the heart and lungs.
- The link between physical health and mental health, a principle we are rediscovering today with holistic medicine.
Al-Zahrawi: The Father of Modern Surgery
In Andalusia, Al-Zahrawi (936-1013 AD), known in the West as Albucasis.
He wrote his encyclopedia Al-Tasrif for those who cannot write,which contains more than 200 surgical instruments that he designed himself.
from his creations:
- The first description of cesarean sections.
- Use cotton to bandage wounds.
- He pioneered the techniques of cosmetic circumcision and deformity repair, making him the father of plastic surgery.
Pharmacy: A science that flourished at the hands of the Arabs
The Arabs not only innovated in medicine, but also established pharmacology as an independent branch.
In Baghdad, the world's first pharmacies existed, where medicines were prepared and sold according to precise recipes.
Famous pharmacists like Ibn al-Bitar wrote encyclopedias containing hundreds of herbs and plant remedies, many of which are still used today, such as:
- Saffron as a sedative.
- Black seed as an immune booster.
- Licorice for respiratory ailments.
Hospitals: Innovation ahead of its time
Did you know that public hospitals as we know them today have their roots in the bimarastans of the Islamic world?
In cities like Damascus, Cairoand Baghdad, hospitals were established to provide free treatment, with separate departments for different diseases, as well as medical schools to train new doctors.
Patients were given a certificate of recovery upon discharge, an early form of the medical records we rely on today.
The legacy that lives on
Arab medicine was not just a passing phase; it established scientific principles that are still in place:
- Careful clinical observation.
- aseptic surgery.
- Preventive medicine such as quarantine.
- A holistic treatment that combines body, mind, and spirit.
Today, the world is turning its attention back to some of the natural remediesand health principles developed by Arab doctors, especially with the rise in interest in alternative and integrative medicine.
A civilization to be proud of
When we look at the history of medicine, we find that the Arab world was not just a carrier of knowledge, but a source of medical radiation that changed the face of health care forever.
From Al-Zahrawi's tools to Avicenna's concepts, from Baghdadi hospitals to Andalusian pharmacies... all these achievements formed the first building blocks of modern medicine.
In an era of renewed health solutions, it can be helpful to look back to our heritage, explore it, and be inspired by it to enhance our health care today.