Oxford’s hidden secret: for the first time, Al-Khwarizmi’s work will be exhibited at the Center of Islamic Civilization

🔴 Al-Khwarizmi’s rare book can now be seen with the naked eye

🔴 “Al-Jabr” returns to its true homeland

The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has unveiled its next “secret” in presenting to the public the legacy of our great scholars who made immense contributions to the development of world science.

The Center’s exhibitions feature not only religious manuscripts but also monumental works that defined the progress of science.

Among them is the renowned treatise by Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, The compendious book on calculation by completion and balancing, which is currently preserved in the Bodleian Library of Oxford University and is expected to be displayed for the first time in Uzbekistan.

Written in the 9th century, this treatise is recognized as the foundational source of modern algebra. It was through this very work that the term “al-jabr” entered the world of science and has retained its significance to this day.

The book presents practical examples of arithmetic and geometric calculations, concepts of squares and roots, inheritance distribution, commercial transactions, and legal matters.

Al-Khwarizmi himself noted that he was greatly inspired to write this work by the patronage and attention given to science during the reign of Caliph al-Ma’mun.

The Center’s exhibition also includes information about the scientific value, historical importance, and various editions and translations of the work.

This initiative of the Center of Islamic Civilization represents not only the promotion of our national heritage but also a significant step toward reviving the scholarly legacy of our ancestors who contributed to the advancement of world science.