Early Press at Islamic History.

 

Source: arinspiredpencil.

Today, we will discuss about early press at Islamic History. How press doing role  at Islamic History. And, how books at Islamic History evoluted to pressed book at early modern age. Ok, please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more information about Islamic History and Civilization. It is easy verb for you, but have big role for help us flow our blog that focuss about Islamic History and Civilization.

At Islamic Golden Age, books was became culture at Islamic Society. It is can seeing by Abbasid Dynasty Era.  According Historian Ahmet Kuru, Abbasid Caliph, Harun al-Rashid ( ruled 786-809 AD) build giant library at Baghdad, Abbasid Caliphate Capital., named Baitul Hikma ( House Of Wisdom). And, it is progressed by next caliph, al-Mamun ( ruled 813-833 AD). Caliph al-Mamun, moved translattion movement at many manuscripts that used many languages, such as Greek, Syrian, Persian, and Sanskhrit at philosophy, psicology, mathematics, medicine, physics, geology, and other. At Abbasid Era, not only Baghdad became Islamic Knowlegde Center. At Syria, exist City Of Damascus and Aleppo. At Iraq, also exist City Of Bashra. At Iran and Central Asia, exist several cities, such as Nishapur, Rayy, Thus, Balkh, Bukhara, Urgenc, and Merv.  At Islamic Cities, also exist libraries and also scholars.  Fathimid Dynasty , at 10 TH Century,  under Caliph al-Aziz also build giant library. Caliph al-Aziz, build giant library at Cairo that this collections achieved 200.000 until less than 1.000.000 according Ahmet Kuru. 

At Andalusia ( Spain and Portugal), when Umayyad Caliphate ruled this territories uner Caliph Hakam II ( ruled 961-976 AD), build library that have 400.000 books at his capital, Cordova. Islamic Literatures at this era, achieve his golden age and many Islamic Scholars write scientific book, such as Banu Musa  ( sons from Musa Ibn Shakier) write Kitab al-Hiyal that describe  about several mechanichal products. 

Islamic Literatures, progressed when press machine  finded.  At 1455 AD, press machine finded by Johan Gutenberg at Mains, German.  According Kuru, Gutenberg s effort became origin of press revolution at Europe.  At 1480 AD, press machine operated at 110 cities at Europe, and at 1500 AD, press machine at Europe make 10.000-15.000 books. 

But, it is late entered Islamic World.  Ottoman Empire , late started press machine for press book, because Ottoman Scholar, forbid press, because according several scholar, can threat scholar s monopoly at religion s interpretation.  Ottoman Scholar also forbid Koran ( Islamic Holy Book) to local language ( read: Turkish Language).  According Kuru, it is make literation at Ottoman Empire so low ( 1 % at 1800 AD).  And, at this time, West Europe achieve summit from literation ( at 1800 AD, achieve 31 %).  It is show different from literation at Islamic World and literation at Western World  at this time, when Islamic Civilization retreat because conservatism.

Half century after Gutenberg find press machine, Jewish Community at Istanbul, Ottoman Empire Capital, found first publisher for press Hebrew Texts. At 1720 AD, press started by Ottoman Empire, when prime minister at Ottoman Empire handled by Ibrahim Pasha. Ibrahim Pasha  protect first press for Muslims  at Istanbul. 

Ottoman Grand Ambassador at France, Mehmed Celebi support this plan.Mehmed s son collaborated with Ibrahim Muteferrika , one Hungarian Converts for found publisher at Istanbul. At 1727 AD, Ottoman Goverment permit press non-religion books. Muteferrika, mastered many part fom knowledge and he press important books about geography, history, and languages. After this, press machine spread into other parts from Islamic World, such as Tabriz, Iran at 1817 AD, 1819 AD at Lakhnau, India, 1821 AD at Cairo, Egypt, 1844 AD at Kazan, Russia, and 1853 at Surabaya, Indonesia.

Refrences:

Kuru, Ahmet.T.: Islam, Otoritarianisme, dan Ketertinggalan: Perbandingan Lintas Zaman dan Kawasan di Dunia Muslim, Kepustakaan Populer Gramedia, 2021 M.