Muslims have been responsible for some of the most important inventions and discoveries throughout history. From medicine to mathematics, astronomy to architecture, Muslims have played a crucial role in shaping the world as we know it today. In this article, we will be focusing on some of the most important inventions made by Muslims between the years 1700 to 1900.

The First Flying Machine

In the 1700s, a Muslim polymath by the name of Abbas ibn Firnas created the first flying machine. Firnas was a skilled engineer and inventor who lived in what is now known as Spain. He designed a glider with wings made of silk that was able to fly for a short distance. Although his invention was not able to sustain long flights, it was a significant achievement in the field of aviation.

The Modern Camera

In the mid-1800s, a French inventor named Louis Daguerre developed the first modern camera. However, it was a Muslim scientist by the name of Ibn al-Haytham who first developed the principle of the camera. In the 11th century, Ibn al-Haytham developed a device known as the camera obscura, which used a pinhole to project an image onto a screen. This device was the precursor to the modern camera.

The First Typewriter

In the late 1800s, a Muslim engineer named Ahmad Lutfi al-Sayyid invented the first Arabic typewriter. His invention was the first practical machine for typing in Arabic, and it revolutionized the way Arabic documents were produced. The typewriter allowed for faster and more efficient production of documents, and it paved the way for modern computer keyboards.

The First Steam Engine

In the 1700s, James Watt is credited with inventing the steam engine, which helped to power the Industrial Revolution. However, it was a Muslim engineer by the name of Ismail al-Jazari who first developed the concept of the steam engine. In the 12th century, al-Jazari designed a device known as the crankshaft, which converted reciprocating motion into rotary motion. This was a crucial component of the steam engine and paved the way for modern transportation.

The First Automated Vending Machine

In the late 1800s, a Muslim inventor named Hassan al-Rammah developed the first automated vending machine. His machine was designed to dispense holy water in mosques, and it was powered by a complex system of levers and weights. This invention was a significant achievement in the field of automation and paved the way for modern vending machines.

The First Electric Generator

In the late 1800s, Nikola Tesla is credited with inventing the first electric generator. However, it was a Muslim engineer by the name of Al-Jazari who first developed the concept of the electric generator. In the 12th century, al-Jazari designed a device known as the saqiya, which used water to power a mechanical system. This invention was a crucial step towards the development of modern electrical power.

The First Parachute

In the late 1700s, a French inventor named Louis-Sébastien Lenormand is credited with inventing the first parachute. However, it was a Muslim scholar and inventor by the name of Abbas ibn Firnas who first attempted to fly using a parachute. In the 9th century, ibn Firnas jumped from a tower using a large piece of cloth as a parachute. Although he suffered some injuries, he is considered to be the first person to have attempted to fly using a parachute.

The First Timekeeping Device

In the 1700s, John Harrison is credited with inventing the marine chronometer,