Book Review. Sonja Brentjes. Historiography of the history of science in Islamicate societies: Practices, concepts, questions

Document Type : Book Review

Author

Isfahan Mathematics House (IMH)

Abstract

The book Historiography of the history of science in Islamicate societies: Practices, concepts, questions by Sonja Brentjes, a prominent scholar of science in the Islamic period, challenges the traditional and dominant narratives of the history of science in the Islamic world - particularly the theory of scientific decline after the Golden Age. It demonstrates that the decline hypothesis is inconsistent with historical evidence and that scientific activities in Islamic societies continued through the Safavid, Ottoman, and Mughal periods. Brentjes emphasizes the importance of social institutions and structures in the production of science, educational methods, and the practices of recording, preserving, and transmitting knowledge. For instance, she highlights face-to-face education and research conducted in the form of commentary and exegesis as influential factors in the advancement of science. Additionally, the relationship between science and religion among scholars and rulers, who often held divergent views in support of or opposition to science, is examined. Brentjes strongly recommends that researchers avoid framing all manuscripts, treatises, instruments, maps, and scientific artifacts within broad categories such as "Islam" or "Latin Europe". Instead, she urges scholars to consider specific contexts, social frameworks, and the unique opportunities and constraints of each society, moving beyond stereotypical assumptions to adopt detailed historical investigations and more comprehensive analyses.

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References

قزوینی، میرزا محمدطاهر وحید. تاریخ جهان‌آرای عباسی. به تصحیح و اهتمام سعید میرمحمدصادق. تهران: سازمان چاپ و انتشارات وزارت فرهنگ و ارشاد اسلامی، ۱۳۸۳.
قزوینی، میرزا محمدطاهر وحید. تاریخ جهان‌آرای عباسی. به تصحیح و اهتمام سعید میرمحمدصادق. تهران: سازمان چاپ و انتشارات وزارت فرهنگ و ارشاد اسلامی، ۱۳۸۳.
قزوینی، میرزا محمدطاهر وحید. تاریخ جهان‌آرای عباسی. به تصحیح و اهتمام سعید میرمحمدصادق. تهران: سازمان چاپ و انتشارات وزارت فرهنگ و ارشاد اسلامی، ۱۳۸۳.
Brentjes, S. (2024). Historiography of the history of science in Islamicate societies: Practices, concepts, questions. Routledge
Brentjes, S. (2024). Historiography of the history of science in Islamicate societies: Practices, concepts, questions. Routledge
Brentjes, S. (2024). Historiography of the history of science in Islamicate societies: Practices, concepts, questions. Routledge
Journal for the History of Science
Volume 23, Issue 1 - Serial Number 38
September 2025
Pages 315-325

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