https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/world-history-magazine/article/ismail-al-jazari-muslim-inventor-called-father-robotics National Geographic Logo - Home Skip to content * * * Renew * Subscribe * Menu * History Magazine Medieval robots? They were just one of this Muslim inventor's creations From water pumps to musical automatons, Ismail al-Jazari's extraordinary machines ranged from practical to playful, delighting farmers and kings alike. A miniature from al-Jazari's Book of Knowledge depicts a water-powered flautist automation that he described as a playful "alarm clock," designed to deliver a gentle tone to wake someone from a nap. Topkapi Sarayi Museum, Istanbul. BRIDGEMAN/ACI ByJorge Elices Published July 30, 2020 * 11 min read ShareTweetEmail Fountains that could be programmed to switch on and off. A model of an Indian mahout (driver) who struck the half hour on his elephant's head. Automatons in the form of servants that could offer guests a towel. These are just some of the marvelous inventions of the 12th-century Muslim inventor Ismail al-Jazari, who laid the groundwork for modern engineering, hydraulics, and even robotics. While some of his lavish and colorful creations were made as novelty playthings for the very wealthy, al-Jazari also made practical machines that helped normal people, including water-drawing devices that were used by farmers for centuries. Passion for invention Badi al-Zaman Abu al-Izz Ismail ibn al-Razzaz al-Jazari was born in 1136 in Diyarbakir in what is today central-southern Turkey. The son of a humble craftsman, he was born in a time of political turmoil, a result of local power struggles as well as the effects of the Crusades. Al-Jazari served as an engineer in the service of the regional rulers, the Artuqids. This dynasty had once expanded its empire into Syria. In the course of al-Jazari's lifetime, however, Artuqid power came under the sway of the more powerful neighboring Zangid dynasty, and later still by the successors of the Muslim hero, Saladin. ( Here's why the "Assassins" were sent to kill Saladin.) Despite the upheaval of the Crusades, and the turbulent relations between different Muslim powers, life for the brilliant engineer was peacefully spent serving several Artuqid kings, for whom he designed more than a hundred ingenious devices. Unlike other practical inventors of the period, who left little record of their work, al-Jazari had a passion for documenting his work and explaining how he built his incredible machines. In 1206, drawing on a quarter of a century of prodigious output, he gave the world a catalog of his "matchless machines," which is known today as The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices. Al-Jazari included meticulous diagrams and colorful illustrations to show how all the pieces fit together. Several incomplete copies of his work have survived, including one held by the Topkapi Sarayi Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, prized for its artistic detail and beauty. A diagram of a peacock fountain Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. A diagram of how a human puppets arms should be attached Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Colorful diagrams from The Book of Knowledge are not only delightful to the eye but also practical and useful to the mind. Each one served as an instruction manual for how to build the machines and the mechanisms behind their movement. In al-Jazari's famous peacock fountain, water flows from the bird's mouth as tanks raise floats to activate "servants" to produce towels and soap. A drawing of the driver from the elephant clock reveals how the arms should be attached. Bridgeman (Left) and AKG/ALBUM (Right) Intellectual inheritance The Book of Knowledge is the only source of biographical information that exists on al-Jazari. The text exalts him as Badi al-Zaman (unique and unrivaled) and al-Shaykh (learned and worthy), but it also acknowledges the debt he owed to "ancient scholars and wise men." Al-Jazari's inventions benefited from centuries of innovation and scholarship from previous eras, drawing on science and wisdom from ancient Greek, Indian, Persian, Chinese and other cultures. During the rapid expansion of Islam in the seventh century, Muslim rulers took a deep interest in the knowledge of the lands they conquered. They collected manuscripts and books at the Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom). This institution thrived under the Abbasid caliphs of Baghdad in the eighth and ninth centuries as a library and academy. Along with other centers, it played a fundamental role in the medieval scientific and scholarly advances during the golden age of Islam. (Discover how early Islamic science advanced medicine.) a decorated bowl A bowl made during the Artuqid Dynasty in the late 12th century. INTERFOTO/AGE FOTOSTOCK Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Along with philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and zoology, Muslim mechanical engineering reached exceptional heights at the hands of outstanding figures, including a trio of ninth-century Persian inventors, the Banu Musa brothers. They published many works, but al-Jazari was most likely influenced by their inventions featured in The Book of Ingenious Devices (also known as The Book of Tricks). Al-Jazari was also influenced by non-Muslim inventors such as the late third-century B.C. Apollonius of Perga, an influential geometrist whom al-Jazari credits in his work. New heights Al-Jazari's intention was not only to build on the legacy of these great inventors but to perfect it. He wrote in his foreword to The Book of Knowledge: "I found that some of the earlier scholars and sages had made devices and had described what they had made. They had not considered them completely nor had they followed the correct path for all of them... and so wavered between the true and the false." The machines in al-Jazari's book were both practical and playful, from clocks to automaton vessels dispensing drinks. He designed bloodletting devices, fountains, musical automatons; water-raising machines; and machines for measuring. a an elephant with a man and tower on its back Al-Jazari's most iconic invention is his elephant clock, which continues to delight today. Modern reproductions of the water-driven device can be found at several places in the world, including the Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai; the Institute for the History of Arab-Islamic Science in Frankfurt, Germany; and the Museum of Horology, Le Locle, Switzerland. WHA/AGE FOTOSTOCK Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. One of the most famous of his devices is an enormous water clock that featured an elephant carrying his driver and a tower filled with creatures. Simple water clocks had been used in ancient Egypt and Babylonia, but al-Jazari's intricate invention clearly expresses his ambition to perfect them. The different creatures that animate every half hour represent different cultures, like the dragons from China and the elephant of India. Every half hour, the internal mechanisms activate: The bird atop the dome whistles, a man drops a ball into a dragon's mouth, and the elephant driver strikes the beast's head. A handsome boat from which can be told the passage of an hour: In the boat is a man . . .in his right hand is a pipe, its end in his mouth . . . The boat fills and submerges in the space of one constant hour [and] the sailor plays the pipe . . . I made this device so that [a sleeper] will know from the pipe that the boat has sunk, and will wake from his doze at the sound. Byal-JazariBook of Knowledge History's first robot? Another of al-Jazari's fantastical contraptions is of special interest to historians of science as it is regarded by many to be the first programmable "robot" in history. Much like a music box, this invention, a boat with four "musicians"--a harpist, a flautist, and two drummers-- was designed to play songs to entertain. The mechanisms animating the drummers could be programmed to play different beats. ( Robots entertained in al-Jazari's time, but their new abilities will transform ours.) For all their ingenuity, such devices were playthings for the rich. With his courtier hat on, al-Jazari understood the need to dazzle his rich patrons, who would, in turn, dazzle visiting dignitaries with their resident genius's latest wonder. As a craftsman from a modest background, he also knew the needs of the everyday and devised useful gadgets that would lighten the burden of everyday toil. The book describes in detail at least five machines that facilitated drawing water and irrigating, on the farm and at home. Other highly practical machines were also included in his book: a crank shaft that converts linear movement into rotary movement; and a means for the exact calibration of locks and other apertures, among much else. A diagram of a machine with gears that moves water and an animated cow The inner workings of a water-drawing machine show how hidden gears drive an animated cow around a vertical shaft, which powers the mechanism that scoops up water. BRIDGEMAN Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The humble nature of The Book of Knowledge is also reflected in its language. While other inventors deliberately couched their prose in obscure language to limit it to a small elite, al-Jazari took pains to make it accessible to a general reader of the time so that they might build some of his more practical machines. Given that al-Jazari was as much interested in construction processes as in theory and calculations, some researchers have even described his book as a kind of "user's manual." Life and legacy Al-Jazari died in 1206, the year that he presented the sultan with his Book of Knowledge. He is remembered principally for this book, but his realized inventions would play a key role in civic life for many years to come. Among them was a water supply system using gears and hydraulic energy, which was used in the mosques and hospitals of Diyarbakir and Damascus. In some cases, systems modeled on his design remained in use until recent times. Most of his innovations were centuries ahead of the achievements of European science. His work on conical valves--a key component in hydraulic engineering--was first mentioned in Europe more than two centuries later by Leonardo da Vinci, who was also reportedly fascinated by al-Jazari's automatons. Today al-Jazari's name inspires awe among science historians. Engineer and technology historian Donald R. Hill, author of a landmark 1974 translation of The Book of Knowledge, said the importance of al-Jazari's work "is impossible to over-emphasize." As the father of robotics, he has been described as the "Leonardo da Vinci of the East," a moniker that is in many ways a misnomer. It might be more accurate to describe Leonardo as the "al-Jazari of the West." ShareTweetEmail --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Read This Next [yH5BAEAAAA] * Science * Interactive Graphic Visualizing 500,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S. The United States has reached a grim milestone--the moment when half a million Americans have lost their lives to the coronavirus. Why kids need their own COVID-19 vaccine trials [yH5BAEAAAA] * Science * Coronavirus Coverage Why kids need their own COVID-19 vaccine trials Adolescents are being tested now. Younger children will be next. Why did vaccine manufacturers wait to study them? A black-footed ferret has been cloned, a first for a U.S. endangered species [yH5BAEAAAA] * Animals A black-footed ferret has been cloned, a first for a U.S. endangered species A black-footed ferret that died more than 30 years ago has been cloned using preserved cells, which could help inject diversity into the inbred, endangered population. 3-ton parts of Stonehenge may have been carried from earlier monuments [yH5BAEAAAA] * History & Culture 3-ton parts of Stonehenge may have been carried from earlier monuments Years of archaeological research now suggest that Neolithic Britons lugged massive elements of the iconic monument from far-flung reaches of the island. Go Further Animals * The world's oldest known wild bird just turned 70--why she's so special + Animals The world's oldest known wild bird just turned 70--why she's so special * What the mink COVID-19 outbreaks taught us about pandemics + Animals + Wildlife Watch What the mink COVID-19 outbreaks taught us about pandemics * Yellow penguin spotted in Antarctica--here's why it's so rare + Animals Yellow penguin spotted in Antarctica--here's why it's so rare * A lemur died from tuberculosis--a likely victim of the illegal pet trade + Animals + Wildlife Watch A lemur died from tuberculosis--a likely victim of the illegal pet trade * Nearly 5,000 sea turtles rescued from freezing waters on Texas island + Animals Nearly 5,000 sea turtles rescued from freezing waters on Texas island * Selfie-taking tourists risk giving wild gorillas COVID-19, other diseases + Animals Selfie-taking tourists risk giving wild gorillas COVID-19, other diseases * Monkeys still forced to pick coconuts in Thailand despite controversy + Animals + Wildlife Watch Monkeys still forced to pick coconuts in Thailand despite controversy * A black-footed ferret has been cloned, a first for a U.S. endangered species + Animals A black-footed ferret has been cloned, a first for a U.S. endangered species * Grizzlies are coming back. But can we make room for them? + Animals Grizzlies are coming back. But can we make room for them? * More than 130 years after its discovery, this moth was finally photographed alive + Animals + Photo Ark More than 130 years after its discovery, this moth was finally photographed alive * The world's biggest owl is endangered--but it's not too late to save it + Animals + Last of the Last The world's biggest owl is endangered--but it's not too late to save it * Lasers, cannons, effigies: The surprising science of shooing vultures away + Animals Lasers, cannons, effigies: The surprising science of shooing vultures away Environment * Solar panels and batteries on your home could help prevent the next grid disaster + Environment Solar panels and batteries on your home could help prevent the next grid disaster * The origins of environmental justice--and why it's finally getting the attention it deserves + Environment The origins of environmental justice--and why it's finally getting the attention it deserves * The unintended environmental benefit of Cuba's isolation + Environment The unintended environmental benefit of Cuba's isolation * Same force behind Texas deep freeze could drive prolonged heat waves + Environment Same force behind Texas deep freeze could drive prolonged heat waves * After you get a COVID-19 vaccine, what can you do safely? + Coronavirus Coverage After you get a COVID-19 vaccine, what can you do safely? * The Keystone XL pipeline is dead. Now what? + Environment The Keystone XL pipeline is dead. Now what? * This in-demand plant is evolving to hide from its predator--humans + Environment This in-demand plant is evolving to hide from its predator--humans * These widely used insecticides may be a threat to mammals too + Environment These widely used insecticides may be a threat to mammals too * Oil drilling on sensitive New Mexico public lands puts drinking water, rare caves at risk + Environment Oil drilling on sensitive New Mexico public lands puts drinking water, rare caves at risk * The world's wetlands are slipping away. This vibrant sanctuary underscores the stakes. + Environment The world's wetlands are slipping away. This vibrant sanctuary underscores the stakes. * This single number could reshape our climate future + Environment This single number could reshape our climate future * The U.S. commits to tripling its protected lands. Here's how it could be done. + Environment The U.S. commits to tripling its protected lands. Here's how it could be done. History & Culture * The forgotten first emancipation proclamation + History & Culture The forgotten first emancipation proclamation * Buried for 4,000 years, this ancient culture could expand the 'Cradle of Civilization' + History Magazine Buried for 4,000 years, this ancient culture could expand the 'Cradle of Civilization' * The untold story of the world's fiercest tank battle + History & Culture The untold story of the world's fiercest tank battle * Oldest dog remains in Americas discovered in Alaska + History & Culture Oldest dog remains in Americas discovered in Alaska * Text messages capture heartbreaking goodbyes of COVID-19 victims + History & Culture + Coronavirus Coverage Text messages capture heartbreaking goodbyes of COVID-19 victims * How do we know what ancient Greek warriors wore for battle? It's in 'The Iliad.' + History Magazine How do we know what ancient Greek warriors wore for battle? It's in 'The Iliad.' * Sentenced to death, but innocent: These are stories of justice gone wrong. + Magazine Sentenced to death, but innocent: These are stories of justice gone wrong. * 3-ton parts of Stonehenge may have been carried from earlier monuments + History & Culture 3-ton parts of Stonehenge may have been carried from earlier monuments * How ancient astronomy mixed science with mythology, Video Story + History & Culture + Nat Geo Explores How ancient astronomy mixed science with mythology * This ivory relic reveals the colonial power dynamic between Benin and Portugal + History Magazine This ivory relic reveals the colonial power dynamic between Benin and Portugal * Reconstruction offered a glimpse of equality for Black Americans. Why did it fail? + History & Culture + Race in America Reconstruction offered a glimpse of equality for Black Americans. Why did it fail? * 'I don't even know if my home still exists.' + History & Culture 'I don't even know if my home still exists.' Science * FDA authorizes Johnson & Johnson vaccine for emergency use + Science + Coronavirus Coverage FDA authorizes Johnson & Johnson vaccine for emergency use * The priceless primate fossils found in a garbage dump + Science The priceless primate fossils found in a garbage dump * The U.S. may soon have a third vaccine. Here's how it works + Science + Coronavirus Coverage The U.S. may soon have a third vaccine. Here's how it works * Uncovering life's operating code + Partner Content Uncovering life's operating code * New drugs identified as possible tools to fight COVID-19 + Science + Coronavirus Coverage New drugs identified as possible tools to fight COVID-19 * Six products that helped beat Day Zero + Partner Content Six products that helped beat Day Zero * Watch the first-ever video of a spacecraft landing on Mars + Science Watch the first-ever video of a spacecraft landing on Mars * The eccentric scientist behind the 'gold standard' COVID-19 test + Science + Coronavirus Coverage The eccentric scientist behind the 'gold standard' COVID-19 test * Why kids need their own COVID-19 vaccine trials + Science + Coronavirus Coverage Why kids need their own COVID-19 vaccine trials * From outbreak to immunity, Video Story + Partner Content From outbreak to immunity * Success! NASA's Perseverance rover has just landed on Mars + Science + Mars Success! NASA's Perseverance rover has just landed on Mars * Watch as NASA attempts a daring Mars rover landing + Science + Mars Watch as NASA attempts a daring Mars rover landing Travel * These 9 memorials trace the global impact of slavery + Travel These 9 memorials trace the global impact of slavery * America's newest national park is a haven for hiking, climbing, and rafting + Travel America's newest national park is a haven for hiking, climbing, and rafting * From 'Herbie the Love Bug' to punch buggy, the Beetle remains iconic in Mexico + Travel From 'Herbie the Love Bug' to punch buggy, the Beetle remains iconic in Mexico * 'It really is like flying.' Explore wild skating on nature's ice + Travel 'It really is like flying.' Explore wild skating on nature's ice * The legendary community that fought for its freedom in Jamaica + Travel The legendary community that fought for its freedom in Jamaica * Why this salty Massachusetts coastal town hooks artists + Travel Why this salty Massachusetts coastal town hooks artists * Families are leading a new wave for Black travelers + Travel + Race in America Families are leading a new wave for Black travelers * Winter is prime time for watching bald eagles--here's how + Travel Winter is prime time for watching bald eagles--here's how * As Lunar New Year approaches, many Asians worry about future journeys + Travel + Race in America As Lunar New Year approaches, many Asians worry about future journeys * Want dreamy winter photos? Take to the air with a drone + Travel Want dreamy winter photos? Take to the air with a drone * These World's Fair sites reveal a history of segregation + Travel + Race in America These World's Fair sites reveal a history of segregation * Can carbon capture make flying more sustainable? + Travel Can carbon capture make flying more sustainable? Subscriber Exclusive Content previous * Magazine Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars? Read * Magazine How viruses shape our world Read * Animals The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end Read * Magazine See how people have imagined life on Mars through history Read * Magazine See how NASA's new Mars rover will explore the red planet Explore * Magazine Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars? Read * Magazine How viruses shape our world Read * Animals The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end Read * Magazine See how people have imagined life on Mars through history Read * Magazine See how NASA's new Mars rover will explore the red planet Explore * Magazine Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars? Read * Magazine How viruses shape our world Read * Animals The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end Read * Magazine See how people have imagined life on Mars through history Read * Magazine See how NASA's new Mars rover will explore the red planet Explore next See More The best of National Geographic delivered to your inbox Sign up for more inspiring photos, stories, and special offers from National Geographic. Sign Up Legal * Terms of Use * Privacy Policy * Your California Privacy Rights * Children's Online Privacy Policy * Interest-Based Ads * About Nielsen Measurement * Do Not Sell My Info Our Sites * Nat Geo Home * Attend a Live Event * Book a Trip * Buy Maps * Inspire Your Kids * Shop Nat Geo * Visit the D.C. Museum * Watch TV * Learn About Our Impact * Nat Geo Partners * Masthead * Press Room * Advertise With Us Join Us * Subscribe * Customer Service * Renew Subscription * Manage Your Subscription * Work at Nat Geo * Sign up for Our Newsletters * Contribute to Protect the Planet * Pitch a Story Follow us National Geographic FacebookNational Geographic TwitterNational Geographic Instagram United States (Change) --------------------------------------------------------------------- National Geographic Logo - Home Copyright (c) 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright (c) 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved