Expansion of the Islamic Empire during the 7th and 8th centuries, conquered huge sections of the Globe, its dominion entailed much of China, India, Persia, the Middle East, North Africa and the Iberian peninsula.
The Abbasdian Caliphate set in motion The Islamic Golden Age during the 8th century. Rare and valuable knowledge of ancient civilizations was translated and liberated: Mesopotamia, Byzantine, Persia, India, China, Rome, Greece and North Africa.
Peers to the Abbasidian Caliphate were the al-Andalus Umayyans and the Egyptian Fatimids. Both dynasties paralleled that Abbasidian enthusiasm - in the Islamic "quest for knowledge."
World Trading
Trading routes of the Islamic Empire swept vast regions of the world.
Islam acquired wisdom and mastery in global agriculture and began trading with crops of previously unknown plants.
New Agricultural Systems
The Spanish Arabs excelled in vast areas of knowledge; they were ingenious in agriculture. Spain had a wealth of water - which was not well furnished to many areas of the country.
The Masters of Water-Utilization
Conscientious comprehension in water-sharing and its consumption - the essence of great civilizations - dated from 6,000 BC during Babylonian times and the Persian Empire. The Arabs were inherent experts on hydrology and knew how to raise water.
A Principle Aim of the al-Andalus became Water Distribution
al-Andalusia was mined with Acequias: irrigation channels. Water travelled to places it had never been to before. Aljibes: were large water storage tanks and constructed throughout the country. A thorough understanding and use of hydrology-siphons permitted the reclamation of Spanish swamp-marshes. The use of the astrolabe proved invaluable, while calculating, construction of aqueducts.
Water was Treated like Gold
Water-distribution was meticulously managed by The Tribunal of Waters. Members of the Water Tribunal were chosen by the farmers. Wastage of water was punishable: nobles and slaves were treated alike if found guilty of misuse. Irrigation times were allotted to everyone: watering slots were meticulously measured and timed.
Science in Moorish Agriculture
Painstaking observations, documented experiences and hard labour were the backbone of the agricultural Green Revolution. Water and hydrology were the prime components for the enormous success in Agriculture. Prevention of soil erosion was equally studied in depth; much was done to protect the state of the soil. Steep land was terraced and planted with olive trees, vines, mulberry bushes or pomegranate trees. Nothing was wasted: manure, husks, hulls, fibres, plants and dead matter - all was of use.
Agriculture reached its pinnacle during the Cordovan Caliphate and its continued success lasted till the end of the Moors' presence on the Iberian peninsular. Not one person was illiterate - at that time. Moorish Agriculture was taught to adults in the local agricultural schools. Meteorology, ecological pest control, food storage, wine-making, culinary arts and manners of preserving foods - were part of the Agricultural curriculum.
Large sections of lands were divided into manageable plots. Landownership, in Moorish Spain was encouraged. Tending to a garden (or a plot) was a sacred act of worship. Gardens and fruit-bearing orchards were a reflection of Paradise on Earth. Paradise was mentioned many times in the Qur'an. Gardening induced meditation and peaceful reflections; it was valued by the royals and every subject.
Herbs and Spices
Botany became popular. Herbs were studied, for many reasons, but primarily - for pharmacological requirements: Diuretics, laxatives, carminatives, sudatory herbs, antiseptics, analgesics, medicinal oils, narcotics, etc. all derived from herbs.
Royal Gardens and Earthly Paradise
Islam is represented by many symbols.
Islamic Gardens were created according to Chahar Bagh design: the Generalife Gardens and the Patio de los Leones of the Alhambra, in Andalucia, are perfect examples. Eternity: symbolized by cypress trees, flowering fruit trees: the renewal of life. Spring and summer flowers graced day gardens - while fragrant white blooms perfumed every night. All Islamic symbols of Paradise on Earth.
