I was greatly amused to read a comment that Europe may sweep its Islamic heritage under the carpet by a memory loss called the Dark Ages.
Historians have begun to revise their view that the so-called Dark Ages ever existed in such absolute black-and-white terms. E.H Gombich used the term “starry night” to describe a Europe in which learning had certainly decayed in central and western Europe, but where Latin, Greek and Hebrew learning was preserved along the Celtic fringe in Ireland, Scotland and northern and western England. From here it spread throughout Europe paving the way for the Renaissance and the Reformation. Thomas Cahill wrote a book a decade ago called “How The Irish Saved Civilization” detailing this most interesting period in European history.
Also, it is neither fair nor true to suggest that Europe has swept its Islamic heritage under the carpet. If anyone wishes to view the largest collection of Islamic manuscripts in the world they may do so at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin. — Sean Goulding, Jeddah
