China Celebrates!
1001 Inventions launches at the China Science Festival
Ibn Al-Haytham mascot and anchor attraction at the 2015 China Science Festival, Beijing
Beijing, 17th July, 2015: China’s largest science festival launched today with the new production “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” as an anchor exhibition. 11th century Arab scholar Ibn al-Haytham was also unveiled as the official mascot of the 2015 China Science Festival.
The science festival this year is themed on “Light and Colour” and 1001 Inventions, the British based educational organisation, participates as a Founding Partner of the United Nations proclaimed International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies (IYL2015). The 500 square metre themed Ibn Al-Haytham zone brings to life the inspiring story of Ibn al-Haytham and introduces his contributions to early light science in the context of what is considered the golden age of science from Muslim Civilisation. Visitors will be introduced to Ibn al-Haytham and his contributions to the understanding of vision, optics and light through engaging learning experiences including a giant fully functioning camera obscura built as a huge turban. A cinema area screens a new 1001 Inventions short film starring the late legendary actor Omar Sharif. Also live dance performances and hands-on demonstrations will engage the public in celebrating the 1,000-year anniversary of Ibn al-Haytham’s seminal work on optics Kitab al-Manazir (The Book of Optics) and raise awareness of light science and its solutions for humanity. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jane Geng, Director of Science Beijing Network said: We are very pleased to partner with 1001 Inventions and bring to China the exciting “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” global campaign. Celebrating the International Year of Light and the renowned 11th century scientist will raise awareness on the developments of early optics and encourage young people to study science while learning about other cultures and civilisations” Producer and Director of 1001 Inventions, Ahmed Salim said: We are delighted to bring our Ibn Al-Haytham educational campaign to China, a country with scientific heritage and breakthroughs that greatly helped the Muslim Civilisation, in which Ibn al-Haytham flourished, and had a lasting impact on the way we live our lives today. We hope that our involvement at the festival will lead us to further engagements in China providing exciting learning experiences to raise public awareness on the importance of science while promoting intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding and social cohesion.” The China Science Festival will be open daily, from the 17th of July to the 2nd of August, at the Beijing Exhibition Center from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Further information can be found at www.chinasciencefestival.com including ticket prices, location and details of special events taking place to complement the festival. The global campaign ‘1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham’ is produced by the United Kingdom based organization 1001 Inventions and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in partnership withUNESCO and the International Year of Light. The campaign was launched in January 2015 at the Paris headquarters of UNESCO.
Eye-Scura – Based on Justin Quinnell’s camera obscura design
Ahmed Salim, Producer and Director of 1001 Inventions, delivering keynote opening speech at China’s largest science festivalOpening Times and Location
Giant fully functioning camera obscura themed as Ibn Al-Haytham’s turban and produced by 1001 Inventions in China Science Festival~ MORE NEWS ~