"Astrolabes & Islamic Instruments That Shaped the World الأسطرلابات والمعدات الإسلامية التي غيرت وجه العالم"
In this episode of Hwar AlMadar, we welcome Captain Augusto Salgado from the Portuguese Maritime Museum, Lisbon (Museu de Marinha) and Dr Silke Ackermann from the History of Science Museum at the University of Oxford. Together, they explore the intersections of Islamic science and art, emphasizing the shared contributions to global knowledge. Discover the rich history of the astrolabe, its cultural significance, and its lasting impact on modern technologies. This episode sheds light on the often-overlooked ties between civilizations and the continuous exchange of ideas that have shaped our world today.
Dr Silke Achermann is the Director of the History of Science Museum at the University of Oxford, having been appointed in 2014 as the first female museum director at Oxford University. She is also co-founding director of the Oxford Centre for the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology and holds a Professorial Fellowship at Linacre College. In 2013 she was the first woman to be elected President of the Scientific Instrument Commission of the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, a post she held until 2017. Ackermann is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers, and a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.
Captain Augusto Salgado graduated from the Portuguese Naval Academy in 1983. He is a Captain of the Portuguese Navy, and has a PhD in Maritime History by the Faculdade de Letras, Lisbon. He is a researcher at CINAV – PT Naval Research Centre and member of the Academia de Marinha and of the Portuguese Military History Commission. He teaches Maritime History (XVI to XX centuries) at the Portuguese Navy Academy (Escola Naval) and in post-graduated courses. His field of study is the Portuguese Naval History (mainly 16th century onward) and has published three books and several papers on this subject. In 2011 he won the award Prémio do Mar – Rei D. Carlos 2011 (Cascais). He is also a keen underwater archaeology enthusiast since 1996 and underwater photographer for over 30 years. He is the co-coordinator of the project “The U-35 operations in the Algarve” that won the National Archaeology Society (UK) award “Adopt a Wreck Award 2015” and of the Research Program – HistArC: Maritime History and Archaeology of the Conflicts.
Hosted by 👉 Mikey Muhanna
Hwar AlMadar
Hwar AlMadar, is a live podcast series that is part of The Diriyah Biennale Foundation Public Programs, and powered by afikra, featuring leading experts from institutions around the world that contributed to AlMadar in the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah. AlMadar (“The Orbit”) showcases objects that embody centuries of knowledge, masterful craftsmanship, and the spirit of cultural exchange.
