Ismail Al-Jazari: The Mad Scientist of the Middle Ages

Ismail Al-Jazari was a medieval Arab-Muslim inventor, engineer, artist, and mad scientist extraordinaire. He was born in the city of Cizre (in modern-day Turkey) in 1206 and lived to be 76 years old.

Early Life

From a young age, Ismail was always tinkering with machines and gadgets. He was particularly fascinated with water clocks and automata, and spent most of his childhood building elaborate contraptions that would impress even the most jaded of engineers.

Despite his love of gadgets, Ismail was also a devout Muslim and spent much of his spare time studying the Quran and other religious texts.

Inventions

Ismail’s most famous invention was the “elephant clock,” a massive water-powered clock that featured five life-size elephants and a number of other animals, all of which moved and made noise on the hour. It was said that the clock was so complex that it took Ismail over a decade to build, and it was one of the most impressive inventions of its time.

In addition to the elephant clock, Ismail also invented a number of other machines and devices, including a water dispenser that could pour drinks automatically, a mechanical peacock that could spread its tail feathers, and a flying machine that could (allegedly) carry a passenger for short distances.

Legacy

Despite being largely forgotten in the West, Ismail’s inventions have had a lasting impact on Arabic and Islamic culture. His work has inspired generations of Arab and Muslim inventors, and his name is still spoken with reverence in many parts of the Middle East.

But perhaps Ismail’s greatest legacy is the sense of wonder and curiosity he instilled in those around him. He may have been a mad scientist, but he was also a true visionary, a man who saw the world not as it was, but as it could be. And for that, we owe him a debt of gratitude.