الترجمة كجسر حضاري: أثر العلوم الإسلامية في نشأة الاستشراق الأوروبي المبكر في القرن الثاني عشر الميلادي [Translation as a Civilizational Bridge: The Impact of Islamic Sciences on the Emergence of Early European Orientalism in 12th Century]

Abstract

This research explores a pivotal phase of intellectual exchange between the Islamic world and Western Europe during the 12th century, focusing on the widespread translation of Islamic sciences into Latin. These translations were not merely linguistic efforts but served as a civilizational bridge through which European scholars accessed Islamic knowledge in philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. This process significantly reshaped the analytical and intellectual tools of Western scientific and religious elites.The study addresses a central question regarding the relationship between the Islamic translation movement and the emergence of early European Orientalist methodology. It aims to analyze how these translations influenced European perceptions of Islam and the Islamic East, and how they contributed to the development of comparative and analytical frameworks. The research adopts a historical-analytical approach, incorporating comparative methods to examine translated texts and their impact on European thought.Findings indicate that the translation movement introduced rational and scientific concepts into Europe and laid the groundwork for early Orientalism, which initially reflected intellectual openness before evolving into a more colonial form. This study contributes to understanding the epistemological roots of Orientalism and highlights the foundational role of Islamic sciences in shaping European awareness of the East.