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This research aims to analyze the manuscript count in various subject areas to evaluate the historical decline of Arabic science.

June 3, 2026Open Access

Arabic Science in Decline? Evidence from Counting Manuscripts

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This research aims to analyze the manuscript count in various subject areas to evaluate the historical decline of Arabic science.
Counted manuscripts from Kashf al-Zanūn and Islamic manuscript collections in over 2,500 libraries.
Used linear and generalized differences-in-differences analysis to interpret data trends over time.
Explored the relationship between the Sunni Revival and changes in the scholarly landscape.
The analysis supports the Sunni Revival thesis, linking the political empowerment of religious elites to academic shifts.
The medieval decline of science was not solely due to ideological opposition from the 'ulamā or madrasa institutions.
Findings challenge traditional narratives attributing intellectual stagnation to external invasions and climate factors.

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Research counts manuscripts across various subjects, exploring Arabic science's decline, suggesting alternative narratives.

Richard Solomon (2022) studied this question.

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