Al-Jazari
  1. Biography
  2. Inventions
  3. Book
  4. Legacy
    5. 1136 – 1206 AD

    Al-Jazari

    The Father of Robotics & Ingenious Mechanical Devices
    Explore His Inventions
    The Book of Devices
    The Scholar

    Al-Jazari and his Book of Inventions

    Al-Jazari, whose full name was Badīʿ az-Zamān Abū l-ʿIzz Ismāʿīl ibn ar-Razāz al-Jazarī, was a polymath, inventor, mechanical engineer, craftsman, artist, and mathematician who lived during the Islamic Golden Age.
    800 years ago, a brilliant Muslim engineer in southeast Anatolia amazed the world with his incredible machines: water clocks, pumps, combination locks, and even mechanical robots that could pour a drink! At the request of the sultan he served, he wrote a book describing all 50 of his amazing inventions, calling it The Compendium on the Theory and Practice of the Useful Mechanical Arts. Filled with colorful and detailed illustrations showing how each invention worked, this book is not just a record of past technology — it’s also a window into the creativity and artistic flair of this medieval master and his time. Visit the website now to discover the fascinating life and groundbreaking work of this medieval genius!
    50+

    Mechanical Devices

    25

    Years of Service

    1206

    AD Published Work

    Masterworks

    Al-Jazari Inventions

    Discover the mechanical marvels that shaped the future of engineering

    c. 1200 AD

    A hand-washing device

    Detached folio from a dispersed copy of the Kitab fi ma`arifat al-hiyal al-handisaya (The book of knowledge of ingenious mechanical devices), "Automata," by al-Jazari; text: Arabic in black and red naskh script; recto: A hand-washing device; verso: text, one column, 21 lines; one of a group of 8 folios.

    c. 1180 AD

    A hydraulic device

    Detached folio from a dispersed copy of the Kitab fi ma'arifat al-hiyal al-handisaya (The book of knowledge of ingenious mechanical devices), "Automata," by al-Jazari; text: Arabic in black naskh script; recto: Two drinking men; verso: text, A hydraulic device, one column, 21 lines; one of a group of 8 folios.

    c. 1190 AD

    A musical toy in the form of a boat

    Detached folio from a dispersed copy of the Kitab fi ma'arifat al-hiyal al-handisaya (The book of knowledge of ingenious mechanical devices), "Automata," by al-Jazari; text: Arabic in black naskh script; A musical toy in the form of a boat; reverse: text, one column, 21 lines; one of a group of 8 folios.

    The Masterpiece

    Kitab fi ma'rifat al-hiyal al-handasiyya

    “The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices”
    Completed in 1206 AD, this extraordinary manuscript contains detailed descriptions and illustrations of over 50 mechanical devices. Each invention is meticulously documented with assembly instructions, making it one of the first technical manuals in history.

    Water Clocks

    10

    Monumental timepieces powered by flowing water

    Automata

    10

    Self-operating mechanical figures

    Fountains

    10

    Decorative water features for royal courts

    Mechanisms

    20

    Practical devices for everyday use

    Enduring Impact

    A Legacy That Shaped the World

    The inventions and innovations of Al-Jazari continue to influence modern engineering and robotics

    1

    The Crankshaft

    Al-Jazari's invention of the crankshaft mechanism became fundamental to mechanical engineering, later powering steam engines and automobiles.

    2

    Programmable Machines

    His automata could be programmed to perform different sequences, establishing the conceptual foundation for computer programming.

    3

    Segmental Gears

    He invented the segmental gear, which converts rotary motion to linear motion — essential in countless modern machines.

    4

    Precision Engineering

    His detailed manufacturing techniques and documentation methods set standards that influenced engineering for centuries.

    "I have composed this book to benefit mankind and to assist in its well-being."

    — Al-Jazari, 1206 AD
    Al-Jazari

    Father of Robotics • 1136–1206 AD

    Biography
    Inventions
    The Book
    Legacy
    A tribute to medieval engineering excellence

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