A long long time ago, in a charming Spanish town, a young man named Juan de Rojas found himself captivated by the vast wonders of the night sky. Spending countless hours in awe, his fascination evolved into a lifelong dedication to exploration. He didn&#39;t just wander across lands and seas like an ordinary traveller. He was a visionary with a mission to enhance the way adventurers embarked on their journeys.

While many wore their astrolabes like jewellery, as symbols of success, Juan transformed his pendant into a highly advantageous astrolabe that offered incredible advantages. This innovative tool became a guide for explorers, ensuring smoother and more precise travels across all lands.&nbsp;

Juan&#39;s passion for the skies left a lasting legacy, and his innovative advancements laid the groundwork for modern navigation. Many artefacts from this historical period, instrumental in shaping Arabian travel, are now showcased in the Astronomy collection at the Museum of Islamic Art.

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Blue Circle

Art of stories. Every piece has a story to tell.

What is it that draws you closer to the stars?

THE ASTROLABE

Across the globe, birds have always been admired by those who roamed the land. From their cozy homes to the vast open skies, their beauty captivated all who gazed upon them.&nbsp;

Among these remarkable creatures stood the majestic falcon, cherished and respected for centuries. The falcon was admired by many, including the esteemed Moghuls, who hailed it as a bird fit for royalty.

In a workshop nestled in Northern India, skilled artisans crafted a masterpiece - a golden falcon. Worn with precious table-cut rubies, diamonds, sapphires, onyx and emeralds, this exquisite creation paid homage to the falcon and those who cherished its magnificence. It stood as a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship of India, a glistening tribute to the beauty of nature&#39;s noble hunter.&nbsp;

The Gold Falcon is just one of many pieces on show at MIA that make up the largest collection of Islamic artefacts from across the world.

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Pink Triangle

What makes a falcon deserving of all this gold and jewels?

GEM-SET ENAMELLED GOLD FALCON

Over the years, there have always been tales whispered of the secrets to building a time machine. Some claimed it required a kilogram of fresh-water seaweed, while others believed it involved crafting the vessel from a Himalayan mountain boulder. These mysteries lingered, stirring questions and curiosity.

Yet, amongst these wonders, the opportunity was overlooked. Time machines exist all around us, hidden in the form of ancient instructions passed down through generations.

A mysterious book from the 15th Century Islamic World, where every detail is captured. It wasn&#39;t just a recipe book, it was a time capsule of stories. Each page held secrets of vessels used for serving dishes and the special ingredients that formed unique flavours.

Imagine the thrill of experiencing those moments while journeying through time. As if each recipe held the power to transport us to a bygone era, allowing us to taste history itself. MIA recreates these experiences for you to enjoy through workshops and classes for adults such as the Islamic Art Club, Majlis Book Club and Monthly Art Workshops amongst others.&nbsp;

If you&rsquo;ve enjoyed this story. We have thousands more to share.&nbsp; 
Visit us at the Museum of Islamic Art.

Could a mysterious 15th century book unlock the secret to time-travel?