Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage in Dubai held a virtual lecture On Wednesday, August 26, 2026 titled: “The Role of the Veterinarian in the Mamluk Era: A Reading of the Text and Commentaries of the Manuscript ‘The Complete Book of the Two Arts in Veterinary Medicine and Orthopedics’ by Ibn Badr al-Din al-Baytar.” The lecture was presented by Dr. Sherine El-Qabbani, Senior Researcher at the Center for Islamic Civilization Studies – Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and was attended by a number of interested individuals and researchers.
Dr. El-Qabbani reviewed the status and importance of horses throughout Islamic history, highlighting their significance in the Mamluk era, specifically during the reign of Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun, who was known for his passion for Arabian horses. His reign also witnessed the composition of the manuscript “The Complete Book of the Two Arts in Veterinary Medicine and Orthopedics,” which is distinguished by the originality and richness of its scientific content. Al-Qabbani defined the terms “Zardaqah” and “Baytara,” and presented an analysis of the manuscript, reviewing the author’s sources and the division of his book into chapters. She also traced the manuscript’s critical editions and translations into various languages, including Turkish, French, and German.
She also discussed the role of the veterinarian, his tools, and instruments, concluding her lecture with an analysis of the marginalia in some manuscript copies, exploring their historical and cultural significance.
This lecture is part of the summer cultural program organized by Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage.
