House of Wisdom

It's been interesting so far doing research for my thesis topic. Of course, all the research is still preliminary. It seems there was something even more significant that helped bring about intellectual changes during the 'Abbasid Caliphate: the introduction of paper. I have read a few articles now and browsed even more and they all mention some aspect of paper being introduced as setting the translation movement in motion. The led to the creation of the Bayt al-Hikma(h). I am curious as to whether this is just coincidence or if one really did affect the other?

With the translation of texts into Arabic and the "discovery" of Islamic medicine, algebra, and others, it's no wonder the intellectual changes were so great. I also read that the Arabs introduced paper to Europe by way of Spain and Sicily. I wonder how much truth there is to that? Another area of my thesis to research, I guess.

Thesis

"The House of Wisdom combined with the Translation Movement of 8th century Baghdad was integral to bringing a wealth of information into the Arabic-speaking world and later to parts of Europe and the rest of the world with the spread of Islam all the while ushering in a golden age in the Middle East."

Now the fun part begins: waiting for the approval and then the research!

The House of Wisdom

I am in the early stages of research for my thesis on the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. So far, I am finding it to be an extremely interesting topic. I am still fleshing out my thesis statement and am hoping to have a strong, solid statement soon. I am stuck between two:

1. ~ "The House of Wisdom and the translation movement of the 8th century was integral to bringing a wealth of information into the Arabic-speaking world and later to parts of Europe with the spread of Islam."

2. ~ "If not for the development of the House of Wisdom and the Translation Movement during the 8th century, Baghdad would not have become an intellectual world center."

I think the first one has more punch to it.

Theoretical Schools and the House of Wisdom

In my Final Document Proposal class there is a question asking about the "theoretical schools" that will be researched. What does this mean??? My topic is the House of Wisdom ~ specifically, the House of Wisdom's influence on Baghdad becoming a cultural and intellectual center of the world ~ but I am having difficulty deciding what "theoretical schools" touch on this topic.

I have searched on Google Scholar and the university's library, but have not been able to determine what theoretical schools are out there in relation to the House of Wisdom. Any comments, suggestions, assistance is greatly appreciated.