Demogorgon, I didn't get this view from popular culture. It's not a value opinion to state this. It is a fact that from the fall of Rome until the European Renaissance, there's no evidence of anything happening in Europe apart from book-burning.
Really?
Then what about the so-called Carolingian renaissance from 8th century onwards? What about the extensive network of universities which started to mushroom all over Europe from 12th century onwards? What about scientific communities in European monasteries which gave the intellectual base for Scientific Revolution?
P.S. Never heard about any book-burning in Europe before 15th century.
At the time this was happening the Muslim world was vibrant and progressive, and thanks to this, Europe was able to maintain a link with classical Hellenic learning
Muslim world simply inherited the most vibrant and relatively untouched areas of the old Mediterranean civilization. However, it stagnated somewhere around 9th century. As to the passing of ancient knowledge, the Byzantine played much bigger role. However, unlike Muslims, they do not have direct descendants to claim their legacy.
But first of all, not that much was lost in Europe after the fall of Rome. The collapse of the Empire was disaster in terms of economy and demographics, not culture.
Check out some works of art from so called "Dark Ages" of Europe:
Mosaic from 5th century, ItalySculpture from 6th century, ItalyIrish gospel, 7th centuryManuscript from 8th century, EnglandCarolingian ilumination from 9th centuryManustript from 9th century, FranceMagnificent minatures, 11th century, GermanyMetal doors from 11th century, PolandAnd so on, and so on.... Still thinking that the only thing the Europeans did then was book burning?
, the reintroduction into Europe of which sparked its renaissance.
By the time the Renaissance in Europe started, Muslim world was already centuries after its cultural climax. It is well established fact, that already in 12th century crafts in southern Europe were far more advanced than those on the Muslim side of the Mediterranean sea. For example, Muslim powers were buying tools and weapons from Italian city-states in 12th century, despite the fact that the Pope explicitly banned such trade.
This is a fairly basic and meaningless fact.
Tend to disagree. And many scholars also.
It doesn't make Islam brilliant, so as I said
I agree and add more - no religion is brilliant.
Topic: Your Muslim background