Translation activities in the Islamic world until the Caliph al-Ma'mūn

Shortly after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims started to administer centres where philosophy, medicine and mathematical sciences were taught. This expansion, which took place quickly, made it inevitable for Muslims to interact with diverse cultures and societies. This study examined the reflection of existing situation regarding the transfer of ancient sciences to the early Islamic period. In the first part of the thesis, ancient schools that significantly impacted the Islamic world were discussed. These schools' process especially was mentioned until the 'Abbāsids' establishment, and their interactions with the Umayyads were shown. Thus, the origins of scientific continuity and scientific vitality that took place in the 'Abbāsids came to light. In the second part, by dealing with the periods of al-Khulafā' al-Rāshidūn and the Umayyads, the points that reveal the relationship of Muslims with ancient sciences from the first conquests are explained. The Umayyads were analyzed in two parts. Firstly, the contact of the court and its surroundings with ancient sciences was mentioned. It was shown that these contacts usually occur because of interest. In addition, it has been determined that books about ancient sciences such as medicine, astronomy and astrology were produced since the early period, and the other languages' works in and around the court were translated. Secondly, it was seen that there was an intense production of works on ancient sciences outside the court and its surroundings. This intensity significantly accelerated at the end of the Umayyads and continued its existence in the first period of the 'Abbāsids. In the last part, because of political events and the need to be acquainted with the Umayyad bureaucracy, the first two caliphs of the 'Abbāsids did not do any scientific activity before establishing the capital Baghdād. After the foundation of Baghdād, the al-Mansūr period was when books were written intensively in astronomy and astrology rather than translation activities. It was actively written books in related fields during the periods of his son and grandchildren. Especially in the Hārūn al-Rashīd period, the Barmakids made the caliph's vizier and laid the foundations of scientific bureaucratization independent of him. In this bureaucratization, the Barmakid family actively engaged in translation activities and built the Bayt al-Hikma library. Afterwards, the library was transferred to the court after the caliph disposed of the family.