London, Mar. 07th, 2007 (WAM)---1001 Inventions, the groundbreakingeducational initiative exploring the Muslim contributions toscience and technology, today marked its first anniversary byannouncing ambitious global expansion plans including the publicationof the second edition of its internationally acclaimed book.

1001 Inventions also includes a touring exhibition which hasseen more than 180,000 visitors during its hugely successfulfirst year in the UK.

The exhibition brings to life an often overlooked golden ageof discovery and innovation from the 7th to the 17th centuries.

Outstanding scholars from the Islamic world discovered and developedmany everyday items that are taken for granted in the modernworld, such as coffee, soap, clocks and surgical instruments.

Elizabeth Woodcock, Managing Director of 1001 Inventions, saidthe exhibition has a lot to teach people across the world.

"The enormous success of 1001 Inventions has exceeded all ourexpectations, and it's with great pleasure that we announce ourplans to go global," she said.

Professor Salim Al-Hassani, Chairman of the Foundation for ScienceTechnology and Civilisation, the founders of 1001 Inventions,said there is at present a widespread misconception that scienceand technology went into decline during the period known as the'Dark Ages'.

"1001 Inventions aims, through a process of education and learning,to challenge this myth and celebrate the fact that Muslim Civilisationwas flourishing and contributed to the advancement of our societytoday."Yaqub Yousuf, CEO of Dubai-based International Holdings Group(IHG), a lead sponsor and supporter of 1001 Inventions, saidthe exhibition has the power to help break down stereotypes.

"International Holdings Group is keen to promote cross-culturaldialogue, and 1001 Inventions fits perfectly with that aim,"said Mr Yousuf.

"Over the past year 1001 Inventions has seen amazing success,and we are proud to be supporting its international expansion."The exhibition has already won widespread praise, with supportfrom such high profile bodies as the British Foreign and CommonwealthOffice, British Home Office and the British Department for Tradeand Industry.

1001 Inventions was launched in Manchester, England, in March,2006, and its ehibition then moved to Cardiff, Wales in Octoberthe same year.