By: Dr. Fatima Taneem Ruknuddeen
[Over the centuries, in different nations and civilizations throughout the world advances in science and technology have been impacting human lives substantially. The present century too is witnessing astonishing leaps in technological developments with accelerated advancement in the field of automation and robotics.]
Automata are generally described as ‘self-operating machines’ and robots are defined as ‘automatic devices performing functions generally ascribed to humans.’ The term ‘robot’ is relatively new; coined in 1921, but used much later in the 1960s. Till then, ‘human robot’ was also referred to as ‘Automaton’. ‘Robots’ which were once confined to the realms of science fiction and automotive industry are increasingly dominating newer domains of education, research, rehabilitation, entertainment and even our homes. In few countries, like Japan, ‘robots’ are ubiquitous in various shapes and sizes and becoming a part of peoples’ daily routine.
Interestingly, a few historians claim that the Japanese fascination and love for ‘robots’ could have been rekindled in the late 19th century by the robot ‘Alamet’ which was in Japan as a royal diplomatic gift from the Ottoman Empire. This was one of the most remarkable ‘automatons’ of the 19th century which was created by the Muslims of the Ottoman Empire, who had inherited a rich legacy of automation from their predecessors of the Golden Islamic Age.
Making of Alamet
Historical records and Ottoman archives reveal ‘Alamet’ to be a humanoid automated Adhaan-reciting lock which was created in 1889 on orders of the Ottoman Sultan, Abdul Hamid II. Earlier that year, a Japanese diplomatic contingent had visited the Sultan, as a part of an ongoing series of diplomatic mission, and had presented the Sultan gifts and the Great Krizantem Medal which was the highest and most prestigious order of the Japanese Dynasty. The Sultan, in turn, also wanted to reciprocate the gifts and honor bestowed on him and ordered the famous clockmaker, Musa Dede, to build a ‘unique technological clock’ showcasing their talent and technical expertise to the Japanese. This was in accordance with the traditional policy of gifting clocks to other nations. History records with Einhard narration that Caliph Harun-al-Rashid too gifted a brass water clock to Emperor Charles in 807 CE.
Inspired by their Sufism own ideology and using the most innovative and sophisticated mechanics, Musa Dede and his seven-member team built a human-shaped clock in the form of a ‘Whirling Dervish’, wearing the traditional heavy white skirt. This robotic clock was programmed to walk forward, open its arms wide, turn, bow and stand again. While whirling, it simultaneously called out the recorded Adhaan every new hour. This was possible through a built-in phonograph. After the Adhaan finished, the robot returned to its original place and position. This life-sized clock was encased in gold and silver with a setting part installed at its back which had to be reset every seven hours. The robot’s body sat on a plate and the recorded Adhaan sound resonated from the loopholes above the skirt. Near its neck, the robot had a golden embroidered star and crescent and under the loopholes on its skirt was the Symbol of Ottoman Empire. Below its right arm, the initial letters of the ‘clockmasters’ names were inscribed.
When the Sultan saw this awe-inspiring masterpiece of metal, his joys knew no bounds. He named the robotic clock as ‘Alamet’ (which means a miracle) as this was the first time ever that Adhaan was heard from within the clock.
‘Alamet’ along with other precious gifts were sent from Istanbul on a frigate, the Ertugrul, in July 1889 which arrived in Japan’s Yokohama port on June 1890. The Ottoman delegation headed by Colonel Usman Pasha was warmly received with grand ceremonies hosted by the Japanese Dynasty. On behalf of Sultan Hamid II, Colonel Pasha presented ‘Alamet’ and the other gifts to Emperor Meiji. After a three month stay, the Ottoman delegation set sail on Ertugrul, but tragically, it encountered a storm and the frigate was destroyed off an island of Kii Oshima, the present-day town of Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture. Out of its 600 odd crew, only 69 lives could be saved; all of whom were escorted back to Istanbul in a month’s time.
The Japanese official records have documented the entire visit of the Ottoman delegation; but ‘Alamet’ by name specifically hasn’t been mentioned. It is assumed that ‘Alamet’ has been overlooked or lost in the translations as the historical accounts record that ‘Ottoman medal and other gifts were presented to the Japanese Emperor Meiji by the ambassadors of Sultan Abdul Hamid II.’ Thus, it is opined that ‘Ottoman Medal’ referred to the ‘robot’ as ‘Alamet’ means a medal, a sign or a miracle. Yet, the impact of ‘Alamet’ on the Japanese and its whereabouts thereafter are shrouded in mystery as none of the Japanese historical records or other documents refer to ‘Alamet’ at all. The reason for it has been speculated to be either due to its destruction or its robbery from the Palace in the subsequent turbulent days of the Japanese Dynasty.
However, whether robot ‘Alamet’ inspired the Japanese or not, soon thereafter in 1892, Seikosha clock factory was established by Seiko Company which produced the world’s first alarm clocks in 1899. Coincidently, Japan is the first country to also produce the Adhaan-reciting clocks. Hence, the enigma of whether all this was merely a coincidental incident or post ‘Alamet’ inspirational one remains unsolved.
It is undeniably documented that Sultan Abdul Hamid II gave the world its first Adhaan-reciting robot-like clock. Regrettably, no concrete evidence remains as the one and only photo of ‘Alamet’ was probably burned in Yildiz Palace raids and only a fragmented piece of it was preserved. The deformed picture depicts one of the clockmasters holding a lever in his hand, and standing next to ‘Alamet’. On the corner of this fragmented photo, erased Japanese letters can be seen while the top side of it reveals blurred Ottoman inscriptions. This fragmented photo is the only visual evidence of robot ‘Alamet’ in existence today.
Even though ‘Alamet’ was a marker of its time, being an outstanding example of cross-culture product, it was not a ‘novelty’ for the Muslims of the 19th century, barring its Adhaan recital. This was because the
Islamic heritage of the Golden Islamic Era had transmitted a rich legacy of clockmaking art and other automated techniques. During this period, great importance was placed upon the study of natural sciences and technology.
Most of the Medieval Muslim scientists were polymaths who integrated complex bodies of knowledge and produced remarkable inventions and discoveries. They also integrated the pre-existing Greek, Chinese and Indian technologies with their works, and modified and improved inventions, while simultaneously introducing newer concepts and creating innovative devices, all of which formed the basis of modern day inventions and techniques. Moreover, the documentation of their endeavors in their illustrated texts and treatises disseminated their works far across the world – as far as Scandinavia and Mexico too!
Al-Jazari – Father of Robotics
By late Medieval Islamic Era, creative ‘automata’ of various kinds were in fashion; serving the dual purposes of usefulness and entertainment. The mechanical complexities and aesthetic achievements of these ‘automated devices’ led to the evolution of robotic technology. The most acclaimed Medieval Muslim scientist in the field of mechanical engineering was Ismail Al-Jazari, who is considered by many to be the founding Father of Robotics. He created several automated devices, all of which testify to his engineering brilliance and the technology used by him in these devices became the biggest inspiration for modern day robots. His only extant book represents the culmination of Islamic achievements of mechanical technology and is the first of its kind ‘Do-It-Yourself’ manual.
One of his most elaborate clocks is the ‘Elephant Clock’ which is the most renowned clock of the Muslim civilization; having several replicas being housed at museums, institutions and even a shopping mall, across the world showcasing the cultural diversity of the Islamic civilization and the sophisticated mechanics of the 12th century.
Al-Jazari’s book and other extant books of several Muslim scientists enabled the reconstruction of their devices as the precise designs and detailed working mechanisms were all documented and illustrated within each of these books. Unfortunately, no such technically detailed records are available and therefore ‘Alamet’ has been largely forgotten or ignored in the later historical narratives.
Hence, this one-of-its-kind ‘automaton’, which had portrayed its cultural roots as well as technical sophistication to the East and had faded into obscurity, rightly deserves to be revived and appreciated today as one of our ‘modern’ Islamic Heritage. Alamet’s story should be an inspiration to all ‘students of sciences’ to excel and surge ahead in all fields of life while holding on to our culture and identity. ‘Alamet’ should imbibe in each one the ability to showcase our roots in innovative and ingenious devices just as our revered, prodigious ancestral Muslims.*