The Arab world played a significant role in shaping the development of the Western world in the medieval era. In particular, during the Middle Ages, the Arab World provided the foundation that facilitated the growth and development of western civilizations. According to Pirenne, the notable ways through which the Muslim world triggered the progress of the Western society between 500 AD and 1500 AD range from culture to trade. During medieval times, the music culture in Europe sourced its inspiration from the Muslim world.
Particularly, the violin, guitar, and lute are some of the remarkable musical instruments that Arab communities offered to the western world. Furthermore, Pirenne reveals that the rhythms of Arabic music influenced the development of music in Europe, as evidenced by the rise of Spanish flamenco dancing during the Middle Ages. As such, through music, the Arab society contributed to the cultural advancement of the western world.
The Arab community also prompted the growth of learning in the Western world during medieval times. Most of the Europeans copied the scientific ideas developed by Arabs in disciplines such as mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. For example, as Pirenne reveals, in 1260 AD, Louis IX founded a pioneer hospital in the French capital, Paris, after returning from Crusade. In addition to science, Europeans adopted art from Muslims who built magnificent castles, which were replicated in Western society. In this regard, Muslim society played a major part during medieval times in influencing the development of knowledge and learning in Western civilization. Moreover, the Muslim world influenced the economic growth of Western society during the Middle Ages. Specifically, Arab merchants offered European noblemen various trading goods ranging from spices to silk.