India: The preparation of pulp (above) and paper-making from the pulp, miniature painting, Kashmir, c. 1850

It is believed that the secrets of Chinese paper making were passed on to the Abbasids after their victory over Chinese forces at the Battle of Talas in 751 CE.

The art of paper-making was refined and transformed into mass production by the mills of Baghdad. Some of the techniques employed in Baghdad included the use of linen as a substitute for the bark of the mulberry which the Chinese used. This involved a more refined and improved method of production.

This development facilitated the building of many paper mills in Baghdad from where the industry spread to Damascus which became the major source of supply of paper to Europe.

After the industry developed in Iraq, Syria and Palestine, it spread west. The first paper mill in Africa was built in Egypt around 850; then a paper mill was built in Morocco from where the skill reached Spain in 950. In 1293 the first paper mill in Bologna was set up. The first use of paper in England did not come until 1309, then Germany in the late stages of the 14th century.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History