Syrian scholar al-Hassan-al-Rammah, composes, in about 1280, “The Book of Fighting on Horseback and With War Engines,” in which he gives instructions for making gunpowder and rockets, which he calls "Chinese arrows."
Born in Syria, al-Rammah is the first Muslim chemist to successfully create and engineer modern explosives.
He includes one hundred and seven gunpowder recipes, improving upon the gunpowder that had been invented in China.
The first Muslim to invent explosive rockets, he also works on torpedoes and makes several contributions to their design and manufacture.
The governor of Damascus, Sungur, does not agree with Qalawun's ascent to power and declares himself sultan.
Sungur's claim of leadership, however, is repelled in 1280, when Qalawun defeats him in battle.
