Final answer:
Significant Middle-Eastern discoveries before the West that shaped modern society include advancements in mapmaking by Piri Reis, the rich multicultural society in medieval Iberia, and the widespread influence of Islam across regions. These contributed to the shaping of European outlook towards the Islamic world.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discoveries of Middle-Eastern thinkers prior to their counterparts in the West have significantly shaped modern society. Three notable discoveries include:
- Scientific advancements in mapmaking - An example being the map of the known world completed by the Ottoman admiral and cartographer Piri Reis in 1513, which incorporated knowledge from various sources including Arab explorers.
- The development of a rich and multicultural society in medieval Iberia - The Islamic West, including the Iberian Peninsula and what is now Morocco, was a region of significant cultural exchange and multiculturalism during its time under Islamic rule.
- The spread of Islam across the Middle East and North Africa, with its substantial influence on the culture and governance of the region, comparable to the earlier Christianization of the Roman Empire.
The European nations might have viewed their Moorish neighbors with a complex mixture of respect, envy, and rivalry due to these advanced societies' significant contributions to arts, science, and culture, which contrasts with Europe's situation at certain points during the Middle Ages.