Ulugbek Observatory

The Ulugbek Observatory in Samarkand, established in the 1420s by Timurid astronomer Mirzo Ulugbek (1394-1449), is a historical monument and one of the best observatories in the Islamic world. At one time, such scientists as Kazi-zadeh ar-Rumi (1364-1437), Al-Kashi (1380-1429) and Ali al-Qushchi (1403-1474) worked here.

History

The history of the observatory's creation, dating back to ancient times, is associated with the name of the famous scientist Mirzo Ulugbek. Few people know that Muhammad Taragai (the name given to Ulugbek at birth) was the grandson of the legendary Turkic-Mongol commander and conqueror Tamerlane. The genius and greatness that distinguished Ulugbek, apparently, were inherited by his grandson from his grandfather. But, unlike his famous ancestor, Ulugbek gravitated towards a peaceful life and fought exclusively in the scientific field, engaging in self-education from a young age. In his more mature years, Ulugbek studied sciences with famous scientists and philosophers of that era.

One of the turning points in the life of the young Muhammad happened during a trip to Sultaniya (a city in northwestern Iran), where he went with his grandfather. The unusual structure, which turned out to be a building for observing various objects and phenomena on Earth and in space, could not hide from the inquisitive gaze of the young man. Perhaps it was at that moment that Ulugbek's dream of creating his own observatory appeared. Unfortunately, the current generation will not know if this is how events really developed. Anyway, in the very first years after his accession to the throne, Muhammad Taragai ordered the construction of a starry house in his beloved city of Samarkand.

The construction of the monumental structure, which lasted 4 years, began in 1424. Ulugbek put his teacher Rumi at the head of the masters who participated in this grandiose project. After the completion of the main construction work, the designers were faced with the task of equipping the building with devices for observing the starry sky. This important task was entrusted to the renowned scientist Jamshid Kashi, who became the observatory's director after the start of its work. It should be noted that Ulugbek often visited the star house, spending all his free time within its walls. The ruler showed favor to scientists, encouraging their research, and sought personal participation in research.

After Kashi's death, the mentor of the ruler of Rumi, who held this post for 6 years, became the head of the observatory. His preoccupation with government issues did not allow Ulugbek to work closely with the observatory, so he began to think about closing it. The famous mathematician and astronomer Kushchi Ali persuaded the ruler to abandon this idea. Unfortunately, in 1449, Ulugbek was killed, becoming a victim of the conspirators. After his death, the observatory operated for about 20 years. After the closure, the deserted star house stood for many more years, and only at the end of the 16th century, the inhabitants of Samarkand began to disassemble the building into bricks.