Astronomical Observatories and Their Development In the Abbasid Era

Abstract

The Abbasid era witnessed an unprecedented scientific boom in the history of Islamic civilization. The Abbasid caliphs, especially Caliph Al-Ma'mun, were among the most prominent supporters of science and scholars. This era devoted great attention to astronomy, given its importance in determining the times of prayer, fasting, and the direction of prayer (qibla), as well as its scientific and philosophical uses. Prominent among these interests was the establishment of astronomical observatories. These observatories served as advanced research centers, equipped with precise observational instruments and staffed by some of the most prominent astronomers in the Islamic world. These observatories played a pivotal role in the development of astronomy, conducting precise observations of the movements of stars and planets and correcting many previous concepts contained in the works of Greek astronomers, especially Ptolemy. These observatories were also part of a comprehensive scientific project that included translation. and observation and composition, which contributed to making Islamic civilization an important reference for astronomy in the Middle Ages.