The Fascinating World of Ottoman Astronomy: Illuminated Manuscripts and Beyond
During the Ottoman era, Istanbul was home to a thriving community of astronomers and scientists. These scholars were fascinated by the stars and the mysteries of the universe, and they spent their lives studying the skies and recording their observations.
One of the most striking features of Ottoman astronomy was the use of illuminated drawings to record and visualize the movements of the stars and planets. These intricate illustrations, which were often created using gold and silver ink, were not only beautiful to behold, but also served a practical purpose. They allowed astronomers to carefully track the movements of celestial bodies and to make detailed predictions about their future behavior.
In addition to creating illuminated drawings, Ottoman astronomers also used a variety of other tools and techniques to study the heavens. They built observatories, where they could make observations without interference from the city’s lights and smoke. They also developed sophisticated instruments, such as quadrants and astrolabes, which allowed them to measure the positions and movements of the stars with great precision.
Despite the many advances made by Ottoman astronomers, their work was largely unknown outside of the empire. It was not until the 19th and 20th centuries, when Western scholars began to study and translate their writings, that the full extent of their achievements was recognized. Today, the illuminated drawings and other works of Ottoman astronomy are considered to be some of the most important and beautiful examples of scientific illustration in history.
NOMAD SKETCHBOOK 