Qūshjī’s Risāla dar ʿilm al-hayʾa and Ottoman Astronomy

What is it about?

This paper examines the significance of Persian works in Ottoman astronomy with reference to ʿAlī Qūshjī’s Risāla dar ʿilm al-hayʾa. It aims to highlight the multicultural character of astronomical literature in the Ottoman context. The study notes that the early modern period—particularly the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries—witnessed a remarkable interest in astronomical works written in Persian, both in the theoretical and practical branches of the astral sciences. It also highlights the intellectual connection between Ottoman astronomy and the earlier Persianate scientific corpus, especially that produced in Samarqand under Ulugh Beg. ʿAlī Qūshjī, who was affiliated with the Samarqand Observatory, was among those scholars who later migrated to the Ottoman lands toward the end of his life. By discussing the value of Qūshjī’s work in the Ottoman context and its conceptual connection to the development of his astronomy, the paper argues that Persian works could open new paths for understanding early modern Ottoman astronomy.

Featured Image

Photo by Martin Adams on Unsplash

Photo by Martin Adams on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Ottoman science studies have increasingly attracted scholarly attention, and research in this field continues to expand. My paper identifies three key themes for their study: prominent figures such as ʿAlī Qūshjī; the historical period, specifically the early modern era; and language, with particular emphasis on the role of Persian.

Perspectives