{{Short description|Historic Persian astronomical observatory}}
[[File:Maraga observatory.jpg|thumb|Central Tower of the Maragheh Observatory]]
The '''Maragheh observatory''' ([[Persian language|Persian]]: رصدخانه مراغه), also spelled Maragha, Maragah, Marageh, and Maraga, was an astronomical [[observatory]] established in the mid 13th century under the patronage of the [[Ilkhanid]] [[Hulagu]] and the directorship of [[Nasir al-Din al-Tusi]], a [[Persian people|Persian]] scientist and astronomer. The observatory is located on the west side of [[Maragheh]], which is situated in today's [[East Azerbaijan Province]] of [[Iran]].<ref name=":62">Niri, J. S. (2017). Determine the function and design of architectural and astronomical ... Determine the Function and Design of Architectural and Astronomical Observatory Discovered in the Maragheh. Retrieved November 8, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349064264_Determine_the_Function_and_Design_of_Architectural_and_Astronomical_Observatory_Discovered_in_the_Maragheh</ref> It was considered one of the most advanced scientific institutions in Eurasia because it was a center for many groundbreaking calculations in mathematics and astronomy. It housed a large collection of astronomical instruments and books and it served as an educational institution.<ref name=":07">{{Citation |chapter=The observatory in Maragha |date=2016 |chapter-url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/astronomy-and-astrology-in-the-islamic-world/observatory-in-maragha/06B9C503746F498F59D0DD929A76CFDA |title=Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys |pages=73–87 |editor-last=Blake |editor-first=Stephen P. |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |isbn=978-0-7486-4911-2 |access-date=2022-11-17}}</ref> It was also used as a model for the later [[Ulugh Beg Observatory]] in Samarkand, the [[Constantinople Observatory of Taqi ad-Din|Taqi al-Din observatory]] in [[Constantinople]], and [[Jantar Mantar, Jaipur|Jantar Mantar observatory]] in [[Jaipur]].<ref name=":53">Ali Barzegar. Iranian Studies, vol. 22, no. 2/3, 1989, pp. 129–131. {{JSTOR|4310671}}. Accessed 14 Nov. 2022.</ref>

==History==
[[File:Nasir al-Din al-Tusi at observatory.jpg|thumb|Painting of Al-Tusi and colleagues working on the Zij-i Ilkhani at the observatory]]

=== Background and pre-Mongol conquest ===
The region of [[Alamut]] was previously held by the [[Nizari Ismaili state|Nizaris]], a sect of [[Shia Islam]] also referred to as the ''Assassins'' or ''Hashashins''.

=== Mongol conquest and establishment of the conservatory ===
{{Main|Mongol campaign against the Nizaris}}
[[File:Bagdad1258.jpg|alt=|thumb|292x292px|Painting depicting Hulagu's capture of Baghdad]]
Hulagu Khan was a Mongol ruler and the grandson of Genghis Khan. As the Mongols expanded their territory Hulagu was put in charge of conquering [[Mesopotamia]], Persia, Egypt, Syria, and the [[Abbasid Caliphate]], the territory that would become the Ilkhanate.<ref name=":07" /><ref name=":522">{{Cite web |title=بهنام |url=http://www.ichodoc.ir/p-a/CHANGED/181/html/181_2.HTM |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329111344/http://www.ichodoc.ir/p-a/CHANGED/181/html/181_2.HTM |archive-date=2019-03-29 |access-date=2019-03-20 |website=www.ichodoc.ir}}</ref> From 1253 to 1256, Hulagu and his army were waging a campaign of conquest against the [[Mongol campaign against the Nizaris|Nizaris]] in the Iranian region of [[Alamut]].<ref name=":522" /> In 1256, the Mongols took the [[Alamut Castle|Alamut castle]], where al-Tusi and several other scholars had taken refuge to continue their studies.<ref name=":522" /> However, there is dispute over whether or not al-Tusi was held by the Nizaris against his will, or even assisted the Mongols in their attack.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Maragha Observatory Complex in Ilkhanid Iran {{!}} MPIWG |url=https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/research/projects/maragha-observatory-complex-ilkhanid-iran |access-date=2019-03-20 |website=www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de}}</ref>

Hulagu respected al-Tusi for his scholarship in science and decided to appoint him as a [[Vizier|wazir]] (vizier).<ref name=":622">{{Cite web |date=21 June 2018 |title=Hulagu Khan Destroyed Thousands Of Priceless Ancient Books Kept In The House Of Wisdom In Baghdad {{!}} Ancient Pages |url=https://www.ancientpages.com/2018/06/21/hulagu-khan-destroyed-thousands-of-priceless-ancient-books-kept-in-the-house-of-wisdom-in-baghdad/ |access-date=2019-03-20 |website=www.ancientpages.com}}</ref><ref name=":722">{{Cite web |title=Nasir al-Din al-Tusi and Astronomy {{!}} The Institute of Ismaili Studies |url=https://iis.ac.uk/nasir-al-din-al-tusi-and-astronomy |access-date=2019-03-20 |website=iis.ac.uk}}</ref> Hulagu and his men took al-Tusi with them as they then went to [[Siege of Baghdad (1258)|sack]] [[Baghdad]].<ref name=":622" /> In the newly formed Ilkhanate, al-Tusi was placed in charge of [[waqf]]s, a type of religious endowments, which Hulagu would later order him to use to build and fund the observatory.<ref name=":722" /> Prior to 1259, al-Tusi spoke to Hulagu about the need for new astronomy tables; due to his own interest in astrology, the Khan responded by authorizing the funding and construction of the Maragheh observatory, and later made Maragheh the capital of the Ilkhanate.<ref name=":07" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Maragha Observatory – Iran Gazetteer |url=https://irangazetteer.ucla.edu/catalogue/maragha-observatory/ |access-date=2026-07-27 |language=en-US}}</ref> In one account, Al-Tusi took advantage of Hulagu's superstitions, and told him that he could predict the future if he would sponsor the observatory.<ref name=":07" /> A second account suggests that Hulagu's brother, [[Möngke Khan|Mongke Khan]] had a great interest in mathematics and astronomy, and this influenced Hulagu's decision to reach out to al-Tusi to construct the observatory.<ref name=":07" /> Regardless of the original reasons for the construction, Hulagu became the first ruler to fund an observatory by sponsoring its construction with a [[waqf]].

==== Construction and use of the site ====
The construction of the observatory began in 1259 and lasted between 3 and 5 years.<ref name=":25">{{Cite journal |last1=Vernet |first1=J. |last2=Sayili |first2=Aydin |date=1963-12-31 |title=The Observatory in Islam and Its Place in the General History of the Observatory |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1580266 |journal=Oriens |volume=16 |pages=298 |doi=10.2307/1580266 |jstor=1580266 |issn=0078-6527|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="Ballay 1990 389–3922">{{cite journal |last1=Ballay |first1=Ute |date=1 January 1990 |title=The Astronomical Manuscripts of Nasir Al-Din Tusi |journal=Arabica |volume=37 |issue=3 |pages=389–392 |doi=10.1163/157005890X00050 |jstor=4057148 |id={{ProQuest|1303887194}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal – Show entity |url=https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1 |access-date=2019-03-08 |website=www3.astronomicalheritage.net}}</ref> Some speculate that after Mongke's death, there was a short period when construction came to a halt.<ref name=":25" /> [[Mu'ayyad al-Din al-Urdi|Mu'ayyad al-Din 'Urdi]] was then appointed to be in charge of construction.<ref name=":07" /> Hulagu gave al-Tusi permission to build a new observatory in the location of his choosing, and al-Tusi chose the town of Maragha in modern-day Iran.<ref name=":2222">{{Cite web |title=UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal – Show entity |url=https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1 |access-date=2019-03-16 |website=www3.astronomicalheritage.net}}</ref> Al-Tusi was the first director of the observatory, and he oversaw the placement of new instruments, recruitment of staff, the stocking of an integrated library, and was appointed administrator of the observatory's endowment.<ref name=":07" />

==== The physical site ====
The site for the observatory was situated outside of [[Maragheh]] city on a flat-topped hill, which spanned about 400 meters in length by 150 meters in width.<ref name=":07"/> The layout of the site consisted of one central tower<ref name=":42">Varjavand, P. (1987). Kāvosh-e raṣad khāneh-ye Marāgheh va negāhī be pīshīneh-ye setāreh shenāsī dar Irān, [The Excavation of the Maragheh Observatory and a Look at the History of Astronomy in Iran]. Amir Kabir.</ref> and five other circular platforms.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal - Show entity |url=https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1 |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=www3.astronomicalheritage.net}}</ref> The site also included a building dedicated to metalworking (for the creation of astronomical tools), as well as living quarters.<ref name=":14"/> The site also contained a large dome, the purpose of which was to allow the resident astronomers to measure the placement and motion of the sun.<ref name=":07"/>

== Notable scientists ==
Men of mathematics, science, and astronomy came to the Maragheh Observatory from across the [[Muslim world|Islamic world]] and further. According to texts recovered from the observatory, the site had a reputation so widespread it had reached as far as China as students had traveled to study mathematics, physics, and astronomy.<ref name=":322">{{Cite web |title=بهنام |url=http://www.ichodoc.ir/p-a/CHANGED/181/html/181_2.HTM |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329111344/http://www.ichodoc.ir/p-a/CHANGED/181/html/181_2.HTM |archive-date=2019-03-29 |access-date=2019-03-16 |website=www.ichodoc.ir}}</ref> Evidence has been found to suggest a major focus on education; student oriented texts have been discovered that offer introductions to mathematical astronomy and astronomical tables.<ref name="Mozaffari 2018 591–641">{{Cite journal |last=Mozaffari |first=S. Mohammad |date=2018 |title=Astronomical observations at the Maragha observatory in the 1260s-1270s |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/45211963 |journal=Archive for History of Exact Sciences |volume=72 |issue=6 |pages=591–641 |doi=10.1007/s00407-018-0217-z |jstor=45211963 |s2cid=253891545 |issn=0003-9519|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Scholars in attendance included [[Bar-Hebraeus]], who late in his life took residence close to the observatory in order to use the library for his studies; he left a description of the observatory.

A number of other prominent astronomers worked with Tusi at the observatory, such as [[Muhyi al-Din al-Maghribi]], [[Mu'ayyid al-Din al-'Urdi]], from [[Damascus]], [[Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi]], and Hulagu's Chinese astronomer Fao Munji, whose Chinese astronomical experience brought improvements to the [[Ptolemy|Ptolemaic]] system used by Tusi.

After 12 years of intense work by al-Tusi and other scientists, including Mu'yed al-Din al-Arad-Najmedin Cathy, Najmd al-Din Qazvini, Allame Qutbuddin Shirazi, and Fakhruddin Maraghi, the tables were compiled in the [[Zij-i Ilkhani]].<ref name=":322"/> The tables were published during the reign of [[Abaqa Khan]], Hulagu's son, and were named after the patron of the observatory.

=== Nasir al-Din al-Tusi ===
[[File:Tusi couple.jpg|thumb|Tusi couple from Vat. Arabic ms 319]]
[[Nasir al-Din al-Tusi|Nasir Al-Din al-Tusi]] was the lead astronomer and first director of the observatory. His most notable work was the creation of the [[Tusi couple|Tusi-couple]], a geometric based system that solved some of the fundamental issues with Ptolemaic calculations.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book |last=Saliba |first=George |title=Islamic Science and the Making of the European Renaissance |publisher=MIT Press |year=2007 |pages=202}}</ref> Other notable works were revisions to [[Euclid's Elements]]<ref name=":07"/> and Ptolemy's [[Almagest]]<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mozaffari |first=Mohammad |date=2014 |title=Muḥyī al-Dīn al-Maghribī's lunar measurements at the Maragha observatory |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/24569613 |journal=Archive for History of Exact Sciences |volume=68 |issue=1 |pages=67–120 |doi=10.1007/s00407-013-0130-4 |jstor=24569613 |s2cid=253890523 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> as well as the astronomical handbook titled [[Zij-i Ilkhani|''Zīj-i Īlkhānī'' or Ilkhanic Tables]] detailing the movement of the planets.<ref name=":82">{{Cite book |last=Sayili |first=Aydin |title=The Oberservatory in Islam and its Place in the General History of the Observatory |publisher=Turk Tarih Kurumu Basimevi |year=1960 |location=Ankara |pages=204}}</ref> About 350 years before Galileo had viewed the [[Milky Way]] through his telescope, Tusi had already offered his own thoughts on the galaxy, stating that the "milky" color was likely due to clusters of small stars.<ref name=":07"/>

=== Mu'ayyid al-Din al-'Urdi ===
[[Mu'ayyid al-Din al-'Urdi]] was an astronomer and engineer who was in charge of constructing the buildings of observatory as well as manufacturing the astronomical instruments.<ref name=":07"/><ref name=":7" /> It is believed that he also played a key role in designing the "complex system of water wheels" for the observatory.<ref name=":07"/> In his detailed account of the instruments'','' he lists the [[Mural instrument|Mural quadrant]] and the [[Armillary sphere|Armillary Sphere]] as two of the instruments he designed for the observatory.<ref name=":82" /> The [https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Maragheh-Observatory-Celestial-Globe-at-Dresden-Made-by-Urdi-Oesmann-2002-295_fig3_349064165 Celestial Globe] however was likely crafted around 1300 by Muhammad, the son of [[Mu'ayyad al-Din al-Urdi]] whose signature can be found on the globe. It is made out of brass with silver and gold inlay and was acquired in 1562 by [[Augustus, Elector of Saxony]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oestmann |first=Günther |date=July 1997 |title=Measuring and Dating the Arabic Celestial Globe at Dresden |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263046306}}</ref>

=== Decline and legacy ===
The decline of the Maragheh observatory began in the 13th century.<ref name=":2222"/> The observatory survived during the reign of seven rulers of the dynasty, including the reigns of Abaqa and [[Öljaitü|Uljaytu]].<ref name=":25"/> After al-Tusi's death, his son Sadr al-Din succeeded him as director of the observatory.<ref name=":07"/> During Uljaytu's reign, he appointed al-Tusi's other son, 'Asil al-Din as director.<ref name=":07"/><ref name=":2222"/> Scholars and students of mathematics, science, and astronomy came to the Maragheh Observatory from across the [[Muslim world|Islamic world]] and up to the eastern borders of China.<ref name=":25"/> Like other madrasas constructed in Islamic structures at the time, the observatory also served as an educational institution, focused on teaching astronomy and providing hands-on experience with the available instruments.<ref name=":07"/><ref name="Mozaffari 2018 591–641"/>

At the time, the Maragheh Observatory was the first observatory to outlive its founder, remaining active for more than 50 years, with over a hundred astronomers conducting research in the facility during its lifespan.<ref name=":07"/> The stagnation and downturn of the Maragheh observatory began in the late 13th century.<ref name=":14"/> A major blow came when the observatory lost its patronage after the deaths of Hulagu in 1265 and his son [[Abaqa Khan|Abaqa]] in 1282.<ref name=":14"/> Over time the site turned to ruins as a result of frequent earthquakes and a lack of funding.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |title=Maragheh Observatory |url=http://www.iranreview.org/content/Documents/Maragheh_Observatory.htm |access-date=2019-08-17}}</ref> Over centuries of enduring conflict in the region, the contents of the observatory's library were stolen or destroyed.<ref name=":33" /> [[Abbas I of Persia|Shah Abbas the Great]] of Persia arranged for repair sometime in the early 17th century, but the Shah died before the restoration could begin.The observatory became inactive by the beginning of the 14th century, but the design influenced several other observatories. One example is the Ulugh-Bey observatory, located in [[Ulugh Beg Observatory|Samarkand, Uzbekistan.]] This observatory, built in the 1420s, was similar in scale to the Maragheh Observatory. The [[Ulugh Beg Observatory|Ulugh-Bey Observatory]] later served as a reference for European observatories.<ref name=":25"/><ref name=":2222"/>

Hulagu's older brother, [[Khublai Khan]], also constructed an observatory, the [[Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory]] in China. A [[celestial globe]] from the observatory made around 1279 is now preserved in [[Dresden]], [[Germany]].{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} It is a rare example of [[decorative art]] from [[Iran]] of the 13th century, designed by [[Muʾayyad al-Dīn al-ʿUrḍī|al-Urdi]] and made of [[bronze]] inlaid with [[silver]] and [[gold]].<ref name=":2222"/>

== Renewed academic interest ==
[[File:تابلو راهنمای رصد خانه مراغه - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Site plan of the Maragheh Observatory]]
The Maragheh observatory was excavated by the Iranian archeologist [[Parviz Varjavand]] in 1972 after his work was commissioned by the [[University of Tehran]] and the [[University of Tabriz]].<ref name=":42"/> Before this excavation there had been no modern archaeological research conducted into this ancient scientific site.<ref name=":53"/>

The excavation took place on a hill located west of the town of [[Maragheh]]<ref name=":62"/><ref name=":07"/> where the central tower along with numerous other architectural units were unearthed including a residence for Hulagu and a mosque.<ref name=":07" /> The central tower had a circular plan and was divided by a long corridor so that there were six spaces on either side. It was the main space in which observations took place as well as scientific documents were kept. Smaller circular units were found near the central tower, which are thought to have been the platforms on which astronomical instruments were placed.<ref>Ruggles, C., & Cotte, M. (2010). The first ICOMOS–IAU Thematic Study. UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal - Thematic Study 1. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/thematic-study-1</ref> A casting workshop, a school building as well as a large library was part of the scientific research complex of the observatory<ref name=":42"/><ref name=":53"/>

Fragments of glass and pottery were found as well as copper coins and a gold coin from the [[Ilkhanate|IIkhanid]] period. A variety of architectural stones (brick, carved and engraved stone, glazed tile) which were used for the construction and the ornamentation of the buildings were also discovered.<ref name=":53"/><ref name=":42"/>

On the west side of the hill, Varjavand also came across the so-called the Rasadkhana caves with temple like rock structures which resemble Chinese and Mongol religious architectural styles. These underground spaces are believed to have been used by visitors for religious ceremonies during the Ilkhanid period.<ref name=":62" />

== Preserving the site ==
[[File:Marağa rəsədxanası (1).jpg|thumb|Dome of the Maragheh observatory]]
In recent years, interest has increased in the historical significance of this site. A dome shaped cover has been built to protect the remnants of the observatory. Nearby [[University of Tabriz|Tabriz University]] has been responsible for the management and protection of the Maragheh site since the late 70s.<ref name=":14"/> In collaboration with the municipality of Maragheh, there are new renovation projects that are being conducted to preserve the site<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2022 |title=Restoration work begins on Maragheh observatory |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/475936/Restoration-work-begins-on-Maragheh-observatory}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of astronomical observatories]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}

==References==
* A. Baker and L. Chapter (2002), "Part 4: The Sciences". In M. M. Sharif, "A History of Muslim Philosophy", ''Philosophia Islamica''.
* Richard Covington (May–June 2007). "Rediscovering Arabic science", ''[[Saudi Aramco World]]'', p.&nbsp;2–16. {{Unreliable source?|date=April 2010}}
* Ahmad Dallal, "Science, Medicine and Technology.", in ''The Oxford History of Islam'', ed. John Esposito, New York: [[Oxford University Press]], (1999).
* {{Citation
 |last1=Morelon
 |first1=Régis
 |last2=Rashed
 |first2=Roshdi
 |date=1996
 |title=[[Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science]]
 |volume=3
 |publisher=[[Routledge]]
 |isbn=0-415-12410-7
 }}
* [[George Saliba]] (1999). [http://www.columbia.edu/~gas1/project/visions/case1/sci.1.html Whose Science is Arabic Science in Renaissance Europe?] [[Columbia University]].

==Further reading==
* {{Citation
 |last=Saliba
 |first=George
 |author-link=George Saliba
 |year=1979
 |title=The First Non-Ptolemaic Astronomy at the Maraghah School
 |journal=[[Isis (journal)|Isis]]
 |volume=70
 |issue=4
 |pages=571–576
 |doi=10.1086/352344
|s2cid=144332379 |ref=none
 }}

{{Coord|37|23|46|N|46|12|33|E|display=title}}
{{Islamic astronomy}}
{{Iranian Space Program}}
{{East Azarbaijan Province}}
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[[Category:1259 establishments in Asia]]
[[Category:13th century in Iran]]
[[Category:Astronomical observatories in Iran]]
[[Category:Astronomical observatories of the medieval Islamic world]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in East Azerbaijan province]]
[[Category:Iranian inventions]]

[[de:Maragha#Observatorium Rasad-e Khan]]
[[fr:Maragha#L'observatoire]]