History and kinds of astrolabe in the Middle East and its use in Armenia

Safaei Iraj, University of Kashan Observatory -UKO

Abstract

Astrolabe is the most important astronomical instrument. In fact, this instrument is a sky simulator that is used to measure and process astronomy. It's about three thousand years old. The most numerous astrolabe number is made in the Middle East. Most kinds of astrolabe only were have used in the Middle East.

In this presentation, we will explain how many kinds of astrolabe that have forgotten and we have resurrected or made. We have designed or fabricated ten kinds of astrolabe so far.

In the end, we talk about using astrolabe in Armenia. Apparently so far, five astrologers have been found in Armenia. In some of these astrolabes, a few letters are carved in Armenian letters. But a sample is made entirely with Armenian language and letters. Therefore, in Armenia, this instrument has been well-known.

Lecture by Mr. Iraj Safaei, Head of University of Kashan Observatory

At International Conference "Astronomical Heritage of the Middle East"

Friday, 17 November 2017
Armenian Academy of Sciences, Yerevan, Armenia