Maragheh Observatory was one of the most important scientific centers in the Islamic world in the 7th century. This observatory, which was built in Maragheh city in 657 AH by order of Helakokhan Mughal and under the supervision of Khwaja Nasir al-Din Tusi, was the largest observatory in the world in its time.
Maragheh observatory had several halls and buildings, including a large hall, a special observatory hall, a library, and several workshops for making astronomical instruments. In this observatory, prominent scientists such as Khwaja Nasir al-Din Tusi, Qutb al-Din Shirazi, and Moayed al-Din Darazi were engaged in research and study in various fields of astronomy, mathematics, and natural sciences.
Maragheh Observatory had important scientific achievements during its activity. Among these achievements, it is possible to mention the preparation of Zij Ilkhani, accurate observation and calculation of the movement of the planets, and the correction of chronology.
In the following centuries, the Maragheh observatory was neglected and fell into ruin. In recent years, the restoration and reconstruction of this observatory has started and now it is visited as one of the tourist attractions of East Azerbaijan province.
Among the various parts of the Maragheh Observatory that can be visited today, the following can be mentioned:
Great Hall: This hall, which is the largest hall of the observatory, is currently used as a museum. In this museum, old astronomical instruments, manuscripts, and documents related to the Maragheh observatory are exhibited.
Special observation hall: This hall, which is located underground, was used to observe the stars and planets.
Dome: There are several domes in the area of Maragheh Observatory, among them, we can mention Helakokhan Dome and Khwaja Nasiruddin Tusi Dome.
Visiting the Maragheh Observatory can be very attractive for those interested in the history of science and astronomy. In this observatory, you can get to know how scientists worked in the past centuries and learn about their scientific achievements.
