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. From 1253 to 1256, Hulagu and his army were waging a campaign of conquest against the Nizaris in the Iranian region of Alamut. In 1256, the Mongols took the Alamut castle, where al-Tusi and several other scholars had taken refuge to continue their studies. 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.
Hulagu respected al-Tusi for his scholarship in science and decided to appoint him as a wazir (vizier). Hulagu and his men took al-Tusi with them as they then went to sack Baghdad. In the newly formed Ilkhanate, al-Tusi was placed in charge of waqfs, a type of religious endowments, which Hulagu would later order him to use to build and fund the observatory. 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. 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. A second account suggests that Hulagu's brother, 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. Regardless of the original reasons for the construction, Hulagu became the first ruler to fund an observatory by sponsoring its construction with a waqf.
The construction of the observatory began in 1259 and lasted between 3 and 5 years. Some speculate that after Mongke's death, there was a short period when construction came to a halt. Mu'ayyad al-Din 'Urdi was then appointed to be in charge of construction. 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. 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.
Men of mathematics, science, and astronomy came to the Maragheh Observatory from across the 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. 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. 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.
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. The tables were published during the reign of Abaqa Khan, Hulagu's son, and were named after the patron of the observatory.
The decline of the Maragheh observatory began in the 13th century. The observatory survived during the reign of seven rulers of the dynasty, including the reigns of Abaqa and Uljaytu. After al-Tusi's death, his son Sadr al-Din succeeded him as director of the observatory. During Uljaytu's reign, he appointed al-Tusi's other son, 'Asil al-Din as director. Scholars and students of mathematics, science, and astronomy came to the Maragheh Observatory from across the Islamic world and up to the eastern borders of China. 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.
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. The stagnation and downturn of the Maragheh observatory began in the late 13th century. A major blow came when the observatory lost its patronage after the deaths of Hulagu in 1265 and his son Abaqa in 1282. Over time the site turned to ruins as a result of frequent earthquakes and a lack of funding. Over centuries of enduring conflict in the region, the contents of the observatory's library were stolen or destroyed. 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 Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This observatory, built in the 1420s, was similar in scale to the Maragheh Observatory. The Ulugh-Bey Observatory later served as a reference for European observatories.
Fragments of glass and pottery were found as well as copper coins and a gold coin from the 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.
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 Tabriz University has been responsible for the management and protection of the Maragheh site since the late 70's. In collaboration with the municipality of Maragheh, there are new renovation projects that are being conducted to preserve the site
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 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349064264_Determine_the_Function_and_Design_of_Architectural_and_Astronomical_Observatory_Discovered_in_the_Maragheh
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Ali Barzegar. Iranian Studies, vol. 22, no. 2/3, 1989, pp. 129–131. JSTOR 4310671. Accessed 14 Nov. 2022. /wiki/JSTOR_(identifier)
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
"بهنام". www.ichodoc.ir. Archived from the original on 2019-03-29. Retrieved 2019-03-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20190329111344/http://www.ichodoc.ir/p-a/CHANGED/181/html/181_2.HTM
"بهنام". www.ichodoc.ir. Archived from the original on 2019-03-29. Retrieved 2019-03-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20190329111344/http://www.ichodoc.ir/p-a/CHANGED/181/html/181_2.HTM
"بهنام". www.ichodoc.ir. Archived from the original on 2019-03-29. Retrieved 2019-03-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20190329111344/http://www.ichodoc.ir/p-a/CHANGED/181/html/181_2.HTM
"The Maragha Observatory Complex in Ilkhanid Iran | MPIWG". www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de. Retrieved 2019-03-20. https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/research/projects/maragha-observatory-complex-ilkhanid-iran
"Hulagu Khan Destroyed Thousands Of Priceless Ancient Books Kept In The House Of Wisdom In Baghdad | Ancient Pages". www.ancientpages.com. 21 June 2018. Retrieved 2019-03-20. http://www.ancientpages.com/2018/06/21/hulagu-khan-destroyed-thousands-of-priceless-ancient-books-kept-in-the-house-of-wisdom-in-baghdad/amp/
"Nasir al-Din al-Tusi and Astronomy | The Institute of Ismaili Studies". iis.ac.uk. Retrieved 2019-03-20. https://iis.ac.uk/nasir-al-din-al-tusi-and-astronomy
"Hulagu Khan Destroyed Thousands Of Priceless Ancient Books Kept In The House Of Wisdom In Baghdad | Ancient Pages". www.ancientpages.com. 21 June 2018. Retrieved 2019-03-20. http://www.ancientpages.com/2018/06/21/hulagu-khan-destroyed-thousands-of-priceless-ancient-books-kept-in-the-house-of-wisdom-in-baghdad/amp/
"Nasir al-Din al-Tusi and Astronomy | The Institute of Ismaili Studies". iis.ac.uk. Retrieved 2019-03-20. https://iis.ac.uk/nasir-al-din-al-tusi-and-astronomy
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Vernet, J.; Sayili, Aydin (1963-12-31). "The Observatory in Islam and Its Place in the General History of the Observatory". Oriens. 16: 298. doi:10.2307/1580266. ISSN 0078-6527. JSTOR 1580266. https://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1580266
Ballay, Ute (1 January 1990). "The Astronomical Manuscripts of Nasir Al-Din Tusi". Arabica. 37 (3): 389–392. doi:10.1163/157005890X00050. JSTOR 4057148. ProQuest 1303887194. /wiki/Doi_(identifier)
"UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal – Show entity". www3.astronomicalheritage.net. Retrieved 2019-03-08. https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1
Vernet, J.; Sayili, Aydin (1963-12-31). "The Observatory in Islam and Its Place in the General History of the Observatory". Oriens. 16: 298. doi:10.2307/1580266. ISSN 0078-6527. JSTOR 1580266. https://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1580266
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
"UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal – Show entity". www3.astronomicalheritage.net. Retrieved 2019-03-16. https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
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.
"UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal - Show entity". www3.astronomicalheritage.net. Retrieved 2022-11-17. https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1
"UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal - Show entity". www3.astronomicalheritage.net. Retrieved 2022-11-17. https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
"بهنام". www.ichodoc.ir. Archived from the original on 2019-03-29. Retrieved 2019-03-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20190329111344/http://www.ichodoc.ir/p-a/CHANGED/181/html/181_2.HTM
Mozaffari, S. Mohammad (2018). "Astronomical observations at the Maragha observatory in the 1260s-1270s". Archive for History of Exact Sciences. 72 (6): 591–641. doi:10.1007/s00407-018-0217-z. ISSN 0003-9519. JSTOR 45211963. S2CID 253891545. https://www.jstor.org/stable/45211963
"بهنام". www.ichodoc.ir. Archived from the original on 2019-03-29. Retrieved 2019-03-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20190329111344/http://www.ichodoc.ir/p-a/CHANGED/181/html/181_2.HTM
Saliba, George (2007). Islamic Science and the Making of the European Renaissance. MIT Press. p. 202.
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Mozaffari, Mohammad (2014). "Muḥyī al-Dīn al-Maghribī's lunar measurements at the Maragha observatory". Archive for History of Exact Sciences. 68 (1): 67–120. doi:10.1007/s00407-013-0130-4. JSTOR 24569613. S2CID 253890523. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24569613
Sayili, Aydin (1960). The Oberservatory in Islam and its Place in the General History of the Observatory. Ankara: Turk Tarih Kurumu Basimevi. p. 204.
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Saliba, George (2007). Islamic Science and the Making of the European Renaissance. MIT Press. p. 202.
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Sayili, Aydin (1960). The Oberservatory in Islam and its Place in the General History of the Observatory. Ankara: Turk Tarih Kurumu Basimevi. p. 204.
Oestmann, Günther (July 1997). "Measuring and Dating the Arabic Celestial Globe at Dresden". https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263046306
"UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal – Show entity". www3.astronomicalheritage.net. Retrieved 2019-03-16. https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1
Vernet, J.; Sayili, Aydin (1963-12-31). "The Observatory in Islam and Its Place in the General History of the Observatory". Oriens. 16: 298. doi:10.2307/1580266. ISSN 0078-6527. JSTOR 1580266. https://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1580266
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
"UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal – Show entity". www3.astronomicalheritage.net. Retrieved 2019-03-16. https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1
Vernet, J.; Sayili, Aydin (1963-12-31). "The Observatory in Islam and Its Place in the General History of the Observatory". Oriens. 16: 298. doi:10.2307/1580266. ISSN 0078-6527. JSTOR 1580266. https://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1580266
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Mozaffari, S. Mohammad (2018). "Astronomical observations at the Maragha observatory in the 1260s-1270s". Archive for History of Exact Sciences. 72 (6): 591–641. doi:10.1007/s00407-018-0217-z. ISSN 0003-9519. JSTOR 45211963. S2CID 253891545. https://www.jstor.org/stable/45211963
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
"UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal - Show entity". www3.astronomicalheritage.net. Retrieved 2022-11-17. https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1
"UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal - Show entity". www3.astronomicalheritage.net. Retrieved 2022-11-17. https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1
"Maragheh Observatory". Retrieved 2019-08-17. http://www.iranreview.org/content/Documents/Maragheh_Observatory.htm
"Maragheh Observatory". Retrieved 2019-08-17. http://www.iranreview.org/content/Documents/Maragheh_Observatory.htm
Vernet, J.; Sayili, Aydin (1963-12-31). "The Observatory in Islam and Its Place in the General History of the Observatory". Oriens. 16: 298. doi:10.2307/1580266. ISSN 0078-6527. JSTOR 1580266. https://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1580266
"UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal – Show entity". www3.astronomicalheritage.net. Retrieved 2019-03-16. https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1
"UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal – Show entity". www3.astronomicalheritage.net. Retrieved 2019-03-16. https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1
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.
Ali Barzegar. Iranian Studies, vol. 22, no. 2/3, 1989, pp. 129–131. JSTOR 4310671. Accessed 14 Nov. 2022. /wiki/JSTOR_(identifier)
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 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349064264_Determine_the_Function_and_Design_of_Architectural_and_Astronomical_Observatory_Discovered_in_the_Maragheh
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
Blake, Stephen P., ed. (2016), "The observatory in Maragha", Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World: Volume undefined: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 73–87, ISBN 978-0-7486-4911-2, retrieved 2022-11-17 978-0-7486-4911-2
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 https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/thematic-study-1
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.
Ali Barzegar. Iranian Studies, vol. 22, no. 2/3, 1989, pp. 129–131. JSTOR 4310671. Accessed 14 Nov. 2022. /wiki/JSTOR_(identifier)
Ali Barzegar. Iranian Studies, vol. 22, no. 2/3, 1989, pp. 129–131. JSTOR 4310671. Accessed 14 Nov. 2022. /wiki/JSTOR_(identifier)
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.
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 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349064264_Determine_the_Function_and_Design_of_Architectural_and_Astronomical_Observatory_Discovered_in_the_Maragheh
"UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Webportal - Show entity". www3.astronomicalheritage.net. Retrieved 2022-11-17. https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=29&idsubentity=1
"Restoration work begins on Maragheh observatory". August 2022. https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/475936/Restoration-work-begins-on-Maragheh-observatory