Islamic Astrolabe

Timeline

1. 900–1080Baghdad and Isfahan · MesopotamiaIslamic scholars developed astrolabe theory on the foundation of Greek astronomy such as Ptolemy, improving scale divisions and projection methods. Writings by astronomers such as al-Fazari and al-Battani circulated, and the astrolabe became a standard instrument in observatories and scholars' studies, used to determine the obliquity of the ecliptic and stellar positions.
2. 1131–1140Seville and Marrakesh · SpainIn the 1130s, Islamic astrolabes were produced in large quantities in al-Andalus and the Maghreb, with workshops casting finely engraved brass dials inscribed with Arabic script and geometric ornament. Astrolabes not only served scholars' calculations but also aided in determining the direction of Mecca and compiling prayer timetables, and gradually reached Christian Europe through the translation movement.
3. 1150–1500Mediterranean and Indian Ocean trade networks · EuropeThrough translation centers such as Toledo, Islamic astrolabe techniques reached Latin Europe and influenced astronomy teaching at medieval universities. Astrolabes were used for latitude determination in Mediterranean navigation and Indian Ocean trade, becoming an important bridge connecting the Islamic scientific tradition with modern astronomy, until they gradually receded after the telescope became widespread.