Maragheh observatory
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Maragheh observatory (Persian:رصدخانه مراغه )is an ancient observatory, which was established in 657 A.H. by Khaje Nassir od-Din Tussi, a remarkable Iranian scientist and astrologist, was once the most prestigious observatory in the world.
It still preserves its glory in the heights of Maragheh, East Azarbaijan province.
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[edit] Description
However, considerably the parts of structure are found in the ruins,the stone building and the astrological sign which crosses the 28-meter wide observatory that determine the direction of the star are wide displays the the glorious prerequisite of this historical place .
At the time entering the observatory, a visitor is impressed by the precision of the astrological angles that once were based on the Meridian, and also by using Maragheh as the datum point for arranging time zones throughout the world.
[edit] History
Based on the books like Jam-e-ttavarikhe rashidi (persian: جامع التواريخ رشيدي), saf-e-elhofreh (persian: صاف الحفره), favat-o-lvafiyyat (persian: فوات الوفيات) the building of the rasad khaneh starts in 657 A.H. (1261 A.D.) by proposing Khaje Nassir od-Din Tussi and order of Hulegu Khan. And After 12 years it become stablished by lots of research and investigating of Khaje Nassir od-Din Tussi and some other prominent scientist. It is quite unsure to say until what time it had been active ,but based on some evidence it is approved that it had been active until the kingdom of Soltan Mohammad.
[edit] Current status
To save the installation from further destruction, Iran's Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization (ICHTO) built a dome-framed shelter and it plans to hold an exhibit of astrology devices used at Maragheh observatory.
The observatory is currently covered with a dome-framed brass structure and is situated two kilometers west of Maragheh.
