Observatory of Ulugbek

The Observatory of Ulugbek is a fascinating one of the most advanced observatories of its time, showcasing the astronomical achievements of the Islamic world during the Timurid Empire. The main attraction of the observatory is its giant sextant, which was used by Ulugbek in the 15th century to observe and map the stars with remarkable accuracy. Today the observatory is a famous historical site that also holds a small museum dedicated to Ulugbek and his scientific accomplishments. Here, you can learn more about Ulugbek’s contributions to the field of astronomy.

The observatory met its demise in 1449, only a few generations after its construction, and its exact location was lost until its rediscovery in 1908. The observatory stood out for its unique architecture, different from others of its time. It was modeled after the Maragheh observatory. comprised three stories, with living quarters on the first floor and observation decks on the upper floors, featuring numerous arches for astronomical observations. The flat roof facilitated the use of instruments atop the building. The cylindrical-shaped building, measuring 46 meters in diameter and 30 to 33 meters in height, housed the monumental sextant at its center. The museum at the observatory was added in 1970 to honors Ulugbek's legacy. It features replicas of his star charts, European editions of his works, astrolabes, and a miniature model of the observatory.