Observatory of Ulugbek, Samarkand

The largest observatory in Central Asia was built in the 1420's by Ulugbeg. Here, for three decades, scholars, including the outstanding astronomers Qazi-Zadeh Rumi, Djemsnid Giyas ad-Din Kashi and Ali Kushchi, performed measurements of celestial movements. The Samarkand observatory became famous for the edition of the "Ulugbeg Zidj", containing a theoretical introduction and charts describing 1,018 stars. The observatory was found by Samarkand archeologist V. L. Vyatkin at the beginning of the 20^th century. He excavated the underground remains of a huge quadrant 40 m in radius which was used for the observation of the Sun, Moon and other celestial bodies. Ulugbek Observatory is decorated with beautiful engravings from a 17^th century Dutch artist, with the inscription over the image of Ulugbek "I have presented my case seriously" - where Ulugbek stands on the right arm of the goddess of astronomy, Urania.