A Synthetic Approach in Maghribi and Ottoman Astronomical Traditions: The Example of an 18thCentury Ottoman Perpetual Calendar for the Latitude of Algiers

Year 2024, Issue: 84, 79 - 106, 30.10.2024

Gaye Danışan

https://doi.org/10.26650/iutd.1510305

Abstract

The lack of a systematic examination of the potential interactions between astronomical and maritime techniques in the Maghribi and Ottoman traditions has hindered the resolution of many issues in the history of science. In this context, an 18th-century Ottoman perpetual calendar prepared for the latitude of Algiers, which is the focus of this research, is significant in demonstrating the integration of the Maghribi-Andalusian astronomical tradition into Ottoman astronomy, particularly through the Magrib region. The critical data in the calendar provides information on astronomical applications on land and at sea, emphasizing the calendar maker’s synthesis of sources from various cultures. Building on this foundation, our article aims to highlight the methodological and historical challenges in studying Ottoman perpetual calendars, as well as the importance and necessity of more in-depth research into the astronomy and maritime traditions among populations in the Maghrib and Ottoman regions.

Keywords

Ottoman astronomy, Algeria, perpetual calendar, nautical astronomy, astronomical instruments

Supporting Institution

This study is supported by the Turkish Academy of Sciences - Outstanding Young Scientist Awards (TÜBA-GEBİP).

Mağrib ve Osmanlı Astronomi Geleneğinde Sentetik Bir Yaklaşım: Cezayir Enlemi için Hazırlanan 18. Yüzyıl Osmanlı Daimî Takvim Örneği

Abstract

Mağrib ve Osmanlı geleneğine ait astronomik ve denizcilik tekniklerindeki etkileşim olasılıklarının bugüne kadar sistematik olarak incelenmemiş olması, bilim tarihi açısından birçok sorunun çözülmesini zorlaştırmaktadır. Bu bağlamda, araştırmanın odak noktası olan Cezayir enlemi için hazırlanmış 18. yüzyıla ait bir Osmanlı daimî takvimi, özellikle Mağrib üzerinden Osmanlı astronomisine entegre olan Mağrib-Endülüs astronomi geleneğinin önemli bir örneğini teşkil etmektedir. Takvimdeki kritik veriler, karada ve denizde yapılan astronomi uygulamaları hakkında bilgi sağlamakta ve takvim derleyicisinin farklı kültürlerden gelen kaynakları birleştirdiğini vurgulamaktadır. Bu temel üzerine, makalemiz Osmanlı daimî takvimlerinin incelenmesindeki metodolojik ve tarihi zorlukları vurgulamanın yanı sıra, Mağrib ve Osmanlı bölgelerinde yaşayanların astronomi ve denizcilik geleneği bağlamında daha derinlemesine araştırmalarının önemini ve gerekliliğini ortaya koymayı hedeflemektedir.

Keywords

Osmanlı astronomisi, Cezayir, daimî takvim, deniz astronomisi, astronomi aletleri

Supporting Institution

Bu çalışma, Türkiye Bilimler Akademisi-Üstün Başarılı Genç Bilim İnsanı Ödül Programı tarafından desteklenmektedir.

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