The Founding of the Ulugh Beg Observatory

1420 CE · Semerkant, Özbekistan · cultural

In 1420 Ulugh Beg, son of Shahrukh, founded at Samarkand what was then the largest observatory in the world.

Star catalogues were compiled with its giant sextant of 40 metres in radius. The astronomical tables known as the 'Zij-i Ulugh Beg' were used as a reference work even in Europe until the 17th century. Ulugh Beg recorded the coordinates of 1,018 stars. (Source: TDV Encyclopedia of Islam; UNESCO Silk Roads)

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Frequently asked questions

What was The Founding of the Ulugh Beg Observatory?
In 1420 Ulugh Beg, son of Shahrukh, founded at Samarkand what was then the largest observatory in the world.
When did The Founding of the Ulugh Beg Observatory happen?
1420 CE
Where did The Founding of the Ulugh Beg Observatory take place?
Semerkant, Özbekistan