ULUGH BEG MADRASAH AS A PILLAR OF ASTRONOMICAL ADVANCEMENT IN CENTRAL ASIA
Abstract
The Ulugh Beg Madrasah in Samarkand is a prominent scientific and educational institution of Central Asia. The construction of the madrasah was initiated in the 15th century by Ulugh Beg, the Timurid ruler and astronomer. The madrasah played a great role in the development of astronomy, mathematics, and Islamic studies. This article discusses the historical significance, architectural elegance, and astronomical contributions of the madrasah by virtue of its association with the Ulugh Beg Observatory. The study sheds light on Ulugh Beg's laborious efforts at star cataloging and how his mathematical advancements influenced Islamic and European astronomical traditions. The article also discusses the madrasah's role in pedagogy and the spread of scientific knowledge in the medieval Islamic world. By exploring its role as an intellectual hub, this research emphasizes the lasting influence of Ulugh Beg Madrasah on the scientific thought of its time and after.