Ulugh Beg Observatory

The Ulugh Beg Observatory, built in the 15th century in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, was an advanced astronomical research center established by the Timurid ruler Ulugh Beg. It featured a large, precisely constructed sextant, which allowed astronomers to measure celestial bodies' positions with remarkable accuracy for its time. The observatory produced the "Zij-i Sad-i Sadi," a comprehensive star catalog that listed over 1,000 stars, significantly contributing to the fields of astronomy and navigation. Despite its eventual destruction, the observatory's work laid important foundations for future astronomical studies in both the Islamic world and beyond.