Samarkand, Uzbekistan — Nestled along the ancient Silk Road, Samarkand is often celebrated for its breathtaking architecture and vibrant bazaars. But beyond its turquoise domes and mosaic-covered madrasas lies a lesser-known legacy: a city that once stood at the forefront of global scientific advancement.
Samarkand, the historic capital of Uzbekistan, is known for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the most touristy cities in Asia.
Although this sky-beautiful city is known for its beautiful historical buildings, it also holds a vital place in history. This city is not only touristy but is the scientific capital of the Turkic-Muslim world.
The Uzbek lands have hosted scientific centers such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, where madrasas taught advanced knowledge compared to others (Абдух̨алимов, 2010). From the 9th century onwards, during the reigns of the Samanids, Karakhanids, Khwarezmshahs, and Timurids in the regions of Transoxiana and Khorasan, science, especially astronomy, began to develop rapidly.
Moreover, in Samarkand, in the 15th century, under a Timurid prince, the construction of Ulugh Beg’s astronomical observatory brought together the world’s greatest scientists, astronomers, etc., who developed the Sultanian tables, whose precision remained unmatched for two centuries.
Samarkand became a major center for astronomical studies. The Timurid governor was also a learned astronomer and invited students to study and work there. This madrasa gained great prestige, with more than sixty astronomers active at its peak. The construction of the observatory began in 1424 and was completed five years later. Beg entrusted the responsibility of the new observatory to his deputy Ali Qushji, who remained in office until Ulugh Beg’s assassination. However, advanced astronomical research did not begin with the Timurids. Indeed, six centuries earlier, Alfraganus, a famous Turkic astronomer, was a globally studied scientist.
After the destruction of Baghdad, all astronomical works and scholars were transferred to the Islamic East, notably to Maragha and Samarkand. Under the reign of Ulugh Beg, the astronomy school (madrasa) of Samarkand became a center specialized in astronomical research. He attracted astronomers who effectively managed the school, and he was their main supporter, providing them with all the known astronomical instruments of his time. He entrusted the direction of the school to Qadi Zada Rumi and adorned it with mosaics and beautiful decorations (Oliew, 2023:93). Ulugh Beg worked closely with the professors of the school, accompanying them in all their activities. During his work with them, he invented new instruments and developed new ideas to advance astronomy and assist students in their joint research. Thanks to the efforts of this school, Samarkand became one of the world’s centers of astronomical sciences. The school was a comprehensive scientific center and a hub of cultural radiance, combining astronomy, mathematics, and engineering. It is reported that he built this school and next to it, he erected a zawiya (religious school) in Samarkand. The astronomical observatory was built on the hill of Kuhak, located in the outskirts of Samarkand.
Ehgamberdiev (2016: 150) writes about the Observatory that “Undoubtedly the Samarqand’s observatory was unique and an original construction erected by genius scientists such as Ulugh Beg and his co-workers”.
Ulugh Beg, a Timurid sultan, was not only a ruler but also a distinguished astronomer and mathematician. He established the Ulugh Beg Observatory in Samarkand, which was one of the most advanced observatories of its time (Chorievna, 2025: 142). The astronomical observatory, whose work predated that of the best astronomers in Europe one and a half centuries later. At its height, the Samarkand madrasa housed up to 70 scholars, with the apotheosis being the construction of a giant observatory started in 1424 and inaugurated with great fanfare in 1429.
tolemy’s system and by the construction of increasingly accurate instruments, of which the Samarkand observatory is a fine example. Nurmatova (2017: 37) wrote that “Accuracy tables Ulugbek was able to surpass the scientist Tycho Brahe”, Danish astronomer of the Western Renaissance.
In 1429, Samarkand—a major stop along the Silk Road—was more vibrant than ever. The largest observatory ever built had just been inaugurated. Ambassadors from around the world flocked to witness a 40-meter-wide sextant housed in a 40-meter-deep pit, a gigantic sundial with exterior walls adorned with a fresco of the zodiac, and a terrace equipped with the most advanced instruments for measuring time and space: water clocks, astrolabes, and more. The visionary behind this architectural marvel was Ulugh Beg. Not only was he the director of the observatory, but he was also a prince and governor of Samarkand.
Today, Samarkand remains a city of wonder. Tourists marvel at its architectural splendor, but few realize they are walking in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest minds. The legacy of Ulugh Beg and his observatory is a testament to the city’s enduring spirit—a place where art, science, and culture once converged to illuminate the heavens.
Conclusion
Samarkand is more than a fairytale city—it is a symbol of humanity’s timeless pursuit of knowledge. Its contributions to astronomy and mathematics remind us that the stars have always guided not just travelers, but thinkers and dreamers alike. In rediscovering Samarkand’s scientific heritage, we reconnect with a chapter of history that continues to inspire across centuries and continents.
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