Volume 21

Evolution of Arabic Astronomy in Relation with the Translation Movement in the Early Abbasid Era

Nasser B. Ayash

Abstract

In this work, the emergence of the Arabic astronomy in the early Abbasid era will be presented as an amalgam of various traditions. For this to be illustrated, a close analysis of the development of the cultural and political aspects in the Middle East will be presented that eventually allowed for the so-called Arabic or Islamic culture to flourish. The translation movement will be discussed briefly in order for various aspects of this period to be shown, emphasizing the duality of tradition and innovation. These aspects will be followed more closely in the field of astronomy, illustrating the various tendencies especially in the case of incorporation of Greek Uranography, and the relation between the Lunar Mansions and the Anwa. Political, religious and cultural changes left their traces on the accepted Academic tendencies of the period. For a better understanding the astronomical view at the dawn of the Abbasid era, a close look on the work of Ibn Qutaiba will take place, depicting the transitional period in which he lived.