C02 | 003 Local knowledge and its circulation in ancient and medieval Astronomy
Tracks
St David - Seminar A+B
| Monday, June 30, 2025 |
| 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM |
| St David, Seminar A+B |
Overview
Symposium talk
Lead presenting author(s)
Langxun Zhu
University of Maryland College Park
Planet-Comet War: Astrological Conspiracy in the Abdication of Abbas the Great
Abstract - Symposia paper
In 1593, Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty briefly abdicated in favor of Ostad Yusuf, purportedly to appease ominous celestial omens. However, astronomical software reveals that the conjunction of Mars and Saturn, as recorded by Eskandar Beg Monshi, historian of Abbas, did not actually occur at that time, while the comet that did appear remains
unmentioned. Examining the relationship between Shah Abbas and the Nuqtavi movement, along with the latter’s ideology, suggests that Abbas's abdication was intended to align with the prophecies of the Nuqtavis. The fabricated report of the Mars-Saturn conjunction was an astrological
conspiracy aiming to justify a “substitute king ritual” that would eliminate the ferocious Nuqtavi adherent, Ostad Yusuf. Furthermore, by omitting the mention of the comet, this narrative sought to erase any traces linking ‘Abbas to the heretical Nuqtavis, thereby crafting an image of Shah Abbas as one who was destined by celestial bodies and eradicated heresy. This event illustrates how astrology became a tool for Shah Abbas to achieve political aims, contrasting with the traditional view of his uncritical reliance on astrological
beliefs, and highlighting the intricate and significant relationship between astrology and Safavid politics.
unmentioned. Examining the relationship between Shah Abbas and the Nuqtavi movement, along with the latter’s ideology, suggests that Abbas's abdication was intended to align with the prophecies of the Nuqtavis. The fabricated report of the Mars-Saturn conjunction was an astrological
conspiracy aiming to justify a “substitute king ritual” that would eliminate the ferocious Nuqtavi adherent, Ostad Yusuf. Furthermore, by omitting the mention of the comet, this narrative sought to erase any traces linking ‘Abbas to the heretical Nuqtavis, thereby crafting an image of Shah Abbas as one who was destined by celestial bodies and eradicated heresy. This event illustrates how astrology became a tool for Shah Abbas to achieve political aims, contrasting with the traditional view of his uncritical reliance on astrological
beliefs, and highlighting the intricate and significant relationship between astrology and Safavid politics.
Dr Razieh Mousavi
Max Planck Institute for the History of Science
The Circulation of Moonrise-Moonset Timekeeping Methods in Islamic Literature (ca. 800–1600 CE)
Abstract - Symposia paper
This paper aims to provide an overview of surviving sources from the Islamic societies that document methods for keeping night-time by observing the daily rising and setting times of the Moon. These methods range from complex mathematical approaches to simpler, more approximate techniques. It will be shown that the latter gained considerable popularity across various disciplines beyond the realm of astronomy experts. It further emphasises that these approximate methods, often offered in formulaic structures, were adapted into distinct formats and presentation styles, aligned with the literary conventions of specific genres and adjusted to the preferences of target audiences. By examining various methods from different periods and regions, this paper concludes by exploring possibilities and mechanisms of their transmission across Islamic societies and beyond.
