Maragheh Observatory

Maragheh Observatory was a 13th-century scientific facility built on a hilltop with extensive areas for astronomical instruments and observation. The ruins display circular stone structures and remnants of measuring devices that were once used to study the stars and planets.

A Mongol Khan founded this facility around 1259 and appointed a renowned Persian scientist as its director to establish it as an astronomical center. Under his leadership, it became one of the most important research hubs of the era.

This facility was a hub where scholars from across the Islamic world gathered to observe the heavens and share knowledge about celestial movements. The site drew mathematicians, astronomers, and philosophers who worked together to advance understanding of the cosmos.

The site sits on a hilltop and is best visited during daylight to clearly see the stone structures and remaining instrument fragments. Sturdy footwear is advised, as the terrain is uneven and paths are not fully paved throughout the area.

This observatory was not only a place for studying the stars but also housed an extensive library containing thousands of scholarly works. The scientific methods and instruments developed here later served as models for similar facilities across Asia.

Location: Maragheh

Inception: 1259

Founders: Nasir al-Din al-Tusi

GPS coordinates: 37.39608,46.20916

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:27