Traces of Astronomy in Historical Buildings of Erzurum

Abstract

In the pre-modern period, fields such as astronomy, mathematics, and geometry were disciplines that were almost inseparably intertwined. People needed the data of astronomy in many areas of life. Astronomy has been applied in many subjects such as measuring time for better use, seasonal weather changes forecast, knowing the time of worship, and finding directions by using positions of celestial bodies. However, the effects of the movements of astronomical objects on humans have always been a matter of curiosity. Astronomy has artistic features as well as provide technical information. The traces of astronomy with its geometry, practical use, and aesthetic dimensions of architectural structures are evident in historical works such as mosques, minarets, madrasahs, inn, baths, cupolas (gonbad), bridges, towers, and castles. In this study, the traces of astronomical elements such as calendar and sundial were investigated by examining and photographing the historical castles, cupolas, madrasahs, mosques, and minarets from the Saltukids, Seljuks, Ilkhanids, and Ottoman periods in the center of Erzurum. In addition, structures such as the timekeepers house, which existed in the past but did not survive until today, were examined. Astronomy has shown its effect even in architectural structures in the past. Today, the position that should be between astronomy and humanity is discussed.