The master-architect focused attention to the cupola on the finishing of the mausoleum. The lower circle of the dome is 15 m, the height of the dome is 12,5m, (from interior is 23m, from outside is 33m, (10m difference between interior and exterior cupola is the space)) the weight of the dome is insensible. The motley finishing of the dome assigns great importance.
The hollow between exterior and interior dome serves to make the weather normal at the inside of the mausoleum.
Mirzo Ulugbek became the ruler in 1409, and got rich heritage, and enough knowledge. Many scientists, craftsmen, painters and engineers lived in the capital of the country. Under Ulugbek Mirzo the capital became prosperous and became the center of science. In 1417, Mirzo Ulugbek involved astronomers and ordered them to develop astronomy science. He devoted to his main part of his life to the science and with leading scientists of astronomy and mathematics and built the greatest observatory of Muslim east at the north-western part of Samarkand, on Kuhak foothill (now Chuponota).
The observatory is considered as one of the unique monuments of XV century. It was between two gardens Bogi Maydon and Bogi Naqshi Jahon, at Obirahmat ditch.
The observatory was built in the 1424-1429s. Kazi-zade Rumiy, the master of Mirzo Ulugbek, and his friends Giyasiddin Jamshid, Ali Kushchi took part in the construction.
In 2010, in the initiative of the President of The Republic of Uzbekistan, From the western side on the entrance of the observatory, you can see the statue of Mirzo Ulugbek on the throne made by Ravshan Mirtojiev, national painter of Uzbekistan. The tympanum of “starry sky”behind the statue was made by Rustam Solijonov, the member of Arts Academy of The Republic and the museum building resembling a madrasah of medieval ages built by Mirzo Ulugbek were built. Around the complex a lot of prosperous works carried out.
Ascending the stairs.
General information
3 min
2
The observatory is 3 storied in cylindrical shape, its height is 30,4m, and it has a majestic quadrant with 40,2m radius. The southern part of the quadrant was under the ground and other part was situated at the northern part with 30m high from the earth. There was a sundial on the roof of the observatory.
For ages, the place of the observatory was unknown. In 1908, the archeologist V.L.Vyatkin using “Baburnama”, “Samaria” and an endowment (waqf) document, found out that, the observatory was situated near Obirahmat canal, on Kuhak foothill. In 1908 he began archeological searches.
During researches the circular building of the observatory with the radius more than 40m, was found. Today we can see the foundation of the building. The building was built as a majestic astronomic tool, its main part was quadrant or or sulsi Fakhri.
In order to keep strength, one fourth part of the building was under the ground.
In the square. Continuation of general information
2 min
3
The diameter of the sextant – the main instrument of the observatory is 40m; the length of the arc is 63m; this is the biggest instrument in the East, the radius of sextant in Merag (Azerbaijan) was about 3 meters.
Now only a part of the quadrant under the ground is kept, its height is 11 m. Quadrant consists of two parallel arcs and they were installed in the direction of north-south in local meridian. There was a wall 31 meters in height and there was a hole used as a dioptre at edge of the wall and ceiling. In the afternoon the light of the sun penetrated through the hole and showed the signs of degrees.
There were two “dead zones” which the light of the sun did not reach.
Here, Mirzo Ulugbek observed the situation and movements of 1018 stars, five planets. It was observed that, all the planets revolved around the sun. At that time “Zijji Jadid Koragoniy” also finished. “Zij” was written for 17 years. The observation in the observatory was carried without tools too.
Entry into quadrant and informing
3 min
4
The entrance to the museum begins with the portrait of Mirzo Ulugbek and the honorable speech of Islam Karimov, The President of The Republic of Uzbekistan about the great scientist. The portrait in entrance of the museum was painted by the academician of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, national painter Akmal Ikromjonov.
In other pictures Mirzo Ulugbek taught astrolabe to Ali Kushchi and Miram Chalabiy. In another one, Mirzo Ulugbek, his master Kazi-zade Rumiy, friends Giyosiddin Jamshid and philosopher Muhammad Havafiy were described. These pictures were made by Mirhamid Sabirov, Hurshid Nazarov and others.
We can see the map of Amir Temur`s empire. The foundation of independent and strengthened country by Sakhibkiran Amir Temur caused to the development of science. As well, craftsman, city planning and internal and external trade developed. The copy of the letter written by Amir Temur to Charles VI Valua is exhibited in the museum. The original of the letter is in France. As well, the models of Amir Temur mausoleum, Aksaray are exhibited here. As well as the ancient things, the books written at that period and re-published nowadays, the original astronomic tools and their modern models of observatory is very important.
We can see the gravure picture of Mirzo Ulugbek among the great astronomers and at the right of Uranium the angel of astronomy in the work “Entrance to astronomy” of famous astronomer Jahannis Hevelii.
Among the exhibits in the museum as well astronomic tools, anniversary coins and marks and international scientific conferences were held in order to eternalize his name.
There are examples of calligraphy art of Boysungur Mirzo, a brother of Mirzo Ulugbek in the museum.
One of the rare exhibits of the museum, the tambourine used during the wars of Amir Temur is very important.
