Typology and Characteristics of Typology and Characteristics of 9th Hijri/15th-Century CE Astronomical Manuscripts in CairoAstronomy Manuscripts of The 9th/15th Century in Cairo
Abstract
Cairo’s astronomical manuscripts (falak) are abundant, yet many remain understudied and insufficiently analyzed in contemporary scholarship. This study focuses on astronomical manuscripts produced in the 9th century Hijri (15th century CE), which display distinct typologies and characteristics compared to earlier periods, particularly in terms of structure, content organization, and methodological orientation. These differences are shaped by evolving socio-religious and intellectual dynamics, including changes in educational institutions, scholarly networks, and the patronage of scientific knowledge. The production of these manuscripts was driven not only by the practical needs of the community—such as calendrical calculation, prayer times, and determination of the qibla—but also by intellectual pursuits and the development of astronomical science as a scholarly discipline. To some extent, these typologies share affinities with falak manuscripts found in Indonesia, especially in their practical orientation. However, significant differences remain, particularly in the depth, mathematical rigor, and complexity of the discussions.
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