Ancient observatories are historical symbols of humanity’s endeavour to make sense of the universe. These structures are witnesses of human observation skills.
Throughout history, the sky has fuelled humanity’s curiosity and desire to know; this interest has led different civilisations around the world to build important structures in the field of astronomy. Astronomers have built observatories and various structures to understand the movements of celestial bodies, develop calendars and follow seasonal transitions, observe nature and transfer their knowledge to the future. From the Ulug Bey Observatory in Samarkand to El Caracol in Mexico, from the Goseck Circle in Germany to the Callanish Stones in Scotland, many ancient structures are among the most concrete examples of humanity’s connection with astronomy. These structures are not only centres of science, but also reflections of human history’s respect for science and admiration for nature. Here are the ancient observatories around the world…
Ulug Bey Observatory, Samarkand – Uzbekistan
We are starting our article on ancient observatories around the world. The Ulug Bey Observatory in Samarkand was built in the early 15th century at the request of the famous astronomer and mathematician Ulug Bey, the grandson of Timurlenk. Considered one of the most important scientific buildings of the Islamic Middle Ages, the observatory witnessed the scientific advances of that period. Important astronomers such as Jamshid al-Kashi, Ali Kuşçu and Ulugh Beg worked here, making observations and studying the movements of the stars.
Although Ulug Bey was known for his scientific contributions, his reign was not popular, and he was even executed in 1449 by order of his son. After this event, the observatory was destroyed and scientists were sent into exile. However, Ulug Beg’s important scientific works were not lost, and his star catalogue included information on 1018 stars, shedding light on subsequent generations. The ruins of the observatory were found in 1908 and rebuilt in 1970 and opened to the public as a museum.
El Caracol Observatory, Chichen Itza – Mexico
El Caracol is one of the oldest observatories, demonstrating the scientific genius of the Mayan civilisation. The name, meaning “snail”, comes from the building’s interesting spiral staircase. Its cylindrical design allowed Mayan astronomers to observe the sky from all angles. This observatory symbolises the deep interest of the Maya in astronomy and the calendar they developed by observing celestial events.
Radkan Kumbet, Iran
Although the Radkan Kumbet in Iran was initially thought to be a tomb, it turned out to be an observatory built by Nasir al-Din Tusi, one of the greatest Persian astronomers of the 13th century. Consisting of 12 walls and 36 columns representing 12 months, this structure can mark certain times of the year according to the position of the sun. On the days of the solstices and equinoxes, the Sun passes through the doors of the tower and illuminates the interior, which is used to determine the beginning of the seasons. The Radkan Tower is not only an astronomical centre, but also symbolises the beginning of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year.
Carahunge Observatory, Sisian – Armenia
Carahunge, also known as “Zorats Karer”, is a Neolithic Neolithic circular ruin in the village of Sisian with an estimated history of 7500 years. It consists of 223 large stones lined up on the north and south sides, some of which have holes in them. These holes provide clues that Carahunge was used as an ancient observatory. Although the function of the stones is still unknown, it is thought that this site was a centre for monitoring the movements of the stars.
Goseck Circle, Germany
The Goseck Circle is one of the oldest Neolithic circular settlements in Central Europe, dating back to about 4900 BC. It is estimated that the structure was used for about 200 years. Archaeologists think that this circular area was used as a calendar by ancient farmers. In addition, the cattle skulls and human skeletons found here indicate that it may have been used for funeral or sacrificial rituals. During excavations in the early 2000s, wooden stakes were erected around the circle in accordance with the original structure.
Callanish Stones, Scotland
The Callanish Stones, which are located in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland and have a history of 5 thousand years, attract attention with their mysterious structure. These stones, which reach a height of 12 metres, are thought to be a centre for celestial observations or a kind of astronomical calendar. Excavations and research indicate that these stones may have been used to monitor celestial events and follow the seasonal transitions. The Callanish Stones continue to increase interest in the oldest astronomical structures in history. We have come to the end of our article on ancient observatories around the world.
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