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Turkey, 17th century – cast brass, beaten, perforated and engraved. 1.8 cm. x 10.2 cm.
A square brass astrolabe containing a compass. The grille is fixed to a disk (mater) which, in turn, is fixed to the hinged body of the astrolabe, with Roman numerals around the perimeter. There are decorative Arabic inscriptions in the corners. The inner circle contains the signs of the zodiac, but without the fixed stars (1). The mater is similarly engraved. The compass and degrees are noted in Arabic letters and covered by a panel that moves on hinges, and has an indicator (2). The base of the astrolabe has the names of important cities tightly engraved (3). In Islam, astrolabes were used for navigation, for drawing heavenly bodies, and determining prayer times and the direction of praying towards Mecca.
