Islamic Art and Architecture Vol. 4 – Science and Literature Astrolabes, like the one above, were used throughout the Islamic world for many centuries mainly to determine prayer time and the direction of Mecca. The astrolabe at the top comes from Granada in Spain c1309 and the one at the bottom comes from the same region c1304. Both are made of brass. Indian brass celestial globe c1640 Anatomical Illustration from the manuscript of Tashrih-i Mansuri a 15th century Persian physician. A section of a 16th century Chinese Qur’an with ink pigments and gold on paper. Another ink and gold section of the Qur’an this time from 14th century Egypt. ‘Babur Visits Humayun’s Camp’ a 16th century watercolour and gilt paint image from the Baburnameh, a book that recounts the story of Babur the founder of the Mughal dynasty, an empire in India. Top: 19th century Turkish compass.Centre: 19th century Syrian compass.Bottom: 19th century Turkish ruler. Share this:TwitterFacebookPinterestLike this:Like Loading... Related Comments are closed.