Two Armenian astrolabes as evidence of Armenian voyages and the cosmopolitan nature of Armenian intellectuals
During the Middle Ages, astrolabes were utilized as compact instruments in Europe and the Middle Eastern world. Their principal functions encompassed measuring the altitude of celestial objects above the horizon, determining precise time and date, and establishing geographical position on the earth’s surface. These instruments were indispensable for conducting astronomical observations and aiding in navigation. One such astrolabe, attributed to the distinguished Armenian physician Amirdovlat Amasiatsi, dates back to approximately 1479. Crafted meticulously from tin, the artifact features a rotating frame adorned with intricately engraved wheels bearing a plethora of symbols, letters, star and constellation names, and circles, all inscribed in Armenian script. The presence of Armenian inscriptions, including the honorific title “Amirdovlat Brzhskapet [scientific doctor],” and its date as “928 Armenian era,” further accentuates its cultural and historical significance. Notably, in 1997, this artifact was acquired at auction by Qatari princes for over $200,000, affirming its esteemed cultural and historical value. Amirdovlat Amasiatsi, a 15th-century Armenian physician and writer, authored numerous works on medicine and science, making them accessible to ordinary readers, not just scholars, as they were written in Middle Armenian. Born around 1420 in Amasia, he traveled extensively and wrote the majority of his works in Constantinople, where he served as the chief physician to Mehmed II.
Another astrolabe, attributed to Gukas Vanandetsi, also known as Gukas Nuridzhanyan, holds a prominent place at the Byurakan Observatory. This instrument facilitated the determination of celestial coordinates, the position of the Sun, geographical latitude, time, and the duration of night and morning. Gukas Vanandetsi made substantial contributions to Armenian literature and culture, with works on philosophy, religion, and geography, as well as active involvement in the Armenian printing house in Amsterdam. Furthermore, in the 1660s of the 17th century in Amsterdam, the Vanandetsi family established the Armenian Vanandetsi printing house, publishing the first Armenian printed world map in 1695. The author of the map, Gukas Vanandetsi himself, was honored for this work with the title of Master of Oxford University and membership in the English Royal Geographical Society.
The photo of Gukas Vanandetsi’s astrolabe is courtesy of Ruben Giney.
