A copy of geometry-astronomy treatise “Commentary on the Almagest”, by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi in Ottoman Sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s library

Ptolemy’s “Almagest” is one of the most important books that modern science inherited from ancient Greek culture. The book starts with elementary geometry theorems and tables, after which astronomy knowledge of ancient Greek culture is systematically developed. Islamic astronomy largely influenced by this book, it was translated and commented by several scientists of Islamic world including Nasir al-Din al-Tusi. In our talk, the history of these translations and commentaries will discussed. The recently found copy of this book in the library of Ottoman Sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet is very different from the other available copies of this book. First, it is stands out because of its esthetic characteristics: beautifully drawn diagrams, mathematical notations and numbers written by hand in red and golden colors, etc. Not surprising because this copy was made for the head of the most powerful state of XV century. Secondly, the original text by Ptolemy translated and commented in a very elegant way, so that it is easy to see which part commented. In the talk will discuss the history of this manuscript from ancient Greece to our days.
The talk contains many colorful images and the participants of the talk will obtain free electronic copy of this book.
*) The entrance is the same. When entering Zoom, specify your name and surname