The Astrolabe Project

Let me tell you a bit about one of the best weeks of my life. It started as a post to a newsgroup I occasionally monitor (rete). There was going to be an intensive class in the design and construction of astrolabes held in April, in Istanbul. I hadn’t even considered going, but when my wonderful wife heard about it she said “You ARE going, right?”

And so I went.

I could spend several pages ranting about that city. Suffice to say I’m in love with it now. But I’ll focus on the seminar.

The title of the seminar was Intensive Astrolabe Course, and it was given by Dr Taha Yasin Arslan of the Institute for the History of Science at Istanbul Medeniyet University. The site was a gorgeous, recently renovated, 15th century madrasa in Fatih, Istanbul. Under the tutelage of Dr Arslan the seven participants, and his two assistants spent a week learning how to lay out the basic astrolabe scales using a compass and straight-edge.

Much of the course covered ground I’m familiar with. But I learned new techniques, and was able to practice rusty skills. A chance to spend a week in a room with Very Smart People and just geek out about a subject I’m obsessed with was wonderful. Aside from the course I picked up new knowledge just talking to people.

And of course, in additon to being an excellent teacher, Taha is a master craftsman who makes to most beautiful reproduction instruments. Getting to play with those was worth the trip alone.

My one regret is that there was not enough time to hit every museum. I need to go back and do that.

I came back with a list of updates to make to the Astrolabe Generator, notes for overhauling my astrolabe handout, and an itch to get back to work on my Drafting an Astrolabe project.

Notes:

• The Blue Mosque is a Do Not Miss. It is literally breathtaking. Seriously, I forgot to breathe for a bit upon entering.
• Public transport is crowded, but worth it.
• Cats, cats everywhere. They own the city.