LONDON,
(CAIS) -- The oldest observatory was discovered in Gur
city, Fars province, along with frescos of Sasanid princes.
The Iran-Germany archaeological team, headed by Professor Dietrich Hoff, in its
excavations first reached a circular structure which led to the Iranian
observatory, dating back to the first Islamic century.
Similar buildings have previously been found in the Indian cities of New Delhi
and Jaipur, ISNA reported.
The adobe structure is in excellent condition. Its diameter is about 5.65 meters
and there are 12 zodiac signs on the structure.
An Iranian member of the archaeological team, Jafari-Zand, said, The
observatory has been repaired and reinforced. Rest assured that natural
parameters will not affect the structure and after the completion of
excavations, it will be kept in a protected area.
He noted that in the current phase, a part of the observatory, which is a
masterpiece of Iranian science and technology, was unearthed and in the next
phases other parts will be unearthed. Gur city was founded during the reign of Sasanid
emperor, Ardeshir Babakan. In the Post-Sasanid era, its name changed to
Firouzabad. The city was thriving in terms of scientific considerations in the
10th century CE.
Fars province was at the forefront of astronomy in Iran in the 10th century CE
and Gur was a prominent city.
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