Anthropological Analysis of the Role of Astronomical Towers and Minarets in Timekeeping and Spatial Orientation in the Islamic Era

Document Type : .

Author

Asian Cultural Documentation Center

10.30465/scs.2025.51329.2986

Abstract

This article examines the anthropological and scientific roles of astronomical towers and minarets as dual-purpose architectural structures during the medieval Islamic period. Islamic civilization in West Asia, encompassing Iran, Iraq, Syria, Armenia, and Afghanistan, experienced significant advancements in science, culture, and architecture during this time. These structures, often recognized as religious symbols, played a pivotal role in the development of scientific methods for timekeeping and spatial orientation, reflecting a dynamic interaction between architectural innovation and societal needs.

The study of astronomical towers and minarets reveals not only the scientific advancements of Islamic civilization but also the cultural and anthropological depth of these structures. Serving as both functional tools and cultural symbols, these buildings reflect a society that seamlessly integrated diverse domains of knowledge.

Keywords

Main Subjects