Al-Zarqali
Abū Isḥāq Ibrāhīm ibn Yaḥyā al-Naqqāsh al-Zarqālī al-Tujibi (Arabic: إبراهيم بن يحيى الزرقالي); also known as Al-Zarkali or Ibn Zarqala (1029–1100), was an Arab maker of astronomical instruments and an astrologer from the western part of the Islamic world.
Abū Ishaq Ibrahim al-Zarqali | |
|---|---|
An artist's impression | |
| Personal | |
| Born | 1029 CE Toledo |
| Died | 1100 |
| Religion | Islam |
| Era | Islamic Golden Age |
| Region | Al-Andalus, Taifa of Toledo |
| Notable work(s) | Tables of Toledo |
Although his name is conventionally given as al-Zarqālī, it is probable that the correct form was al-Zarqālluh. In Latin he was referred to as Arzachel or Arsechieles, a modified form of Arzachel, meaning 'the engraver'. He lived in Toledo, Al-Andalus before moving to Córdoba later in his life. His works inspired a generation of Islamic astronomers in Al-Andalus, and later, after being translated, were very influential in Europe. His invention of the Saphaea (a perfected astrolabe) proved very popular and was widely used by navigators until the 16th century.
The crater Arzachel on the Moon is named after him.