Institute for the History of Science

INTERNATIONAL ALĪ AL-QŪSHJĪ SYMPOSIUM

18.11.2024

Click here for the International Alī al-Qūshjī Symposium and Exhibition Summary Booklet.

Exhibition Venue:

Rami Library, Hall F4

Yeni Rami Mahallesi, Rami Kışla Caddesi, No. 98/1

Eyüpsultan / İstanbul

Symposium Venue:

İstanbul Technical University (İTÜ) Maçka,
School of Foreign Languages A104 Amfi

Vişnezade Mahallesi, İTÜ Maçka Campus, 34367

Beşiktaş/İstanbul

INTERNATIONAL ALĪ AL-QŪSHJĪ SYMPOSIUM

(On the 550th anniversary of his death)

İstanbul

November 18-20, 2024

International Alī al-Qūshjī  Symposium, co-organized by Istanbul Medeniyet University Institute for the History of Science and Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) with the contribution of Istanbul Technical University (ITÜ), Presidency of Türkiye Manuscripts Institution (YEK) and Fatih Municipality will be held on November 18-20, 2024, to commemorate the 550th anniversary of the passing of Alī al-Qūshjī, a prominent figure situated at the intersection of early and late renewal periods in the history of Islamic philosophy and science, who passed away in Istanbul and was buried in the Eyüp Sultan Cemetery on 7 Sha'ban 879 according to the Hijri calendar.

Alī al-Qūshjī excelled in diverse fields of study, including language, logic, mathematics, kalām, exegesis, and linguistics. He was educated under the patronage of Timurid ruler Ulugh Beg in Samarkand, where he played a significant role in both theoretical and observational astronomy at the Samarkand School of Mathematics and Astronomy. His contributions not only facilitated the writing of the influential astronomical text, the "Zīj-i Ulugh Beg" but also established his own authored works as fundamental references in mathematics across vast geographical regions of his time. Additionally, he made contributions to religious sciences and participated in intellectual debates within the traditions of Kalāmī, Mashshā’ī, Ishrāqī and Akbarī thought, showcasing his unique perspective amidst a vibrant scientific environment. Furthermore, Alī al-Qūshjī's migration to Istanbul with his family and students facilitated the globalization of the Samarkand School and led to the translation of his works into various languages, thus gaining resonance in a broader geographical area. This positioning of Alī al-Qūshjī within the circulation of knowledge and intercultural interaction underscores his exceptional place in intellectual history.

Despite the prevalent narrative focusing on his affiliation with the Samarkand Observatory and his connection with Ulugh Beg, it is imperative to acknowledge that existing studies may not sufficiently highlight his contributions to mathematical sciences. Moreover, his influence can be traced in the history of thought through his kalāmic work "Sharh al-Tajrīd" and linguistic work "Unqūdu'z-Zawāhir," among others.

Thus, it is crucial to explore Alī al-Qūshjī and his works from various perspectives. Additionally, examinig the historical context that facilitated his intellectual development and impact is essential. The symposium aims to emphasize the significance of Alī al-Qūshjī and his works in the history of Islamic philosophy and science, contributing to the literature from this perspective. The papers to be presented at the symposium will be based on new research on manuscript sources. Selected papers presented at the symposium, based on new research relying on written sources, will undergo peer review and be published in an edited volume.

Suggested Research Topics

The intellectual biography of Alī al-Qūshjī

Kalām and philosophy in Alī al-Qūshjī

Alī al-Qūshjī and the Ishraqi tradition

Metaphysics in Alī al-Qūshjī

Natural sciences in Alī al-Qūshjī

Alī al-Qūshjī and theoretical astronomy

Samarkand Observatory and Alī al-Qūshjī's contribution to the zīj literature

Alī al-Qūshjī's mathematical works

Linguistics and philosophy of language in Alī al-Qūshjī

Alī al-Qūshjī's contributions to the field of exegesis

Alī al-Qūshjī's students and followers in the context of his works and views

Alī al-Qūshjī as part of Timurid and Ottoman intellectual life

The scientific debates that Alī al-Qūshjī's works have generated

Translations of Alī al-Qūshjī's works in different languages and their effects

Alī al-Qūshjī in today's literature

WRITING RULES

ABSTRACT

Title (TR-ENG)

Name-Surname

Institution (TR-ENG)

E-Mail

ORCID ID

Short CV (150 words) (TR-ENG)

Article Title (TR-ENG)

Abstract (200 words)

Keywords

FULL TEXT

Articles should be prepared in a volume of 4.000-12.000 words in accordance with the “The Chicago Manual of Style (17th Edition, Notes and Bibliography)” system.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

Deadline for Abstract Submission: June 15, 2024

Announcement of Accepted Papers: July 15, 2024

Deadline for Full Text Submission: September 15, 2024

E-MAIL: symposium@tuba.gov.tr