World Oldest Observatory Discovered in Gur

From: http://www.cais-soas.com/News/2006/March2006/12-03.htm

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.