Abul Vefa

Editor's Note

Abul Vefa, in Fatih, İstanbul, is a historic Türbe — a mausoleum whose Ottoman or earlier architectural lines and quiet, devotional atmosphere reward an unhurried visit.

Story

Abul Wafa, the celebrated tenth-century mathematician, astronomer, and mystic, made his final journey to rest in the sacred grounds of Fatih. Tucked among historic streets, his tomb is one of the more graceful examples of Islamic architecture. The stonework of the portal, adorned with geometric motifs, draws the curious eye, while inside, a latticed marble sarcophagus lends visitors a sense of spiritual calm. Abul Wafa was an important scientist who developed the fundamental formulas we still use in trigonometry and who, by observing the night sky, left behind valuable records of the movements of the stars. Exploring the old madrasas and dervish lodges that surround the tomb makes for an ideal way to immerse yourself in Fatih's vibrant cultural history.

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