Ivory qibla indicator and horizontal sundial by Bayrām Ibn Ilyās
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1582-1583 (990 AH)
This circular ivory instrument serves as a horizontal sundial and qibla indicator, constructed for a latitude of 41 degrees North corresponding to Istanbul. Designed as a flat circular box, the interior features concentric circles enclosing a central depiction of the Ka'ba surrounded by a red fence.
Between the central motif and an inset magnetic compass sits a red sail-shaped sundial calibrated in unequal hours for determining the afternoon 'asr prayer. A folding metal strut supports a string gnomon that operates both dials simultaneously. The outermost rim is partitioned into 72 sectors listing Islamic cities and regions, with Istanbul written in red.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Sundial and qibla indicator
- Maker
- Bayrām Ibn Ilyās
- Diameter
- 11.00 cm
- Materials
- Ivory, brass (?), gold, metal (strut), fibre (string)
- Museum Number
- 1921,0625.1
- Date of Production
- 1582-1583 (990 AH)
- Maker / attribution
- Bayrām Ibn Ilyās
Design
- Visible features
- • Circular ivory dial face enclosed by a raised rim, with an erect metal strut supporting a taut string gnomon. • Integrated compass well set into the dial surface near the periphery. • Schematic black and gold depiction of the Ka'ba enclosed in a red boundary at the center.
- Physical Configuration
- The instrument consists of a flat circular ivory box with a loose lid, measuring 11 cm in diameter. The lid features a gold stylized eight-petaled flower in its center, which appears to be missing an inlay. The ivory body shows evidence of cracking and chipping. The interior contains a compass well and a foldable metal strut. A string gnomon is attached to the tip of this strut and threaded through a hole in the ivory below the compass. When the strut is unfolded, the total height of the box is 5.50 cm.
- Sundial and Qibla Functions
- The instrument features a horizontal sundial with a degree scale marked up to 105 degrees on either side of the strut, as well as a red sail-shaped sundial calibrated for determining 'asr prayer times using unequal hours. The string gnomon's angle is consistent with a latitude of 41 degrees North. A list of Islamic cities and regions is organized into 72 sectors along the outermost rim. The entry for Istanbul (Qustantinīa) is written in red, while others are in black. Four gold-painted mihrabs represent the maqam of the four schools of Islamic law.
- Maker and Historical Markings
- A signature inscribed in naskh script identifies the work as that of Bayrām Ibn Ilyās, with the phrase 'afqar al-nās' (the most humble) included. The date 990 AH (1582/3 AD) is recorded in red. The compass well is surrounded by eight sectors labeled with alternating red and black words. These remain unidentified and may refer to wind names or compass directions.
Identification
- Reference
- 1921,0625.1
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The detachable lid mentioned in the text is not shown in this photograph.
- Research required: Specific country of manufacture is not explicitly designated beyond Islamic culture and construction for the latitude of Istanbul.