Ottoman manuscript of Astrological tables [Arabic Astrological tables] Arabic,Manuscripts

Description: Ottoman manuscript in Arabic on white laid and polished paper, comprising a series of astrological tables and diagrams concerning the positions of the Sun and Moon, the Zodiac mansions, and degrees measured over three daily periods. Although lacking a colophon, the work is clearly of Turkish provenance and datable to the late eighteenth century. 35 leaves in total. Tables occupy folios 1v-34v; folio 35 serves as an endpaper, bearing a list of abjad symbols corresponding to the Zodiac signs (recto) and a short two-line note (verso) classifying the signs as "northern" (Aries-Virgo) or "southern" (Libra-Pisces). Leaf size approximately 170 × 110 mm; written area about 125 × 80 mm. Text in Arabic (mainly numerals and abbreviated letter clusters) written in a neat Turkish naskh hand, with the final note in early ruqa script. Important words and headings are rubricated throughout-for example al-ghaya ("the utmost limit"), sharqi ("eastern"), and the Zodiac names in the latter section. Contemporary morocco-covered boards with envelope flap; blind-tooled and gilt mandorlas with vegetal arabesques to outer covers and flap, surrounded by bead motifs arranged symmetrically along the axes, and framed by a gilt wave-pattern border. Very well preserved overall, with only occasional ink smudges, minor stains, and light signs of handling. Contents and Structure The text opens directly with the astrological tables, preceded only by the mystical word beduh, traditionally interpreted as the numerical formula 2468, sometimes used as a talismanic invocation for good fortune or safe travel. Two principal diagram types appear: Astronomical calendar (taqvim) - 60 tables charting the Sun's passage through the Zodiac, each page divided into five daily units (folios 1v-31v), with two preliminary leaves likely lost. Astrological summaries - six tables depicting the Sun's transit through the twelve Zodiac mansions (folios 32r-34v), followed by a final leaf giving cipher keys to the astronomical values. The few words written out in full reflect Ptolemaic geocentric terminology: al-ghaya ("extreme limit" of a celestial body), al-irtifaat ("altitudes"), az-zawal ("decline," "noon," or "setting"), as well as sharqi and gharbi ("eastern" and "western"). The Zodiac signs are named conventionally: al-hamal (Aries), ath-thawr (Taurus), al-jawza (Gemini), as-saratan (Cancer), al-asad (Leo), as-sunbul (Virgo), al-mizan (Libra), al-aqrab (Scorpio), al-qaws (Sagittarius), al-jadi (Capricorn), ad-dalw (Aquarius), and al-hut (Pisces). Significance This compact yet elegant codex exemplifies the precision and aesthetic refinement of late Ottoman mathematical astrology. It also attests to the enduring prestige of astronomical learning among the educated and elite circles of the Sublime Porte in the eighteenth century.