Thread by @folkloristan

Meet the real life Mariam from #VikingsValhalla
Mariam Al-Asturlabi, also known as Mariam Al-Ijliya: a short thread
Artwork Credits: 1001 Inventions

Born in Baghdad, she was a student of the famous astronomer and mathematician, Abu Sahl al-Kuhi. Mariam al Astrulabi was considered an expert in the field of astronomical instruments, specifically the astrolabe.

Astrolabes were instruments used to measure the position of stars and planets in the sky. It was used for navigation, timekeeping, and determining the Qibla. She is said to have made one for the Caliph of the time, Al-Muqtadir.

The main-belt asteroid 7060 Al-ʻIjliya, discovered by Henry E. Holt at Palomar Observatory in 1990, was named in her honour. The naming citation was published in November 2016. She also inspired a character in the 2015 award-winning book Binti.

Working on the astrolabe, an extremely complex instrument, required a deep understanding of mathematical principles such as geometry and trigonometry, implying her skills as a mathematician also.

Academic works point out evidence that Mariam's astrolabes could be used to precisely establish the mathematical positions of celestial objects. Sayf Al Dawla employed her at the court of Aleppo, impressed by her skills.

According to ibn al-Nadim, she was an apprentice of Muḥammad ibn Abdullah Nastulus, having earned the apprenticeship by visiting Nastulus with her father, also a pupil, scholar and crafter of astrolabes.

Truly a fascinating tale! All it takes is a parent who recognises and values their child's skill for a child to become a name remembered for centuries to come❤️