A Comparative Study of the Position and Functions of Astronomy and Astrology in the Safavid and Ottoman Realms

Astronomy has been the focus of rulers and common people in different historical periods due to its practical aspect in human life and also the desire and tendency of scientists to work in this scientific field. This luck and attention to astronomy continued in the Safavid and Ottoman periods, and scientists in this field left numerous works in the field of astronomy, which shows their attention and tendency to astronomy in this era. Using  a comparative method and based on first-hand historical sources and reliable research sources, the current research examines and analyzes the issue that “In the studied era, i.e. from the 10th century to the middle of the 12th century  AH/ 16th century to the middle of the 18th century CE, were rulers and common people more inclined towards astronomy or astrology? What factors were the foundation of this tendency and luck? And what effect did the changes in astronomy that took place in Europe at the same time have on the astronomical activities of this era? The findings of the research show that in the Safavid and Ottoman territories, both in the court and in the eyes of the common people, there was no separation and distinction between what was in the field of scientific astronomy and what was pseudo-astronomy and astrology, and this caused the growth of illusions and superstitions in the society. The low level of knowledge and awareness of the society, the extreme tendency of some of the rulers to superstitions that were promoted and strengthened by the courtiers, were important reasons that prevented the Muslims of this era from trying to achieve the new astronomical knowledge that Europe was passing through.