31. Al-Batruji
(Died 600H/1204AD)

Abu Ishac Nur ed-Din al-Batruji al-Ishbili, known in the West as Alpetragius, was an astronomer from Andalusia. It is reported that he was born in Seville in the 12th century  AD, while Doctor Dr. Zahur says he was born in Morocco and immigrated to Spain where he lived in Seville. He died at the beginning of the 13th century, towards 1204 AD(189). He was a contemporary and a student of Ibn Tufayl.

Scientific Contributions

Al-Batruji described a new theory on astronomy that revived the Eudoxos theory on celestial bodies with multiple centers, but with introducing a basic modification on it. He also criticized the famous theory of Ptolemy on declination of planets and their circular rotation, thus paving the way for Copernicus. His contemporary fellow scientists viewed an important positive innovation in his ideas. They even talked about New Astronomy(190).

Cara de Faw says about him "As for al-Batruji, he had innovative ideas on the movement of planets"(191).

Major Works

-“Kitab al-Falak" (Treatise on astronomy). This book was known in Europe in the 13th century. It was translated by Michael Scot into Latin in the 13th century and was also translated into Hebrew in the 16th century. The Greek translation was printed in Vienna in 1531.