Esra Nur Osta | Istanbul Medeniyet University (original) (raw)

Papers by Esra Nur Osta

Eski Caglardan Gunumuze Turk Savunma Sanayi Tarihi, 2024

This study analyzes the Ottoman war industry in the 18th century through an examination of the tr... more This study analyzes the Ottoman war industry in the 18th century through an examination of the treatise Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī (The Gift of the Convert) by ʿUṯmān ibn ʿAbd al-Mannān, the second translator of the Belgrade Divan. The treatise centers on applied geometry (al-misaha) and its applications in military technology during the 1768–1774 Ottoman-Russian War. Two main features of the treatise are explored to gain insight into the Ottoman war industry: the theoretical information it provides on geometry and its applications in military practice, and its role as a comprehensive source akin to a textbook. Additionally, the treatise aims to update the science of applied geometry within the Ottoman scientific tradition by translating current knowledge from German and French sources into Arabic. It compiles measurement methods and scientific instruments used by contemporary engineers in both Ottoman and European sciences while excluding outdated techniques. Due to these features, the treatise is significant to both Ottoman military history and the history of mathematics.

The military applications of Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī are the primary focus of this study. We also investigate potential local or European sources for the treatise, written in the 18th century, and discuss them in Section 1.

One of the military applications in Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī includes methods for measuring distances between two or more points and the heights of fortifications. The text details three measuring instruments: the plane table (ṭablaẗ), the semicircle or simple astrolabe (usṭurlāb al-basīt), and the rub’u’ al-mujayyab, or sine quadrant. Their potential origins are discussed as well. Observations indicate that the first two instruments are of European origin. However, ʿUṯmān ibn ʿAbd al-Mannān likely referenced two local sources when introducing the first instrument, evident in the use of the term "tabla," a term familiar to his audience, and his omission of illustrations, as earlier sources had already introduced the tool. The second instrument, a semicircle or simple astrolabe, was introduced to the Ottomans in Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī. The trigonometric quadrant, known as Gunter’s quadrant or Tartaglia’s gunner’s quadrant, was an advanced instrument at the time, originating from Islamic civilization. It was versatile in its uses and referenced in European sources post-15th century.

Additionally, three instruments are analyzed: the rub’u’ al-mujayyab, the semicircle (nıṣf al-daira), and the full circle instrument. These instruments measured heights and angles for mortars (ḥavan) or calculated ranges for projectiles launched from specific angles. The information provided is objective and free from bias, with a focus on cross-cultural interaction. Tartaglia’s gunner’s quadrant, used for launching bombs, is mentioned in European sources. Another instrument, adapted from Torricelli’s semicircle used in Europe, originated in Islamic civilization as a tool for astronomical observation and was repurposed for military applications. The final instrument is an adaptation of Blondel’s full circle instrument.

Following the discussion of instruments, Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī provides details on gunpowder mixtures and quantities suitable for small-diameter bombs (ḫumbaras), with explanations by Osman b. Abdülmennan on their benefits. The text also explores the chamber designs used in military mines, particularly the older frustum of a cone model and the more modern paraboloid design, emphasizing the critical role of geometry in military applications, as discussed in other sections of the treatise.

Moreover, this study highlights ʿUṯmān ibn ʿAbd al-Mannān’s contributions to applied geometry in the Ottoman scientific tradition. He not only translated but also commented on and introduced unique information absent from other sources, reflecting a traditional Ottoman approach where translation (tarjumaẗ) was regarded as a form of compilation. Consequently, the treatise combines translation, commentary, and compilation elements. His selective, developmental, and adaptive engagement with European sources underscores the importance of multidisciplinary research. Findings suggest that the scientific foundation of the Ottoman military industry was largely based on applied geometry. Further research is necessary to fully understand the practical significance of Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī, as this “gift” from ʿUṯmān ibn ‘Abd al-Mannān continues to hold many unexplored aspects. Once these are uncovered, the full importance of his contributions can be more accurately assessed.

Conference Presentations by Esra Nur Osta

34th NOVEMBERTAGUNG Unifying the Old and the New: A Cross-Section of Contemporary Inves- tigations in History and Philosophy of Mathematics Programme and Book of Abstracts , 2024

Eski Caglardan Gunumuze Turk Savunma Sanayi Tarihi, 2024

This study analyzes the Ottoman war industry in the 18th century through an examination of the tr... more This study analyzes the Ottoman war industry in the 18th century through an examination of the treatise Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī (The Gift of the Convert) by ʿUṯmān ibn ʿAbd al-Mannān, the second translator of the Belgrade Divan. The treatise centers on applied geometry (al-misaha) and its applications in military technology during the 1768–1774 Ottoman-Russian War. Two main features of the treatise are explored to gain insight into the Ottoman war industry: the theoretical information it provides on geometry and its applications in military practice, and its role as a comprehensive source akin to a textbook. Additionally, the treatise aims to update the science of applied geometry within the Ottoman scientific tradition by translating current knowledge from German and French sources into Arabic. It compiles measurement methods and scientific instruments used by contemporary engineers in both Ottoman and European sciences while excluding outdated techniques. Due to these features, the treatise is significant to both Ottoman military history and the history of mathematics.

The military applications of Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī are the primary focus of this study. We also investigate potential local or European sources for the treatise, written in the 18th century, and discuss them in Section 1.

One of the military applications in Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī includes methods for measuring distances between two or more points and the heights of fortifications. The text details three measuring instruments: the plane table (ṭablaẗ), the semicircle or simple astrolabe (usṭurlāb al-basīt), and the rub’u’ al-mujayyab, or sine quadrant. Their potential origins are discussed as well. Observations indicate that the first two instruments are of European origin. However, ʿUṯmān ibn ʿAbd al-Mannān likely referenced two local sources when introducing the first instrument, evident in the use of the term "tabla," a term familiar to his audience, and his omission of illustrations, as earlier sources had already introduced the tool. The second instrument, a semicircle or simple astrolabe, was introduced to the Ottomans in Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī. The trigonometric quadrant, known as Gunter’s quadrant or Tartaglia’s gunner’s quadrant, was an advanced instrument at the time, originating from Islamic civilization. It was versatile in its uses and referenced in European sources post-15th century.

Additionally, three instruments are analyzed: the rub’u’ al-mujayyab, the semicircle (nıṣf al-daira), and the full circle instrument. These instruments measured heights and angles for mortars (ḥavan) or calculated ranges for projectiles launched from specific angles. The information provided is objective and free from bias, with a focus on cross-cultural interaction. Tartaglia’s gunner’s quadrant, used for launching bombs, is mentioned in European sources. Another instrument, adapted from Torricelli’s semicircle used in Europe, originated in Islamic civilization as a tool for astronomical observation and was repurposed for military applications. The final instrument is an adaptation of Blondel’s full circle instrument.

Following the discussion of instruments, Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī provides details on gunpowder mixtures and quantities suitable for small-diameter bombs (ḫumbaras), with explanations by Osman b. Abdülmennan on their benefits. The text also explores the chamber designs used in military mines, particularly the older frustum of a cone model and the more modern paraboloid design, emphasizing the critical role of geometry in military applications, as discussed in other sections of the treatise.

Moreover, this study highlights ʿUṯmān ibn ʿAbd al-Mannān’s contributions to applied geometry in the Ottoman scientific tradition. He not only translated but also commented on and introduced unique information absent from other sources, reflecting a traditional Ottoman approach where translation (tarjumaẗ) was regarded as a form of compilation. Consequently, the treatise combines translation, commentary, and compilation elements. His selective, developmental, and adaptive engagement with European sources underscores the importance of multidisciplinary research. Findings suggest that the scientific foundation of the Ottoman military industry was largely based on applied geometry. Further research is necessary to fully understand the practical significance of Hadiyyat al-Muhtadī, as this “gift” from ʿUṯmān ibn ‘Abd al-Mannān continues to hold many unexplored aspects. Once these are uncovered, the full importance of his contributions can be more accurately assessed.

34th NOVEMBERTAGUNG Unifying the Old and the New: A Cross-Section of Contemporary Inves- tigations in History and Philosophy of Mathematics Programme and Book of Abstracts , 2024