BİRİNCİ FEN · ÜÇÜNCÜ BÂB · YEDİNCİ FASIL · Beşinci Madde
Fifth Article
Concerning the triplicity of signs and the cities and regions subject to the seven planets, which constitute one-quarter of the inhabited globe of the earth, and their inhabitants’ behaviors and principal characteristics.
O esteemed one! Know that Islamic philosophers, in demonstrating that all occurrences and transformations within this world of formation and dissolution are due to the influence of God through His power and will, have stated: The ethereal bodies and celestial positions exert influence upon the elements according to the command and desire of the Most High, for the true originator of influence is only the Lord of the worlds and King of Kings, God Almighty. (Regarding influencing others) stars and planets are merely instruments and constitute only apparent causes. There is certainly a connection and relationship between the elements and the celestial spheres and stars. The true seven climes, as described above in their arrangement according to the seven planets, and furthermore, each city and region bears a relation and connection with all twelve signs. This relationship is known to be proportional to the cities’ triplicity of signs (triangles of signs), which were explained in their respective articles above. Indeed, four such triangles have been found.
The characteristics of the first triangle: They are masculine, fiery, and pertaining to the north. The interval between the north and debur (north wind) is attributed to them. These are the Sun, Jupiter, and Mars. And the ruler of this triangle is the Sun during the day and Jupiter at night.
The characteristics of the second triangle: They are feminine, earthy, and pertaining to the south. The interval between the south and Saba (south wind) belongs to them. These are Venus, Saturn, and Mercury. The ruler of this triangle is Venus during the day and Mercury at night.
The characteristics of the third triangle: They belong to the east, are airy, and masculine. The interval between the north and Saba is attributed to them. These are Saturn’s houses and Mercury. The rulers of this triangle are Venus during the day and Mercury at night.
The characteristics of the fourth triangle: They pertain to the west, are watery, and feminine. The interval between the south and debur is ascribed to them. These are Venus and the Moon. And their ruler is Venus during the day and the Moon at night. Similarly, one-quarter of the inhabited globe is divided into four parts resembling these triangles and considered accordingly. Each of these parts is attributed to a triangle.
The first part: This is what is called Europe, lying between the west and north. It is attributed to the first mentioned triangle. The inhabitants of this region are often observed to be sharp-witted and headstrong due to the characteristic of leadership (riyasa) found in the aforementioned triangle. They are generally inclined towards weaponry and politics, enduring fatigue and hardship. They are observed to be refined and clean. For Jupiter and Mars jointly rule over them at night. This triangle has masculine aspects in its earlier parts and feminine aspects in its later parts.
The people of this region are often influenced by women, living in heedlessness. They are not jealous and do not know sin. The English and Germanic (Old Austrian) peoples particularly resemble the Ram sign and the qualities of Mars. Therefore, the people of those regions are like predatory animals in terms of morality. The Romans, French, and islanders belong to the Leo sign and are attributed to the Sun. Consequently, many among their inhabitants possess a talent for leadership. Spain and Portugal are known to be associated with the Sagittarius sign and Jupiter. Thus, the people of these places are generally found to be well-mannered, clean, and amiable. Following this, in areas close to the center of the inhabited portion of the globe lie Rumelia (Thrace), Istanbul, Crete, Cyprus, and the coasts of Anatolia.
The endpoints of the Mediterranean and Black Seas, though included in the earlier region of this triangle, resemble the second triangle. In this case, Venus and Mercury jointly rule over them. Consequently, most of their inhabitants are inclined towards politics, possess leadership qualities, are insightful, have sharp judgment, and are eager to learn, being closely related and possessing a stable temperament. They appear refined and are morally harmonious. Since Venus is the ruling star of these places, they love music and enjoy listening to melodies. They are amorous and sociable. Particularly Istanbul belongs to the Capricorn sign and resembles the qualities of Saturn. Therefore, those in positions of power and leadership have attained dominion and rulership in Istanbul.
The second part: This is called Asia, located between the east and south, and its cities and regions are attributed to the aforementioned second triangle because it is ruled by Venus and Saturn during the day. The people residing in this region show great reverence for these stars. Due to their resemblance to Venus, they are inclined towards music and dance and are active. They have a fondness for women and take care to adorn their clothing and all coverings with embellishments and embroidery. They are fond of comfort. Heat is dominant in their temperament and constitution. Saturn rules over these places.
Therefore, their passions are powerful and influential. Their hearts are courageous and fierce. Their ambitions are lofty. This is the general resemblance of those found in this part to the triangle. However, let it also be added that each individual’s specific attribution is likewise so: For example, the regions of Persia belong to the Taurus sign and Venus, so the inhabitants there generally prefer embroidered clothing, spread embroidered cloths upon their homes, and even their shirts are not plain.
"The first region: Arabia and the lands surrounding it are of the first triplicity. These lands are under the dominion of the sun, Jupiter, and Mercury. Therefore, most of their people are generous, hospitable, and skilled in poetry and oratory. They are also known for their courage and warfare. The Arabs are divided into three groups: The first group is the people of Yemen and the surrounding areas. These people are under the dominion of Mars and Saturn; therefore, they are often cruel, miserly, and prone to conflict. The second group consists of the people of Iraq, Sham, Hijaz, and the Arabian Peninsula. They are under the dominion of Jupiter and Venus; thus, their people are generally just rulers, skilled in agriculture, and known for their piety. The third group is the people of Syria, Palestine, and Jordan. These people are under the dominion of Mercury and Mars; therefore, they are often cunning, deceitful, and prone to intrigue.
The second region: Persia, Turan, and the lands surrounding them belong to the second triplicity. They are under the dominion of Venus, Saturn, and the Moon. Therefore, their inhabitants are generally inclined towards luxury, music, and the arts. They are also known for their love of pleasure and indulgence. The people of Persia are particularly skilled in craftsmanship and trade. Their women are often influential and possess great beauty.
The third region: Saksonya (Saxony) and the lands to the east and north belong to the third triplicity. These regions include Georgia, Dagestan, Maverae Nahr (Transoxiana), Turkistan, China, Hotan, and Tatarstan. They are under the dominion of Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury. Consequently, most of their people are mild-tempered, intelligent, wise, pure, and chaste. The inhabitants of Azerbaijan, being affiliated with Gemini and Mercury, tend to be frivolous and prone to harm, loss, and betrayal. The peoples of Maverae Nahr are associated with Aquarius and Saturn, making them known for their savagery and cruelty.
The fourth region: Africa, located west and south, belongs to the fourth triplicity. This includes Egypt, Sudan, and West Africa. These lands are under the dominion of Mars and Venus during the day; women do not shy away from interfering in the affairs of their rulers. Men and women often engage in mixed activities, and men can be seen wearing women's clothing. They are predominantly diviners and fortune-tellers, straying from true knowledge. The coastal regions of the Mediterranean Sea, being affiliated with Cancer and the Moon, tend to have a population inclined towards trade; their cities are generally abundant and prosperous. The far western lands belong to Scorpio and Mars, causing their morals to resemble those of predatory animals. They frequently engage in feuds and violence. The inhabitants of Sa’id and Abyssinia (Ethiopia), under the dominion of Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury, have diverse customs; some show excessive reverence for their deceased, submit to foreign scholars, and favor women. These people are weak-willed, cowardly, and pitiable. Egypt and Alexandria, being affiliated with Gemini and Mercury, possess a population known for its understanding and discernment, inclined towards uncovering secrets and learning strange sciences. The inhabitants of Abyssinia, especially the central regions, are associated with Aquarius and Saturn; therefore, they have animalistic tendencies in their lifestyle and diet.
"Indeed, Allah, who created everything for a reason, is free from all imperfection."