BİRİNCİ FEN · İKİNCİ BÂB · BİRİNCİ FASIL · Dördüncü Madde
**Fourth Article**
To ascertain and explain the various events occurring in the celestial spheres and on earth, it describes ten major circles upon the globe of the universe.
O esteemed one! Know that astronomical scholars have demonstrated the existence of various circles along with their poles on the globe of the universe to determine events occurring in the celestial spheres and on earth and to explain their interconnectedness. [454] They then divided these renowned circles into two categories: major circles (devâir-i ızâm) and minor circles (devâir-i sıgâr). A major circle (daire-i azîme) is that which, as explained above, divides the globe of the universe through its center, whose center is undoubtedly the center of the universe. A minor circle (daire-i sagîre) does not divide the universe into two equal parts. Some of these are large in proportion to their sphere, yet they are called minor circles. Such as the zonal belts (manâtık-ı tedâvir).
There are ten major circles:
1. The Equator (daire-i mu‘addelü’n-nehâr.)
2. The Circle of the Zodiacal Constellations (daire-i mıntıkatü’l-burûc.)
3. The Circle Passing Through the Four Poles (daire-i mârretün bi’l-aktâbi’l-erbe‘a.)
4. The Horizon Circle (daire-i ufuk.)
5. The Meridian Circle (daire-i nısfu’n-nehâr.) [455]
6. The Altitude Circle (daire-i irtifâ.) [456]
7. The First Azimuth Circle (daire-i evvel-i sümût.) [457]
8. The Declination Circle (daire-i meyl.) [458]
9. The Latitude Circle (daire-i arz.)
10. The Circle of the Apparent Celestial Pole (dâ’ire-i vasat-ı semâ’ü’r-rü’ye.) [459]
Some of these renowned circles are placed upon the globe of the universe independently and movably, while others are fixed and attached to it.
The major circles that are separate from the globe of the universe and movable are six in number: the Horizon Circle (daire-i ufuk), the Meridian Circle (daire-i nısfu’n-nehâr), the Altitude Circle (daire-i irtifâ), the First Azimuth Circle (daire-i evvel-i sümût), the Declination Circle (daire-i meyl), and the Latitude Circle (daire-i arz). As for the circles that are attached to and fixed upon the globe of the universe, they are the major and minor circles other than those six mentioned above.
[The explanation of these ten major circles is as follows:] [33/a]
The first circle is the Equator (daire-i muaddilü’n-nehâr), also called the upright sphere (felek- i müstakîm). It is for this reason that it is called the equinox line (gündüzün eşitliği), because when the Sun touches this circle, nearly equal day and night occur throughout the world, except for the ninety degree latitudes (the poles). The circle drawn from the earth’s surface to this one is called the equator, because the sphere turns upon it, maintaining its designated distance. If it were assumed that this circle divides the universe, then the circumference of this circle on the earth would be what is called the equatorial line (hatt-ı istivâ).
The circles parallel to the Equator are called daily cycles (medârât-ı yevmiye) [460]. These are assumed to be minor circles that are drawn between the pole and the zodiacal constellation of the universe, from each point on the great sphere as it turns. Since these circles are drawn with their daily movement, they are called places of daily revolution (medârât-ı yevmiye).
The second circle is the Circle of the Zodiacal Constellations (daire-i mıntıkatü’l-burûc; ecliptic). It is also called the Circle of the Signs (felek-i bürûc), because it contains the twelve signs. The circles parallel to this one are called latitude circles (medârât-ı arz). Because if the center of a star were found on the plane of one of these circles, it would certainly be inclined north or south with respect to the circle of the zodiac. In that case, the earth of that star would be the distance between that circle and the circle of the zodiac. These latitude circles are also minor circles like the aforementioned daily cycle circles (medârât-ı yevmiye). Because the two poles of the circle of the zodiac are also the two poles of the circle of the zodiac (dairetü’l-burûc), which are different from the poles of the Equator.
It must therefore be that the Equator (daire-i muaddilü’n-nehâr) and the Circle of the Zodiacal Constellations intersect at two reciprocal points on the circumference of this universe, so that a semicircle is formed from each of the distances between those points.
Because the circle of the zodiac is as great as the Equator (daire-i muaddilü’n-nehâr).
The point where the inclination of the Circle of the Zodiacal Constellations from the Equator (daire-i muaddilü’n-nehâr) begins to the north is called the vernal equinox (nokta-i itidal-i rebî‘-i; day equality) [461] (March 21), because when the Sun arrives at that point, the habitable regions of the world experience spring. The point opposite to this one is called the autumnal equinox (nokta-i itidal-i harîf; day equality) [462] (December 21).
It must also be that the greatest distance of the Circle of the Zodiacal Constellations from the Equator (daire-i muaddilü’n-nehâr) occurs at two points in half of those aforementioned semicircles, one being the north pole (kutb-ı şimâli), to which they call the summer solstice (nokta-i inkılâb-ı sayfî), and the other being the south pole, to which they call the winter solstice (nokta-i inkılâb-ı şitâvî). [463]
Thus, four points are determined: these two intersection points (tekâtu‘) and these two points of greatest distance (nihaî mesafe), along with the four points of the Circle of the Zodiacal Constellations, which have been divided into quarters.
It is assumed that two points adjacent to each other exist on each of these four quarters…
The sixth sphere: the sphere of the zodiac. This is a moving sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and through which pass the paths of the sun, moon, and planets. It is divided into twelve signs or constellations (buruj), each lasting approximately one month. These are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. The sphere of the zodiac has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the solstices (al-hawāşil).
The seventh sphere: the sphere of the fixed stars. This is a moving sphere that carries all the fixed stars. These stars are located at different distances from the earth and appear as tiny points of light in the sky. They are used for navigation and astrology. The sphere of the fixed stars has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the equinoxes (al-nusū’).
The eighth sphere: the outermost sphere, also known as the sphere of orbs (al-falaq al-awwal). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres. It is considered to be the boundary of the physical universe. The sphere of orbs has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the apogees (al-aqṣā).
The ninth sphere: the sphere of the Unseen (al-falaq al-ghayb). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of the divine. It is considered to be the boundary between the known and the unknown. The sphere of the Unseen has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the horizons (al-ufuq).
The tenth sphere: the sphere of the Divine Throne (al-kursi). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of God’s absolute power. It is considered to be the boundary between creation and the Creator. The sphere of the Divine Throne has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the limits (al-hudud).
The eleventh sphere: the sphere of the Pen (al-qalam). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine knowledge and wisdom. It is considered to be the boundary between revelation and understanding. The sphere of the Pen has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the signs (al-āyāt).
The twelfth sphere: the sphere of the Face (al-wajh). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine beauty and majesty. It is considered to be the boundary between manifestation and essence. The sphere of the Face has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the veils (al-hijāb).
The thirteenth sphere: the sphere of the Essence (al-dhāt). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine unity and existence. It is considered to be the boundary between being and non-being. The sphere of the Essence has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the mysteries (al-asrar).
The fourteenth sphere: the sphere of the Absolute (al-mutlaq). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine perfection and completion. It is considered to be the boundary between potentiality and actuality. The sphere of the Absolute has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the secrets (al-sirr).
The fifteenth sphere: the sphere of the Eternal (al-azaliyy). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine timelessness and eternity. It is considered to be the boundary between time and eternity. The sphere of the Eternal has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the truths (al-haqā’iq).
The sixteenth sphere: the sphere of the Infinite (al-lahut). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine transcendence and incomprehensibility. It is considered to be the boundary between knowledge and unknowability. The sphere of the Infinite has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the realities (al-wāqi‘).
The seventeenth sphere: the sphere of the Absolute Reality (al-haqīqat al-muṭlaqa). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine unity and perfection. It is considered to be the boundary between existence and non-existence. The sphere of the Absolute Reality has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the manifestations (al-tajalliyat).
The eighteenth sphere: the sphere of the Divine Name (al-ism al-ilāhiyy). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine attributes and qualities. It is considered to be the boundary between essence and manifestation. The sphere of the Divine Name has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the revelations (al-kashfāt).
The nineteenth sphere: the sphere of the Divine Will (al-mashī’at al-ilāhiyya). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine decree and determination. It is considered to be the boundary between choice and destiny. The sphere of the Divine Will has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the judgments (al-qaḍā’āt).
The twentieth sphere: the sphere of the Divine Mercy (al-rahma al-ilāhiyya). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine compassion and forgiveness. It is considered to be the boundary between justice and mercy. The sphere of the Divine Mercy has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the blessings (al-barakāt).
The twenty-first sphere: the sphere of the Divine Love (al-mahabba al-ilāhiyya). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine affection and intimacy. It is considered to be the boundary between separation and union. The sphere of the Divine Love has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the yearnings (al-shawāq).
The twenty-second sphere: the sphere of the Divine Beauty (al-jamāl al-ilāhiyy). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine splendor and magnificence. It is considered to be the boundary between form and essence. The sphere of the Divine Beauty has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the illuminations (al-anwār).
The twenty-third sphere: the sphere of the Divine Truth (al-haqīqa al-ilāhiyya). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine reality and certainty. It is considered to be the boundary between appearance and essence. The sphere of the Divine Truth has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the confirmations (al-ta’bīqāt).
The twenty-fourth sphere: the sphere of the Divine Presence (al-hudūr al-ilāhiyy). This is a stationary sphere that encompasses all the other spheres and beyond which lies the realm of divine immediacy and nearness. It is considered to be the boundary between distance and proximity. The sphere of the Divine Presence has two points where it intersects the celestial pole; these are called the unveilings (al-kashf).
They call the daily orbit (orbital path of the day), the orbital path of a city, an empty orbital path;
for those within it is the zenithal orbit.
The eighth sphere: is the sphere of declination. This too is a great moving sphere. It passes through both poles of the Equator (the line of equator/the regulated day). The distance of the star from the Equator (breadth of the star) and the inclination of the zodiacal belt (inclination of the zone of the constellations) are known by means of it.
It is also called the first subsidiary inclination sphere.
The ninth sphere: is the sphere of latitude. This too is a great moving sphere. It passes through both poles of the zodiacal sphere and along that line which comes from the center of the world, passes through the center of the star (center of the star), and rises to the surface of the zodiacal sphere. The latitude of the star is known with the sphere of latitude. From the Equator (the line of equator), the second subsidiary inclination of the zodiacal sphere (second inclination) is found by means of it.
The tenth sphere: is the sphere of the visible sky (center). This sphere passes through the poles of the zone of the constellations (zone of the constellations; the sphere of the constellations) and the horizon circles. Its two poles are the rising point (rising point; point of east) and the setting points (setting point). The arc formed within this sphere between the Equator (the pole of the zodiacal belt) or vice versa is the apparent climatic latitude.
In explaining these great spheres, we have found it more pleasing to suffice with this and to explain the remaining smaller spheres as occasion arises.