Scholar of
mathematics and astronomy (B. 996 – D. 1036, Harzem). His full name is Ebu Nasr
Emir Ali b. Mansur b. Ali b. Arak. Emir Arak studied Islamic and elementary
sciences in Harzem Madrasahs which had the quality of an international
university at that time and from virtuous scholars who taught in these places.
He became a sovereign scholar with a scientific character. He lived in Harzem
during 10th and 11th centuries when elementary sciences
such as mathematics, astronomy, algebra and medicine were in demand. He joined
“Talebe-i Ulum’a Hayır” which mainly consisted of Turks. He gave lessons to all
people who were interested in this science and who sought for his help. He raised numerous famous scholars who would remember him with
good memories. One of the famous scientists he raised is the famous
mathematician and algebra master Birûnî.
Emir Arak
wrote around 1035 a work titled Risale el-Fihrist, which informed that
this valuable Turkish scholar authored twelve books on mathematics, trigonometry, astronomy and other fields and gave their names. Without doubt, the influence of his valuable works continued for long centuries after him. In the 4th century of Hegira (9 A.D.), Ebu Nasr el-Fârabî represented the Islamic culture in philosophy; Emir Nasr b. Ârâk in mathematics
and astronomy. Ali b. Arak was one of the leading
mathematicians according to Cem Saraç. Besides he realized important researches
with Ebû'1-Vefa el-Buzcanî about theorems concerning the proportionality of
sinus in spherical triangles. He interpreted el-Macestî and Menelaos' work
titled Küreviyat. Nasîru'd-Din Tusî in his book titled Şeklû'l-Kutla
regarded Ali b. Arak's interpretation as a very successful work. Birûni in his Risâletü'l-Fihrist
named twelve books of his master Ali b. Arak on astronomy. The influence of
these books lasted for long years.
Emir Ali who
had a rough life missed his homeland during his last years in Harzem. He passed
away here in 1036. Mehmet Şemsettin Günaltay evaluates Emir Ali b. Arak as
following:
"In
4th Century of Hegira (10. A.D.), the Islamic culture was mainly
represented by three important personalities. All of them were Turks. Among
them Ebu Nasr Fârâbi proved the amazing strength of Turkish genie in
philosophy, wisdom, sociology and music, Emir Nasr b. Arak in mathematics and
astronomy, Ebû Bekr es-Sûli in literature and history.”
REFERENCE:
Mehmet Şemsettin Günaltay / İslâm Tarihinin Kaynakları (yay. haz. Yüksel Kanar
(1991, s. 61), Zeki Velidi Togan / Umumi Türk Tarihine Giriş I (s. 90,
1946), Şaban Döğen / İslâm ve Matematik (s. 97, 2000), Cem Saraç /
Bilim Tarihi (1983, s. 57), İhsan Işık / Ünlü Bilim
Adamları (Türkiye Ünlüleri Ansiklopedisi, C. 2, 2013) - Encyclopedia of
Turkey’s Famous People (2013).
