Tool · Sundial and qibla indicator

Ivory qibla indicator and horizontal sundial by Bayrām Ibn Ilyās

Partially verified

This circular ivory instrument serves as a horizontal sundial and qibla indicator, constructed for a latitude of 41 degrees North corresponding to Istanbul. Designed as a flat circular box, the interior features concentric circles enclosing a central depiction of the Ka'ba surrounded by a red fence. Between the central motif and an inset magnetic compass sits a red sail-shaped sundial calibrated in unequal hours for determining the afternoon 'asr prayer. A folding metal strut supports a string gnomon that operates both dials simultaneously. The outermost rim is partitioned into 72 sectors listing Islamic cities and regions, with Istanbul written in red.

Oblique view of the open ivory qibla indicator and sundial showing the erected strut and taut string gnomon — The British Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: islamicworld.britishmuseum.org
Category: Tool · Sundial and qibla indicator
Maker / attribution: Bayrām Ibn Ilyās
Reference: 1921,0625.1
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date: 1582-1583 (990 AH)
Country: Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Physical Configuration

The instrument consists of a flat circular ivory box with a loose lid, measuring 11 cm in diameter. The lid features a gold stylized eight-petaled flower in its center, which appears to be missing an inlay. The ivory body shows evidence of cracking and chipping.

The interior contains a compass well and a foldable metal strut. A string gnomon is attached to the tip of this strut and threaded through a hole in the ivory below the compass. When the strut is unfolded, the total height of the box is 5.50 cm.

Evidence for this section

“It consists of a flat circular box with a loose lid”
“The centre of the flower appears to be missing an inlay.”
“The ivory is cracked and chipped in various places.”
“A string gnomon, which is attached to the tip of the foldable metal strut and threaded through a hole in the ivory just below the compass”
“Height: 5.50 cm (box with metal strut unfolded)”

Sundial and Qibla Functions

The instrument features a horizontal sundial with a degree scale marked up to 105 degrees on either side of the strut, as well as a red sail-shaped sundial calibrated for determining 'asr prayer times using unequal hours. The string gnomon's angle is consistent with a latitude of 41 degrees North.

A list of Islamic cities and regions is organized into 72 sectors along the outermost rim. The entry for Istanbul (Qustantinīa) is written in red, while others are in black. Four gold-painted mihrabs represent the maqam of the four schools of Islamic law.

Evidence for this section

“The angle of the string gnomon indicates an underlying latitude of 41 degrees North, which corresponds to Istanbul.”
“The red sail-shaped feature between the Ka’ba and a small compass in the upper part of the instrument is a sundial that enables the user to find the time of the ‘asr prayer in the afternoon.”
“The outermost circle along the rim is divided into 72 sectors that give the names of cities and regions in the Islamic World”
“Furthest to the inside, along the markings for the horizontal sundial four stylized mihrabs are drawn in gold to indicate the places of prayer (maqām) for the four schools of Islamic law”

Maker and Historical Markings

A signature inscribed in naskh script identifies the work as that of Bayrām Ibn Ilyās, with the phrase 'afqar al-nās' (the most humble) included. The date 990 AH (1582/3 AD) is recorded in red.

The compass well is surrounded by eight sectors labeled with alternating red and black words. These remain unidentified and may refer to wind names or compass directions.

Evidence for this section

“fī (?)’amal afqar al-nās Bayrām Ibn Ilyās”
“date of production 990 AH (= 1582/3 AD) in red.”
“The sectors are labelled alternating in red and black words which have yet to be identified - they may be compass directions or wind names.”

Open research questions

What are the definitions of the unidentified words surrounding the compass well?
What material was intended for the inlay of the central flower on the lid?
Can the illegible markings in the interior sectors be recovered?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ivory qibla indicator and horizontal sundial by Bayrām Ibn Ilyās
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Museum Number	1921,0625.1	“Museum number: 1921,0625.1”
Date of Production	1582-1583 (990 AH)	“Date: 1582-1583 (990 AH)”
Maker	Bayrām Ibn Ilyās	“fī (?)’amal afqar al-nās Bayrām Ibn Ilyās”
Materials	Ivory, brass (?), gold, metal (strut), fibre (string)	“Materials: ivory, brass (?), gold, metal (strut), fibre (string)”
Diameter	11.00 cm	“Diameter: 11.00 cm”
Museum Number	1921,0625.1	“Museum number: 1921,0625.1”
Acquisition	Purchased from Abd al-Ghany Shehab in 1921	“Purchased from: Abd al-Ghany Shehab Acquisition date: 1921”
Materials	Ivory, gold, metal (strut), fibre (string), and possibly brass	“Materials: ivory, brass (?), gold, metal (strut), fibre (string)”

Visible details

Circular ivory dial face enclosed by a raised rim, with an erect metal strut supporting a taut string gnomon.
Integrated compass well set into the dial surface near the periphery.
Schematic black and gold depiction of the Ka'ba enclosed in a red boundary at the center.

Research qualifications

The detachable lid mentioned in the text is not shown in this photograph.
Specific country of manufacture is not explicitly designated beyond Islamic culture and construction for the latitude of Istanbul.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Compass, sundial, qibla indicator - The British Museum: Islamic Gallery

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 9b5b7e3190

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.