The National Library of Albania preserves rare manuscripts that transmit medieval knowledge to the present day.

One notable example is the digitized manuscript “Elmülahhas fil heye” (Knowledge of the Stars). It presents key concepts of astronomy, supported by drawings and explanatory diagrams. These visuals show how the universe was understood in the Islamic scientific tradition.

The work, written by Mahmûd b. Muhammed b. Ömer el-Çağmînî el-Hârizmî, examines the structure of the heavens, the movement of celestial bodies, and the basic principles of classical astronomy. For centuries, it served as both a teaching text and a scholarly reference.

The manuscript stands out for its carved leather binding and preserved autograph elements. These features offer insight into how scientific knowledge circulated and was transmitted through handwritten texts.

As part of Albania’s scientific heritage, the manuscript helps scholars understand not only medieval astronomy, but also how knowledge was visualized and shared through text and illustration.

The item belongs to the Manuscripts Collection of the National Library of Albania and is now accessible through the Digital Library.

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