|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See the SCDTL text on the CD for the discussion of the code. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.7.2.3
Khwarizmian Calendar |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The area known as Khwarizm was a great kingdom in central Asia from the sixth century B.C. The area was known variously as Chorasmia, Khorezm, or Khiva. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Details of the Khwarizmian calendar are described by one of the native sons of the area, Abu al-Rayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni, known in the West as al-Biruni. Born in September of A.D. 973 of Persian parentage, he was one of the most learned men of his time and added to many areas of knowledge. He died in Ghazni (Afghanistan) on 13 December 1048. Among his most famous works is his al-Athar al-Baqiya (Vestiges of the Past), published by Sachau in 1879 as Chronology of Ancient Nations. The book contains a great deal of useful information on calendars used in central Asia and the Mediterranean area in ancient and medieval times. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.7.2.3.1.1
Structural Details |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Khwarizmian calendar is a mobile calendar with a uniform year of 365 days, consisting of 12 uniform months of 30 days and an epagomenal period of five days. There is no intercalation. The epagomenal period is treated as a 13th month, for the purposes of date formatting and computation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.7.2.3.1.2
Historical Background |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The area of Khwarizm generally extends across the oasis by that name. The earliest references to it are found in the inscriptions at Behistun (ca. 500 B.C.) and in the Zoroastrian Avesta. The name of the area derives from the Persian word khur, meaning sun. Archeological research has revealed that the area had an extensive and highly developed system of artificial irrigation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Very little is known about the area until its seizure by the Arabs in A.D. 680. When the power of the caliphs declined, the governor of the province apparently seized the opportunity to declare the province independent. The first known ruler was Mamun ibn Mohammad in A.D. 995. The area later fell under the control of Mahmud of Ghazni in A.D. 1017. The patronage of this ruler was sought by al-Biruni, and his later work was conducted under that ruler. The area later fell under the control of the Seljuk Turks. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In A.D. 1097, the governor Qutb ud-Din Aibak assumed the title of king, and one of his descendants, Ala ud-Din Mohammad, conquered Persia. After A.D. 1219, Khwarizm was included in the Golden Horde of Ghengis Khan. The area was conquered by Timur in A.D. 1379 and by the Uzbeks in A.D. 1512. |
|
|
|
|
|