FAR NORTH IN THE VIEWS OF THE MEDIEVAL ARAB GEOGRAPHERS

The аrticle is devoted to analysis of medieval Arab geographers of the extreme North of the Earth. Geography and astronomy quickly developed in the Arab Caliphate. The population of the Arabian Peninsula, and later some subject peoples used a lunar calendar, and they must have known, when Crescent moon appear in the sky after the new moon. The large role for Muslims was played by need of definition time of prayers in any country, and also the direction to Mecca facing which followers of Islam had to make daily fivefold prayers. Geographical knowledge was also necessary for quick and to effective protection of borders, taxation, data on post and trade roads. The Caliphate had included the countries with advanced culture, so the Arab scientists used their achievements. The antique heritage, in particular, Claudius Ptolemaeus's works (2nd century A.D.) used special attention. Geographers and astronomers of the Caliphate collected and studied information on different parts of Earth, including on Far North, being guided by theoretical data of Ptolemaeus and other antique experts. The Arab scientists didn’t use the term "Arctic", however paid considerable attention to own representations on these areas. Such terms as "North", "Pole star", "Big Dipper", "Capricorn" were used. All data show existence of real knowledge of the Arab scientists of the North Pole: arrangement of stars, frosts and strong cold winds, snow open spaces.