Sufi Observing Competition
International amateur astronomy competition held in memory of Azophi.
The Sufi Observing Competition is an international event for amateur astronomers, modeled on the Messier marathon but considered more challenging due to its varied subjects. It was established in memory of the 10th-century Persian astronomer Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi, also known as Azophi. The competition has been organized by the Astronomical Society of Iran – Amateur Committee (ASIAC) since 2006. The first edition took place that year in northern Semnan Province. The second competition was held in the summer of 2008 in Ladiz, near Zahedan, with over 100 participants from Iran and Iraq. The third competition occurred from 17–20 August 2009 in Pasargadae, Fars province, within the enclosure of the historical tomb of Cyrus the Great. More than 120 amateur astronomers took part, competing in individual and group categories. The closing ceremony was held at the Persepolis historical site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The competition was designed and is managed by Iranian amateur astronomers Babak Amin Tafreshi, Pouria Nazemi, Kazem Kookaram, and Mohammad H. Almasi.
- First held
- 2006
- First location
- north of Semnan Province, Iran
- Second held
- summer of 2008
- Second location
- Ladiz near Zahedan, Iran
- Third held
- 17–20 August 2009
- Third location
- Pasargadae, Fars province, Iran (at the enclosure of the historical tomb of Cyrus the Great)
- Third participants
- more than 120 amateur astronomers
- Organizers
- Astronomical Society of Iran – Amateur Committee (ASIAC)
- Designers and managers
- Babak Amin Tafreshi, Pouria Nazemi, Kazem Kookaram, Mohammad H. Almasi
Lore & Background
Since 2006, the Astronomical Society of Iran – Amateur Committee (ASIAC) has held an international observing competition in memory of Azophi. The first competition was held in 2006 in the north of Semnan Province. The second Sufi Observing Competition was held in summer of 2008 in Ladiz near Zahedan, with more than 100 observers from Iran and Iraq participating.
The third Sufi Competition was held in Pasargadae, Fars province of Iran, at the enclosure of the historical tomb of Cyrus the Great on 17–20 August 2009. More than 120 amateur astronomers participated in this competition, which was held in two classes: individuals and groups. The closing ceremony of the third Sufi Competition was held splendidly at the Persepolis historical site, which is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Babak Amin Tafreshi, Pouria Nazemi, Kazem Kookaram and Mohammad H. Almasi are Iranian amateur astronomers who designed and manage this competition in their country until today.
Reader's Guide
The Sufi Observing Competition is notable as an international event that honors the legacy of Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi, a pioneering astronomer. Organized by the Astronomical Society of Iran – Amateur Committee (ASIAC) since 2006, it is described as similar to a Messier marathon but more difficult, with various subjects. The competition has drawn participants from Iran and Iraq, with over 100 observers at the second event and more than 120 at the third. Its venues have included historically significant sites such as the tomb of Cyrus the Great in Pasargadae and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Persepolis, where the third closing ceremony was held. The competition is designed and managed by Iranian amateur astronomers Babak Amin Tafreshi, Pouria Nazemi, Kazem Kookaram, and Mohammad H. Almasi. Its legacy lies in fostering international amateur astronomy collaboration and celebrating the cultural heritage of Islamic astronomy.
Did You Know?
- The Sufi Observing Competition is held in memory of the 10th-century astronomer Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi (Azophi).
- The closing ceremony of the third competition took place at Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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