The sciences were taught alongside religious and linguistic studies, and the sophisticated decorative metalwork on scientific tools attests to the development of the scientific disciplines. Astrolabes and celestial globes were crucial for accurate readings of the constellations. The practice of geomancy made use of especially designed instruments to predict the future. The brilliant mechanical engineer Abu al-‘Izz Ismail al-Jazari, was sponsored by the Artuqid court at Diyarbakir in 603 / 1206 to write an illustrated book on hydraulic and mechanical engineering.