Nasukh (book)

Nasukh is a historical book, traditionally attributed to Nāsūh Pasha, a 16th-century Ottoman statesman and mathematician also known as Matrakçı Nasuh. The book is primarily recognized for its strategic and tactical insights pertaining to military campaigns and fortifications.

While some sources refer to "Nasukh" as a single, definitive book, others suggest that the works attributed to Nasuh Pasha, encompassing military strategy, mathematics, history, and calligraphy, might be collected and referred to under this general name. There is not one singular, universally recognized book explicitly titled "Nasukh."

The military works attributed to Nasuh Pasha detail the siege techniques and defensive strategies employed in the Ottoman military during his time. They often include meticulously drawn maps and plans of fortresses and cities, demonstrating his expertise in cartography and engineering. These visual representations were integral to understanding the strategic context of military operations.

Beyond military applications, Nasuh Pasha's writings, including those considered under the umbrella term "Nasukh," display his skills as a mathematician and historian. His mathematical contributions involved practical applications for surveying and calculations relevant to construction and military logistics. His historical writings document significant events and figures of his era, often from an Ottoman perspective.

The historical and strategic value of the works attributed to Nasuh Pasha, and referenced under the designation "Nasukh," lies in their providing insights into 16th-century Ottoman military practices, engineering expertise, and historical understanding. They represent a valuable resource for scholars studying Ottoman history, military strategy, and the history of mathematics.