Ma Yize

Ma Yize (traditional: 馬依澤; simplified: 马依泽; July 29, 921–June 19, 1005) was a Muslim Hui astronomer and calendrist of Arab origin, who worked as the chief director of the astronomical bureau for the Song dynasty from 961 to 997. During these decades he introduced aspects of Islamic astronomy into China, and became a hereditary noble for his service. His descendants continued to serve in China for the next millennium, producing almost 100 officials and generals. His original name in Arabic may have been Ismail or Ma'iz (مائز). Upon settling in China, he adopted the Chinese courtesy name Yu Sou (渔叟), meaning Old Fisherman. which has been interpreted in different ways by scholars. Some suggest it refers to Rumi (Anatolia), while other records like those regarding the early Ming astronomer, Ma Sha Yi Hei, who was also from Lumu, identify it as "zhun di dai (准地带)", which refers to the port Jeddah, 60 kilometres from "Man Kai" (Mecca). :16 Or it may refer to northeastern Yemen or Oman.

Career Ma Yize came to China in 960 at the age of 40, at the head of a trade delegation - these usually doubled as envoys. Here he worked with Wang Chune, who had joined the Astronomical Bureau in 947, creating a new calendar for Chai Rong of the previous Later Zhou Dynasty in 951-3.

With the completion of the Ying Tian Li calendar in 963, he was promoted as the Chief Director of the Royal Astronomy Bureau. Due to his service, he was awarded an imperial commendation handwritten by the Emperor himself, one of the highest praises possible in China,

Descendants His descendants were a noble family of the central Shaanxi plain, but at some point they moved southeast to Huaining County, Anqing Prefecture, Anhui, where the record of the Family's lineage was discovered.

Ma Yize's two sons continued to work in the Astronomical Bureau for several successive emperors. In 997, his eldest son, Ma Er (courtesy name Zhao Ming), was appointed Chief Director, while his second son, Ma Huai (courtesy name Wang Yue), became Vice Director in 1001. His third son, Ma Yi (Courtesy name Si Ming), became a general in 1021 with the title of "General of Dragon and Tiger", he continued to progress through the ranks, until he became Vice Commander of the Royal Guard(护军副总兵). This military influence likely lead to the inclusion of the Zodiac signs in 1044 military text, Wujing zongyao.

In the year 1000, Ma Yize's grandson, Ma Wencheng, passed the provincial examination, attaining the rank of Juren. Among Ma Yize's 4th generation descendants, there were 3 who had attained the highest rank of Jinshi, 1 Juren, and one official of a prefecture. Overall, down to the late 1800s, the 31 generations of Ma Yize's family produced 44 degree holders and over 90 officials in the state and military. With 15 military degree holders during the 18th-early 19th centuries. Even a millennium later, the family still consistently identified as Muslim.