Amir temur character in the works

AMIR TEMUR CHARACTER IN THE WORKS
Personality of Amir Temur always was in the highlight of European scholars. Scientists, historians and writers from different countries did much for studying of his activity and the dynasty of Temurids in general. R. Clavijo, I. Shiltberger, L. Langle, K. Marlo, I. Goethe, Ed. Po, Voltaire, G. Vambary, X. Hukhem, L. Keren and others were among them. Logically, phenomenon of Amir Temur was reflected in European literature.
The battle between armies of A. Temur and Turkish sultan Ваjazeth in 1402 at Ankara stirred equally oriental states and Europe. This historical event excited minds of many European artists and writers so much that became a key plot of many literary, drama and musical works.
Н. Роу

From the 16th up to 20th century Amir Temur and Ваjazeth had been major and almost exclusive heroes of the Muslim East. We have found more than sixty works of different genres which have the same title and identical subject line that again proved this fact. Each new epoch brought amendments and new accents in interpretation of the main personage.
In particular, among the earliest works devoted to A. Temur were I. F. Fortcha’s opera “Ваjazeth and Таmегlаnо” (1690) and M.A. Ziani’s opera “Il grano Tamerlano” (1689.) Amir Temur was a central personages of outstanding composers of the 13th -20th centuries, such as A. Scarlatti F. Gasparini, L. Leo, G. Teleman, F. Gendel, N. Porpora, G. Port, A. Vivaldi, G. Geez, E. Duni, G. Kuchi, G. Scollari, A. Sakkini, J. Mislivechek, I. Raihardt, P. Vinter, S. Mayr, N. Vakkai, A. Sapientza, P. Guglielmi, G. Bishop, G. Holbrooke and S. Nik.
Early literary and musical dramatic works not just entertained the western audience by fascinating exotic plot, but also gave new information forming knowledge and relation to the oriental system of geographical, political and cultural sights.
Importance of early works in interpretation of Amir Temur’s personality was great as they showed opposite and sometimes ambiguous characteristics of his individuality what later caused a variety of artistic approaches and versions.
Among them there are the tragedy of “Great Temur” (1590) by the English writer and playwright Christopher Marlo (1564-1593), the play of “Revenge of the God, or Great Temur of Iran” by Luis Velece de Guerera (1570-1640), the tragedy of “Great Temur, or death of Ваjazeth” (1675, Paris) by Jean Magnon (died in 1662), the novel of “Temur or death of Ваjazeth” by Nicolas Pradonna (1632-1698), the tragedy of “Great Temur” (1681) by English playwrights Charles Sanders, “Victim” (1686) by Francis Fene (died in 1689), the play of “Tamerlan” (1710) by unknown author, devoted to mademoiselle de la Rosh Gulhem (1640-1710), poetic-dramatic work by Franz Nissel (1817-1900) “Temur Isfahan” and the play of “Ваjazeth” (1828, stored in Copenhagen) by Djokhan Karsina Haucha (1790-1872), which in the 16th -19th centuries were a huge success in theatres of Europe, according to written sources,.
One of British museums keeps the manuscript of the tragedy “Pious Temur” (1720) by William Poppl (1701-1764). We think that this work shows new aspects in interpretation of Temur’s personality. The play puts forward the idea of tolerance. Amir Temur is in focus of author’s attention and highly estimated.
Amir Temur plays an important role in romantic drama of “Temur tartar” (1858-1859, Paris) by Mattheu Gregori Lewis (1775-1818), play of “Lover of Ваjazeth” by Charles Brifaun (1781-1857) and in the play of ” Ваjazeth” by Johanns Kersten Hauch (1790-1872) created in 1828 in Copenhagen. A special place among the works about Amir Temur belongs to the tragedy of “Tamerlane” (1701) by English dramatist Nicholas Rowe (1674-1718) which equalized with Shakespeare’s masterpieces in popularity and importance. In 1724 German composer G. F. Gendel created one of the best his operas – “Tamerlane”, probably, inspired by the season evenings of N. Rowe. The premiere of the opera was held in 1702 on Lincoln Square. For a century the play was performed ten times each subsequent theatrical season. “Tamerlane” was a huge success in England of the 18th century.
N. Rowe’s play overcame stereotypes of heroic tragedies by Dryden and paved the way to sentimental tragedy in history of English drama. At the same time it has both historical, and aesthetic value. Relation of the author to Amir Temur was expressed in the short dedication which N. Rowe wrote to Duke of Devonshire William Markuss: “His Bravery, his Piety, his timeliness, his Justice and his fatherly love for his People, but, first of all, his Hate to Tyranny and Oppressions, his zealous Care of social benefit of Humanity show great Similarity to Your Majesty”
The author highly estimated merits of the hero and modestly told about his own abilities to show such perfection. “The hero exceeded the Idea of the Poet”, – he wrote pointing out that a pen of the poet paled beside the power of this person.
In the prologue N. Rowe, addressing to readers, gives the characteristic of Amir Temur: “… He fought and suffered for interests of the state. This Just prince was ready to shed blood for sake of peace”.
In the N. Rowe’s play the relations of Amir Temur and Ваjazeth were an object of political allegories. In particular, they were the context for political comparison of William III and Louis XIV, the English liberals and conservatives. “Tamerlane”, devoted to Duke of Devonshire William Markuss, shows new sides of artistic interpretation of Amir Temur’s personality.
The play begins with preparation of Amir Temur for decisive battle against Turkish sultan Ваjazeth.

Conversation of Temur’s generals show that the commander carefully prepared to coming fight and had huge plans. Amir Temur won, and Ваjazeth with his army were captured.
Besides the heroic line there is another, the most typical of musical dramas of the 18th century. This is a theme of Amir Temur’s love for the daughter of Ваjazeth – Asteria.
Among the popular librettos on this plot there is a play of “Tamerlane” (1711) by Italian dramatist Augustine Piovene (1671-1721). Fifteen composers developed versions of this libretto by A. Piovene: 1720 – Fortunato Chelleri, 1722 – Leonardo Leo, 1728 – Giovanni Antonio Nini, 1730 – Nikolo Porpora, 1735 – Antonio Vivaldi, 1754 – G. Bernaskoni, 1764 – G. Skollari, 1764 – Pedro Guglielmi, 1773 – Antonio Sakkini, 1796 – Ferdinand Payer, 1818 – Giovanni Tadonini, 1824 – Antonio Sapientza. Among the first composers were Mark Antonio Ziani (1689), Francesco Gasparini (1717) and G. F. Gandel (1724) who paid the attention to A. Piovene’s libretto.
Francesco Gasparini created the opera of “Tamerlane” when he was 49, being a famous composer. The first performers were such famous Italian singers, as tenor – Francesco Borozini (Ваjazeth), counter-tenor – Antonio Bernacco (Temur), soprano – Maria Benti Bulgarelli (Asteria), soprano – Faulstina Bordoni (Iren). High skills of Italian opera singers provided the success of the opera. G.F. Gendel’s “Tamerlane” opened the sixth season of Royal Conservatory. The troupe invited the stars of opera Andrea Pakini (Tamerlane), Francesca Kuzzoni (Asteria), Anna Vicenza Dotti (Iren), and from the former troupe – tenor Francesco Borozini (Ваjazeth).
Unfortunately, many musical and dramatic works have been lost. Some manuscripts are kept in private collections, and just a few were published and are available at some foreign libraries.
In N. Rowe’s play the character of Ваjazeth is brightly exposed in the scene with his wife – Arpasia. The Greek princess was forced to marry Ваjazeth. “I am a wife of tyrant!” – she exclaimed, and, fully exhausted by such destiny, she committed suicide at the final of the play.
The person of Amir Temur is shown in conversation of Turkish dervish Halu (servitor of Ваjazeth) and his friends. The brightest features of sahibkiran – nobleness and ability to forgive. Discussion of Amir Temur and dervish shows tolerance of Temur. Justifying violent actions of Ваjazeth, dervish addresses to Temur: “the Muslim should not fight against a Muslim, otherwise he will be punished by the Most High! Lord, ally with Ваjazeth against the unrighteous!” Amir Temur answered: “You try to scare me! It is one of your political tricks! The Most High created many beliefs and they have a name – religion. Struggle proceeding from contradictions of these religions means treachery of cognate blood!”.
The character of Amir Temur as noble, almighty and great person is positively interpreted in musical and dramatic literature of Europe. The fact of positive perception of the oriental hero by European spectators is important too. “Tamerlane” by the English playwright of the 18th century N. Rowe was written in highly stylized poetic form and showed new sides of this historical person, creating preconditions for further artistic realization of this character in musical literature of the West. Study and propagation of the European musical and dramatic works, connected with our centuries-old history, promotes revealing of new ideological and stylistic interpretations.
Gaining the independence by Uzbekistan enabled to restore historical justice, the names of our great ancestors and their rich heritage. Sahibkiran Amir Temur - a symbol of bravery, courage and wisdom, the Uzbek people’s national pride toke a special place in it.
Amir Temur’s star through many centuries is shining for today’s generations, who left an indelible mark on world history. His life is an example for the young people of our country, who want to be its worthy successors.
The outstanding military leader and political strategist built a powerful centralized state in the Mawarannahr (Land Beyond the River), based on the rule of law and respect for traditions. Being wise politician with broad horizon and subtle analytical mind, Amir Temur went down in history primarily as the creator. He surrounded himself with the best of science and culture, skilled architects, builders and artists, whose beautiful works were an indicator of the power of the state. He built the magnificent monuments which still cause an infinite pride in our compatriots, foreign visitors’ great interest and admiration.
Sahibkiran actively engaged in legislative activity. The work entitled “The Code of Timur” outlined his vision of the most effective state system and the country governing fundamental principles. Leafing through the pages of the treatise, it is impossible not to admire Amir Temur’s personal qualities and strong-willed character. Here are some of his statements: “My word was matched by my action and I never showed no one callousness, I did not show the severity in any case, so as not to undergo anger. With friends and foes treated courteously ... If someone from friends or foes came to me with a request, I spoke with friends that their friendship increased even more, and the enemies I had the attitude that their feud turned into a friendship”. The famous phrase: “One enterprising, courageous, brave, resolute and wise man is better than a thousand lazy and weak-willed. Thus one experienced better controls than thousands of people” is also in the “Code.
Our great ancestor’s noble principles, underlying on the basis of a powerful state, a just society, strengthening generosity and kindness atmosphere, population’s welfare, today have become the main criterion of modern Uzbekistan’s social and economic life.
On the initiative of President Islam Karimov, 1996 was widely celebrated the 660th anniversary of Amir Temur. The year has been named after him in the country. International conferences and exhibitions were organized under the auspices of UNESCO. Monuments to Amir Temur were built in Tashkent, Samarkand and Shakhrisabz. A lot of streets, parks and other geographic features are named after him in our country. “The Code of Timur” was restored and reprinted several times as a unique source of study of national statehood history. On the eve of the 675th anniversary of Amir Temur, an updated edition of the book with a preface by the President of Uzbekistan was published.
Along with these, Amir Timur Museum was opened in the capital Tashkent, which is the inexhaustible fount of spirituality, keeper of ancient relics and real masterpieces of art with great historical value. Its funds are stored unique items, including manuscripts, letters, coins, ceramics, bronze and copper products, decorative patterns, manuscripts, ethnographic objects, silver jewelry, and many others. Numerous exhibitions, dedicated to the epoch of the Timurids, have been held during the museum’s existence. Such significant exposure as “Samarkand-2750”, “Gifts”, “The life of Amir Temur”, “Timurids renaissance era”, “Shohruh - a monument to the creative activity of the Timurids” are among them. They tell us about the various aspects of multifaceted and creative activity of the great statesman that could serve as a vivid illustration for the young generation’s moral education in the spirit of independence, awaken national consciousness, exploring the rich traditions of the people, ancient values, respectful and careful attitude to ancestors’ invaluable heritage.
The fact that the Order called after the name of Amir Temur is also of particular attention, which is symbolizing his descendants for independence and justice, national pride, and selfless devotion to the Motherland. It took a special place in a number of high state awards, established in our country in the years of independence. It is awarded to citizens of Uzbekistan for great merits in strengthening of statehood, development of military affairs, as well as persons who are not citizens of our country, but who have made great contribution to the strengthening of international cooperation, peace and friendship between peoples. In addition, in some cases, it may become owners of enterprises, institutions, organizations, public associations, creative teams and military units, as well as administrative-territorial units of the republic.
Order “Amir Temur” is an eight-pointed star with dihedral rays. The majestic figure of Amir Temur, seated on a horse, is in its center. You should also pay attention to the inscription around the image: “Strength in justice”. This principle is the basis of our state’s modern domestic and foreign policy. The Order will remain for us a source of strength to achieve the noble goals, symbol of freedom, respect and reverence for the outstanding ancestors.
The merits of Amir Temur adequately assess not only by our country’s residents, but the entire enlightened world celebrates these days of his 680th anniversary. The life and work of one of the greatest personalities in the history of mankind, “the Savior of Europe”, as he is called in some European chronicles, attracted the attention of more and more researchers, artists and culture outside of Uzbekistan. Research-scientists of Temurids are conducting in more than 50 countries around the world. More than 900 papers in the European and more than a thousand in Oriental languages are published about Amir Temur. The archives and libraries of Venice, Spain, France, Great Britain have kept written records of the diplomatic correspondence of the outstanding statesman and his successors with many countries of the world.
Thus, the priceless heritage of Amir Temur is a source of strength and energy courageous, hardworking Uzbek people for the building of state with a great future. Conducted reforms on human exaltation, respect the principles of justice in all spheres and tangible results are its clear proof.
The most ancient samples of the Uzbek literature concern to poetic creativity, integral part of culture of the Uzbek people. The large place belongs to fair)' tales such as about the animals, magical- fantastic themes and household stories. Among the latter a latifa ('jokes') genre is developed. The national imagination created a collective image of Nasriddin Afandi, the main hero and wise character of Uzbek national jokes.
The largest genre of the Uzbek folklore is dastan ('poem'). It was executed usually in support of musical tools. There are more than 300 dastans (100 plots) were written down. The brightest samples are: the heroic epic of"Alpomysh", heroic- romantic epic of "Gur-ughli" (more than 40 plots), military epic "Ynsuf and Akhmad", "Tokhir and Zukhra", and others. The book version, as a rule, was borrowed from classical products "Farkhod and Shirin", "Layli va Majnun".
Pre-Islamic culture is represented by insignificant number of written monuments in Old Turkic languages: "Penitential prayer of Manicheans" (the 5th century) and Orkhun-Yenisey writings (7-12th centuries), "Kutadghu-Bilig" ('knowledge', 'giving happiness') (1069) of Yusuf Bolosoghuny, "Khibatul Khakaik" ('a souvenir of truths') by Akhmad Yugnaky, and especially, Devoni Lughati Turk ('dictionary of the Turkic languages) (1072-74) by Makhmud Kashghary are among the finest examples of Uzbek literature. Since the 14th century the Uzbek literature developed intensively and rather diverse. The period saw the emergence of a secular theme (a love epic with Biblical- Quranic topic, "Yusufand Zulaykho" by Durbek in l4-15th centuries.)
Also, the most blooming period of Uzbek literature came on the scene during the period of Amir Temur. Diverse forms of brilliant poetic works achieved the special popularity. Compositions by Akhmad Yassavy, Akhmad Yugnaky and Khorazmy were widely popular among the public. Amir Temur himself highly respected Yassavy for his geniality, and built a majestic monument on his grave.
Special attention on the part of Amir Temur towards literature and arts has become a fair tradition to the entire Temur dynasty. Uzbek literature of that period served a significant stage in its historical development. Humanitarian values and great ideas are still urgent in it, and still preserved their value.
One of the bright lyric poets of the 15th century was Lutfy, who in his poems used to highlight an ideal love, Poems by Atai and Sakkakv are also among brilliant examples. And, certainly, the special place belongs to works by Alisher Navoi. He combined his lyrics in four collections, including kasidas, gazek kitas, rubais and others.
The cornerstone of his poetry is "Khamsa" ("Five stories"). In the anthology "The Assembly of Scientists" Navoi briefly describes famous poets of the 15th century. Also, in his many works he talked about theories of ethics and aesthetics. His treatise, namely "Weight of the sizes" served a significant development in Uzbek lyrics.
In the 16th century numerous literary and historical works as well as their translations into Uzbek language were produced. Historical events of the 16th century were told in "Shayboniynoma"(1506), as well as in the works by Zakhiriddin Muhammad Bobur, who is said to have led records throughout his life, which later had become a source for his autobiographical work, entitled "Boburnama", a remarkable literary and historical essay.
Later on, works by Turdi (Faroghy), Mashrab and other poets saw large popularity. The influence of folklore upon the written literature was on the rise. Many topics for legends served a basis for creation of large literary works (poems Yusufand Zubykbo by Nozim Khisrav, "Tokhir and Zukhra" by Sayyodi, "Bakhrom and Gulandom" by Saykali, and others). The history of the square in the center of Tashkent named after Amir Timur, the commander and founder of a huge medieval empire, began as early as in the XIX century, when Tashkent was the center of the Turkestan Military Command, composing the Russian Empire. It was established by order of general M. Chernyaev in 1882. The square represented a small park in the center of the city, surrounded by buildings of women and men’s gymnasium, normal school and state bank.
Right in the center of the square, there is a monument to the outstanding commander and statesman of the XIV century Amir Timur, who managed to found a centralized united state composing of 27 countries in the vast territory from the Mediterranean Sea to India. The monument is represented as a bronze figure of Amir Timur with imperial regalia on a reared horse. The monument plinth is engraved with an Amir Timur’s famous motto in four languages “Power is in Justice”. The monument author is the sculptor Ilkhom Jabbarov.
Amir Timur Square, TashkentAmir Timur Square, TashkentAmir Timur Square, Tashkent
There was a small park around the monument but after reconstruction conducted in 2009, this place was cleared and transformed to a small square with fountains and plantings.
Amir Timur Square is surrounded with the buildings of the “Uzbekistan” Hotel, University of Law (former Women’s Gymnasium), the Amir Timur Museum, well-known Tashkent Chimes and the Forums Palace - one of the most grandiose architectural structures in Tashkent.
The Forums Palace was built in autumn 2009. It became a place to hold important state and international events, for instance: the SCO Summit. The Forums Palace impresses not only with its architecture, but also with its sizes. Its area is almost 10,000 m2. From outside the Forums Palace is decorated with majestic columns, but the most outstanding part of the palace architecture is its dome. It reaches almost 48 m in height; its peak is crowned with figures of storks.
Amir Timur Square, TashkentAmir Timur Square, TashkentAmir Timur Square, Tashkent
Almost all the buildings located around Amir Timur Square have historical importance. One of them is the building of University of Law. It is situated opposite Amir Timur Square and is a historical monument of the XIX century. The building itself was built by order of the Turkestan governor-general Kaufman. It housed a women’s gymnasium for a long time. During the Soviet time this building was given to Tashkent State University. There was History Faculty in the left wing and Faculty of Law in the right one. After proclamation of independence the building was fully given to University of Law.
To the right from University of Law there is the building of the Amir Timur Museum. The Museum inauguration was dated to 660 anniversary of Amir Timur. The Amir Timur Museum holds exhibits dedicated to the epoch of Timur and the Timurid dynasty . There, you can see beautiful miniatures reflecting events of that epoch. There is a copy of the Ottoman Koran in the central hall on the Museum ground floor. The walls of the hall, decorated by the best artists of Uzbekistan, show the scenes from Timur’s life.
The exposition of the first and second floors represents a collection of utensils, weapons and clothes belonging to the Timur and Timurid epoch.
Amir Timur Square, TashkentAmir Timur Square, TashkentAmir Timur Square, Tashkent
But, perhaps the most famous architectural monument located on the Square is the Tashkent Chime. Over dozens of years from the moment of its construction in 1947, it was the symbol of Tashkent. The author of the building floor plan was A.A. Mukhamedshin and this project initiator was I.A. Eisenstein – one of the Tashkent residents, a watchmaker by profession. During the war he participated in battles in German city of Allenstein and brought the famous clock mechanism from there and presented it on behalf of his regiment to Tashkent. A famous Uzbek master in ganj carving - usto Shirin Muradov participated in its outer facade decoration. In 2009 another chime being as a mirror reflection of the old one was built in the course of construction in the center of the city. Today new and old chimes may be called an original “Gate” of the Square.


Near the Amir Timur Square, there are a cinema theatre and entertainment centers, which fact contributes much to the constant popularity of the place. All roads from there lead to all parts of the city, making the city the most vital place of meeting. The history of modern Tashkent is inseparably connected with its center – Amir Timur Square.