The State of Timur's Emirate

Foundation of the Great State. In the 1370s, a powerful state was established in Central Asia under the rule of Emir (Ruler) Timur.

Aiming for world domination, Timur gathered a strong army and conquered neighboring countries one after another. By the end of the 14th century, Emir Timur had annexed the main territories of Central Asia and waged a relentless war to conquer Afghanistan, Iran, Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and the Volga region.

Through Semirechye, he conducted raids into Moghulistan. The armies of Emir Timur invaded the lands of the Kyrgyz multiple times—in 1370-1371, 1375, 1377, and 1389. The last time they reached the Irtysh River. The armies of the Kyrgyz tribes, united in the face of a formidable enemy, were defeated in battle against Timur's numerous forces in the interfluve of the Ili and Irtysh rivers.

The strengthening of Emir Timur's dominance prompted the rulers of neighboring states in the 1380s to unite in a single alliance to resist the invasion of the enemy. This alliance included the Khan of the White Horde Tokhtamysh, the ruler of Kashgar, the Mongol Khan Khizr-Khodja, the ruler of the Mongols Kamar ad-Din, and the leader of the Kyrgyz Baymurat-toro.

In 1387-1388, taking advantage of the fact that Timur's forces were directed to Iran, the allies invaded Mawarannahr and plundered and destroyed some areas of the emir's possessions. However, their attempts to seize the economic and political centers—the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Urgench—were unsuccessful.

Timur's Campaigns Against the Kyrgyz. After returning from the Iranian campaign, Timur unexpectedly attacked Moghulistan in 1389. Khan Tokhtamysh, who had the strongest army, did not assist his allies. The Mongols were unable to timely join forces with the Kyrgyz. The main blow of Timur's numerous army fell on the Kyrgyz forces led by Baymurat. A bloody battle between the opponents took place at the foot of the Tarbagatai Mountains in the valley of the Kobuk River. The undeniable superiority of Timur's troops determined the outcome of the battle: the Kyrgyz were forced to retreat to the other bank of the Irtysh.

Another part of the Kyrgyz army, primarily composed of the Bulghachi tribe, fought against Timur's forces twice: the first time in the Beykut area in eastern Pre-Tianshan, and the second time in the Chichkan-Daban area. The first battle was particularly bloody. According to sources, "the fire of that battle raged for a whole day." Again, the Kyrgyz, not receiving timely reinforcements from their allies, suffered defeat. The surviving Kyrgyz were ordered by Timur to be resettled to Andijan, Fergana, and Pamir-Alai.

After defeating the Kyrgyz, Timur's army moved towards the Mongol Khanate. In the Turfan region of Eastern Turkestan, the troops of Omar-Sheikh, Timur's son, defeated the forces of Khizr-Khodja.

As a result of these conquests, Kyrgyzstan became part of Timur's vast empire. Northern Kyrgyzstan, given by Timur to his grandson Ulugh Beg, was governed through his viceroy in Tashkent. Southern Kyrgyzstan passed to Timur's other grandson—Iskander—and was governed through the viceroy of Fergana.

Timur's military campaigns in Moghulistan and other states led to the death and devastation of thousands of people. The conquerors stole the livestock of the Kyrgyz, for whom war was a means of enrichment.

The state created as a result of the conquest wars began to disintegrate after Timur's death, as economic and political ties were not established between its numerous possessions. The ongoing feudal infighting during the reign of Timur's descendants accelerated this process. After Timur's death, Moghulistan and Kyrgyzstan regained independence. The Timurids continued the policy of subjugating Moghulistan but were unable to consolidate their power.

Timur's Supreme Council. The golden tent of Emir Timur shines. In the center of the tent rises a golden throne, turned southwest. The Supreme Council is convened. Around the throne, in a semicircle, sit his sons, grandsons, and brothers according to age and rank. To the right of the throne sit the relatives of the godlike emir—sayyids, judges, theologians, elders, and noble dignitaries. To the left sit the supreme commander (military minister), khans, akims (rulers of possessions), tumenbashi (commanders of ten thousand warriors), thousand commanders, and hundred commanders. Opposite the throne sits the head of the Supreme Council (divan), viziers, and behind them, in the second row, seats for lower-ranking dignitaries. Behind the throne, on the right side, are the commanders of the light cavalry units.

The sound of drums is heard. To the sounds of the zurna, four enormous slaves bring in a litter and lower it before the throne. Timur slowly rises from the litter and approaches the throne. Before sitting down, he raises his right hand, greeting all those gathered. At that moment, the commander of the vanguard forces takes a seat opposite the throne, and on both sides of the entrance to the tent are the commanders of the personal guard.

Such a Council is always held before the start of a new campaign or in honor of a significant victory. They all proceeded in the same way. Emir Timur congratulated everyone on the victory, noted and rewarded those who distinguished themselves, conferred titles, and distributed possessions, and resolved current matters. The ceremony of the Supreme Council concluded with a lavish feast.

Another governing body of Timur was the Small Council. It included only sons, grandsons, relatives, viziers, emirs, tumenbashi, and thousand commanders. The meetings of the divan also ended with a meal. Those local rulers, emirs, and military leaders who did not participate in the council but were in the camp were given "gifts": they were sent food from the table.

Those close to Timur, whom he lost trust in, were initially removed from participation in campaigns and then not invited to his camp or to council meetings.

Timur was particularly attentive to his own appearance and comforts. Perhaps, for him, the clothing and adornments of the conquered peoples served as a reminder of victories and an opportunity to remind others of his greatness. Emir Timur always wore a wide long silk robe. If in the robe he resembled a Chinese emperor, then in a pointed cap adorned with rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones, he looked like a mountaineer, and with massive earrings studded with gems, he resembled a Mongol. Despite having embraced Islam and keeping sayyids, sheikhs, and spiritual advisors, he did not wear a turban.

Such splendor also reigned in the camp. Clothing was made from silk, velvet, and satin. Some details reflected Arab style, but it was mainly characteristic of nomads.

Viziers, emirs, and other noble dignitaries demonstrated their status through the elegance and luxury of their attire: they preferred rich clothing, belts decorated with embossing and precious stones, and wore sabers and daggers made by renowned master craftsmen. Women wore high conical headdresses—shokulye—and long silk dresses. The collar and front of the dress up to the waist were adorned with embroidery, while the back hem was longer. Such dresses were worn in ancient times by the queens of the Saka, Iranians, and Khwarezmians. Women covered their faces with silk veils. Maids wore dresses with ruffles and long trousers.