“ART AND CULTURE OF THE TIMURID ERA THROUGH THE PRISM OF THE STATE MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF THE TIMURIDS”

Аннотация

This article analyzes the art and culture of the Timurid era based on materials from the State Museum of the History of the Timurids. It examines the artistic works, examples of applied art, and historical artifacts in the museum’s collection to scientifically study the cultural values, aesthetic principles formed during the Timurid period, and their influence on the present day. Additionally, the article highlights the regional characteristics of the art of this period, the activities ofrenowned artists, and thescientific-historical significanceof themuseum exhibition. Keywords: Timurid era,art history, cultural heritage, museology, museum, exhibition. After Uzbekistan became independent in 1991, much attention was given to the revival of thenation’s spiritual and cultural heritage, including recognition ofhistorical persons who had an important role in world civilization. Among those was Amir Temur, the warlord, politician and reformer, patron of science, education, trade, culture, and craft. Having established a great centralized state, he strengthened its power and also united many nations and people. Amir Temur’s rule promoted science, education, culture, architecture, fine arts, music and poetry, laying the foundations oftheTimurid Renaissance. Former President Islam Karimov encouraged celebration of Timur, linking the Mongol ruler’s achievements with the President’s own style of governance[1][2].Karimov declared 1996 to be the “Year of Amir Temur”, and the 660th anniversary was widely celebrated in Uzbekistan, and the republic subsequently resolved to build a state museum in central Tashkent, featuring the Timurid history[3].It houses a rich collection that reflects the political, cultural, and scientific development of Central Asia during the Timurid period. Included in the “List of Unique State Scientific Objects” of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the museum is one of the institutions of great scientific and historical value. Currently, the museum’s fund holds over 5,000 exhibits related to Amir Temur and the Timurid dynasty, including manuscripts, coins, weapons, handicraft products, and other rare items. The building is designed in the style of Timurid palaces and is itself a museum. It has a circular shape, with a large domed roof and an open colonnaded gallery. As one of the unique structures builtin theperiod of independence, themuseum fully meets modern architectural standards [4,p. 9]. The first floor of the three-story building includes treasury rooms, a library, a conference hall, shops, ticket counters, administrative and technical rooms. The second floor is dedicated to exhibitions. The displays illustrate the foundation of our history, going back to ancient times. On this floor, colorful panels created by the artists of the “Usta” association and the painters of “Sanoi Nafisa”depict scenes from thelifeof AmirTemur and hissuccessors [5, p.73]. Before working on the walls, the artists conducted extensive research. They paid attention to every detail, studying the symbolic meanings of the elements depicted. The color blue, in https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue4,2025 770 particular, is widely used in the artwork. During Amir Temur’s time, this color held special importance among others. The blue sky symbolized contemplation, reflection, and sleepless nights. Thus, the blue sky became a symbol on Amir Temur’s flag. It also represented vitality, the essence of life—water. Symbolically, it stood for goodness, wisdom, and honesty [6, pp. 93– 94]. Scientific meetings and events for youth are held in the conference room, with thematic shows displayed on a large screen. In the very center of the museum building, a giant chandelier weighing 2 tons and 70 kg illuminates the entire space. Below it lies a copy of the “Qur’an of Uthman” from the 7th century. On the wall above, Amir Temur is depicted in a council with his advisors, interacting with the people, and the four seasons are portrayed in a unique style. On the second floor, visitorscan see aportrait of AmirTemur gifted bythePresident ofUzbekistan I. A. Karimov to the museum. There are also gifts from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Amir Temur’s letters, musical instruments of the Timurid era, and a carpet featuring Amir Temur on horseback—gifted by the government of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. Other displayed gifts come from the Samarkand regional government, Mrs. Sultonova Sanobar from Tashkent, India, Turkey, and residents of the Siyob district. Paintings like “Amir Temur Before Battle” by B. Antmurodov and “Battlein India” byA. Juraev, as well as books onTimurid history publishedin theUSAand othercountries, are also exhibited [5, p.74]. The museum’s exhibits are of great historical importance, proving that Amir Temur was not only a statesman but also a patron of science, art, culture, crafts, spirituality, and enlightenment [7]. Below isan overview ofseveral items from theTimurid period. Wood is not a well-preserved material in C