A miniature replica of the image of Humayun Mirza will be displayed at the Center of Islamic Civilization

On the historical stage, sometimes a single image can embody the spiritual and political power of an entire state, and a single glance can encapsulate the essence of an entire era. The Mughal dynasty, ruling over Indian soil but with a heart still touched by the impact of the Timurids, is one such unique example, containing within it unparalleled beauty and distinctiveness.

At the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, a miniature replica of an image of members of the Timurid house will be displayed.

This is one of the oldest known examples of Mongolian miniature art. Art historian J.M. Rogers described it as a manifestation of Islamic visual art that developed in India during the 16th and 17th centuries. The miniature is painted on fine cotton fabric, with bright colors and gold paints. In the preserved part of the image, a ruler is depicted wearing Central Asian-style clothing, seated in a garden pavilion. On either side of him stand servants, and he looks toward a guest opposite him. Courtiers are positioned on both sides of the painting, and in the background, other servants can be seen. In the lost part of the background, dancers and musicians are likely depicted, performing entertainment in a palace setting.

It is assumed that the character depicted is Humayun, the second ruler of the Mughal dynasty, who lived from 1508 to 1556. Another important aspect of the work is that many of the faces in the miniature were reworked, specifically repainted to represent other Mughal rulers. This transformation turns the miniature from a simple portrait into a genealogical visual document that reflects the history of the dynasty. Each face, each gaze, is a fragment of its time, symbolizing the continuity of rulers.

Thus, this work is not only an artistic masterpiece but also a historical, political, and cultural statement. It not only connects us to the past but also demonstrates how the Center of Islamic Civilization creates a unique aesthetic atmosphere that has its own distinctiveness in India.