The board that turns back time

In the miniature that will be featured in the exhibition of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, Sahibqiran Amir Temur will be depicted seated and playing chess.

In the “Wall of Time” exhibition at the Center of Islamic Civilization, work is underway on visual scenes reflecting the spiritual and cultural flourishing of the Second Renaissance period, particularly the Timurid Renaissance.

During the meeting, participants discussed ways to express, through art, the spiritual rise during the eras of Amir Temur, Shahrukh Mirzo, Ulughbek Mirzo, and Husayn Bayqaro. In particular, the issue of bringing historical figures to life through painting generated many scholarly and creative ideas.

One of the topics that drew significant interest was the project of depicting Sahibqiran Amir Temur playing chess in the miniature.

Experts noted that this scene could showcase not only Temur’s personal taste and intellectual abilities but also the level of culture and intellectual games of that period.

It was emphasized that Amir Temur greatly enjoyed playing chess, and this game held an important place as an expression of his intellectual potential. For this reason, it was decided that the painting should portray a chessboard and playing style characteristic of the Temurid era.

According to historical accounts, the chessboard used during the Timurid period was different from today’s 64-square chessboard, consisting instead of 112 squares. It also featured additional pieces such as the wazir, dabbooba (war chariot), shutur (camel), and zurafa (giraffe). Chess pieces were arranged not in two rows as usual, but in three. While the overall objective of the game — checkmating the opponent’s king — remained traditional, its style and aesthetics were unique.

Through this exhibition at the Center of Islamic Civilization, visitors will not only gain information about intellectual life in the Timurid era but also sense the high level of spiritual development of that time.