17th Century: The Baburid Empire – A decree written in Uzbek issued in Delhi

🔴 A historical source of great significance

🔴 The legacy upheld by Aurangzeb

Delhi — 17th century. Capital of the great Baburid Empire. It was here, in 1695, that Russian traveler and diplomat Semyon Malenky visited the court of Sultan Aurangzeb. During his stay, he observed the administration, cultural life, and customs of the empire, recording his impressions in his travelogue. Among these records, he included a highly significant document: a royal decree written in Turkic (Old Uzbek).

The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan devotes special attention in its exposition to the Baburids. This includes material and cultural monuments, scientific achievements, and masterpieces of art and literature from the era of Aurangzeb.

According to Malenky’s writings, Old Uzbek was used as the primary official language in Aurangzeb’s court, and state affairs were conducted in it. His travelogue includes a copy of an official decree issued in Turkic (Uzbek) during that time. This document was later brought to Russia and is currently preserved in the central archives of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This historical source holds immense significance, as it demonstrates that even by the late 17th century, the Baburid dynasty had not forgotten its roots and continued to use its native language as the main instrument of governance. As is known, the founder of the dynasty, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, regarded himself as an inseparable part of Uzbek, Turkic, and local cultural traditions. Aurangzeb, as his descendant, remained loyal to this legacy.

The fact that the decree was written in Turkic is of inestimable value not only as a political document but also as a piece of cultural heritage. Language is the spirit of a nation, its history, and its identity.