A 500-year-old miniature: a timeless image and the Timurid rulers’ feast you have not seen

🔴 The miracle of Mir Sayyid Ali Tirmizi

🔴 A historical dialogue in silence

Sometimes a single image can serve as a valuable document about the life and political-cultural identity of an entire dynasty. Such works become a means for present generations to understand the past and rediscover values.

In the museum exposition of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, special attention is given to miniatures that depict different historical eras. One such painting, attributed to the hand of Mir Sayyid Ali Tirmizi, portrays the rulers of the Timurid dynasty gathered together in a single banquet scene.

The miniature is enriched with a golden sky, trees, flying birds, and attendants in the background, which not only enhances the aesthetic beauty but also reflects the cultural environment. Each figure is identified with names inscribed beside them, which adds significant documentary value to the work.

In the garden pavilion, Humayun Mirza is seated, facing Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. It is reported that many of the facial features were later repainted to depict other Mughal rulers.

Outside the pavilion, on the left side, Sultan Parviz is depicted, while on the right side stands Prince Khusraw. Next to them appear Abu Bakr, Baysunghur, and Shahrukh Mirza. On the left, five figures seated in a circle Babur Mirza, Umar Shaykh Mirza, Sultan Abu Sa‘id Mirza, Sultan Muhammad Mirza, and Miranshah are shown together.

Although part of the miniature, currently preserved at the British Museum, has been torn away, its most important sections remain intact. Some scholars suggest that the missing portion depicted dancers and musicians performing palace entertainments. For the Baburid section of the Center’s exposition, a complete reconstruction of the miniature was produced by nearly 40 artists under the guidance of Dr. Behzod Khojimetov, Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies. In addition, mannequins of Baysunghur Mirza and Shahrukh Mirza based on their depictions in the painting are being created.

This vivid interpretation not only reflects the cultural flourishing of the Timurid era but also serves as an invaluable treasure of historical heritage. With its golden sky, the miniature continues to speak silently of history.