A symbol of love and power

 

Among the miniatures being prepared for display in the “Second Renaissance” section of the Museum of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, a special place is given to Saray Mulk Khanum, a prominent woman of the Timurid dynasty, widely known among the people as Bibi Khanum.

 

Her personality embodied the harmony of love and power: on one hand, she was the beloved wife of Amir Temur, and on the other, a wise advisor, patron of enlightenment, and a respected figure who could influence matters of state.

 

Political influence

 

Saray Mulk Khanum was born in 1341 into the lineage of Qazan Khan, ruler of the Chagatai Khanate. Her ancestry traced back to the house of Genghis Khan. In 1355, she married Amir Husayn, grandson of Amir Qazaghan, the ruler of Mawarannahr. After Amir Temur defeated Husayn in 1370, he married Saray Mulk Khanum, who then became Temur’s chief wife (the lady of the highest rank). For this reason, she was held in great esteem at court with the title “Great lady”.

 

Temur would consult her on state affairs and listen to her opinion on complex political and economic issues. For example, during the Isfahan campaign, when the army faced a dire situation, Temur sought Saray Mulk Khanum’s advice. Her sharp remark, “If your gold is gone, has your policy also ended?” inspired Temur to introduce the now-famous “bone money”. This incident demonstrates the depth of her understanding of political realities and her sharp intellect.

 

Likewise, in an era when the upbringing of future generations was of utmost importance, Amir Temur entrusted the education of future rulers princes such as Mirzo Ulugh Beg and Khalil Sultan to Bibi Khanum. This shows that she held an important role both in the human and state systems of the court. For this reason, Amir Temur entrusted Bibi Khanum with some of the most important tasks.

 

Patronage of enlightenment

 

Saray Mulk Khanum allocated large funds for the madrasas built in Samarkand and Herat and supported teachers and students. Sources mention that she provided stipends and financial assistance to students, paying special attention to improving their living and study conditions. She also held scholars in high regard, inviting them to court assemblies and contributing to the organization of scholarly discussions. Bibi Khanum offered both material and spiritual support to scholars and poets. She personally participated in intellectual debates and discussions held in Temur’s court, thereby strengthening the status of scholarship in courtly life.

Her patronage of madrasa construction and attention to students and scholars immortalized her in history not merely as a queen, but as an enlightened woman.

 

An influential figure

 

Bibi Khanum held great influence not only in court life but also on the international stage. The Spanish envoy Ruy González de Clavijo, in his notes on his 1404 journey to Samarkand, wrote that Bibi Khanum was a cultured woman who actively participated in grand banquets, engaged in negotiations with envoys, and even discussed items such as red broadcloth  indicating her significant role in external diplomacy (both symbolic and social). Clavijo’s notes affirm that her very presence testified to her prominence and influence within the court.

 

Such participation was rare for women in the Middle Ages and shows that in the Timurid state, women were held in high esteem and could participate in public political life.

 

Tragedy and eternal memory

 

Some sources especially Ahmad ibn Arabshah claim that Bibi Khanum was poisoned and killed in 1408, accusing Shodmulk (wife of Khalil Sultan) of the deed. Arabshah’s claims are regarded by some historians as doubtful or overly brief but provide important evidence of internal political struggles within the Timurid dynasty. This indicates that Bibi Khanum’s influence was significant enough to be involved directly or indirectly in power struggles and conspiracies.

 

The Bibi Khanum Mosque – a symbol of love and power

 

Upon returning from his Indian campaign, Amir Temur built a grand mosque in Samarkand in honor of his beloved wife. Among the people, this mosque became known as the “Bibi Khanum Mosque”.

 

Many legends are associated with its construction. It is said that Temur brought hundreds of craftsmen and masters from India for the construction. Hundreds of thousands of laborers worked on the project, and its walls were adorned with azure and marble. The mosque’s high dome rose into the Samarkand sky, giving the impression of “seeing the heavens from the earth.” Associated with Saray Mulk Khanum’s name, the Bibi Khanum Mosque was not only a place of worship but also a center of learning and culture.

 

Historical sources state that students studied Qur’an, hadith, fiqh, and philosophy there, reflecting the queen’s devotion to knowledge and enlightenment.

 

The miniature – a symbol of her standing at court

 

Saray Mulk Khanum represents the fusion of love, power, enlightenment, and political influence. Her story highlights not only the Timurid dynasty but also the elevated role of women in the Muslim East.

 

In the miniature expected to be displayed in the Museum of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, Bibi Khanum is depicted on horseback with great splendor. The golden patterns on her clothing and the determination on her face express the breadth of her image. This portrayal is not only a work of art but also a historical memory: through it, we feel the role women played in the political, cultural, and spiritual life of the Timurid era.