JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 14, issue 01, 2025
ISSN: 2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR ( RESEARCH BIB ) – 7,245, SJIF – 5,431
ILMIY METODIK JURNAL
Kadirova Nigora Yakubbekovna
Associate Professor of the Department of Social Sciences
Candidate of historical sciences
Andijan State Pedagogical Institute
THE PLACE OF ZAHIRIDDIN MUHAMMAD BABUR IN THE CIVILIZATION OF
UZBEKISTAN
Annotation:
This article explores the historical and cultural significance of Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur
in the civilization of Uzbekistan. As both a statesman and a literary figure, Babur made a lasting impact on
the political, social, and cultural development of the region.
Keywords:
Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, Mughal Empire, Baburnama, Uzbek civilization, cultural
heritage, history of Uzbekistan, literature, political legacy, Central Asia, Timurids
INTRODUCTION
During the first Renaissance period in Eastern history—the Muslim Renaissance—the invaluable
contributions of great thinkers from the land of present-day Uzbekistan to science, culture, and the
development of Islam were recognized by the global scientific community. In the early Middle Ages,
remarkable discoveries and intellectual advancements in natural sciences—mathematics, astronomy,
physics, chemistry, geodesy, pharmacology, and medicine—were made by these great ancestors. At the
same time, fields such as history, geography, philosophy, culture, arts, and architecture also flourished,
leading to a major turning point in world science and civilization.
MAIN PART
During the 9th–12th and 14th–15th centuries, the Eastern Renaissance, particularly in Central Asia,
experienced two powerful waves of scientific and cultural enlightenment. This remarkable intellectual
upsurge positively influenced Renaissance movements in other parts of the world and was rightfully
acknowledged by the international scientific community as the Eastern Renaissance.
In 2021, the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art organized a scientific-theoretical conference titled
"The Role of the Mughal Dynasty in the Development of World Civilization." This event was dedicated to
the scientific research of scholars from the United States and Uzbekistan on the contributions of Zahiriddin
Muhammad Babur and his descendants to world civilization. Despite the challenges and hardships of their
JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 14, issue 01, 2025
ISSN: 2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR ( RESEARCH BIB ) – 7,245, SJIF – 5,431
ILMIY METODIK JURNAL
time, they made significant contributions to world science and remained devoted to the ideals of humanism
and enlightenment, demonstrating exceptional spiritual courage.
Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur and His Impact on Asian Civilization
Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur was one of the greatest historical figures who profoundly influenced Asian
civilization. Due to the course of fate, he first conquered Afghanistan and later India, bringing major
transformations to the historical development of these regions.
Scholars and literary figures worldwide generally analyze Babur's legacy through four key aspects:
His political activities as a ruler,
His literary works,
His masterpiece, "Baburnama," and its translations,
Artistic depictions of Babur's personality and courage in literary works.
Babur’s "Baburnama" has been highly praised by Russian and Western European scholars such as
Veselovsky, Ilminsky, Erskine, Edward Holden, and Elphinstone. Moreover, Jawaharlal Nehru, in his book
"The Discovery of India," sincerely acknowledged the Mughals' and Babur’s role in India’s development
and their impact on world civilization.
Since the 16th century, "Baburnama" has been translated multiple times into Persian, Dutch, English,
French, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and German, reaching a worldwide audience. The book introduced
Babur’s personality, ambitions, political leadership, and poetic artistry to global readers. Numerous literary
works have been created based on "Baburnama", depicting Babur's life and reign in world literature.
Due to Babur Mirza's noble character and extraordinary qualities, several literary masterpieces dedicated to
him gained international recognition centuries ago in America and Europe. These include:
"The Builder of the Sixteenth Century" by Rushbrook Williams,
"Babur the Tiger" by Harayat Lamb,
"The Crowned Dervish" by Anna Flora Steel,
And other works that have been widely acknowledged across the world.
In Uzbek literature, renowned authors such as Pirimqul Qodirov, Hamid Sulaymon, and B. Boyqobilov
have written novels, stories, and epics dedicated to Babur.
Pirimqul Qodirov’s Historical Novels on Babur
Uzbek People's Writer Pirimqul Qodirov authored two historical novels, "Yulduzli Tunlar" (Starry Nights)
and "Avlodlar Dovoni" (The Generation's Path), depicting the life of Babur and his descendants. These
novels have been translated into multiple world languages, demonstrating their global appeal.
When asked by an English reader about why he chose Babur and his dynasty as the central figures for his
historical
novel,
Pirimqul
Qodirov
responded:
JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 14, issue 01, 2025
ISSN: 2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR ( RESEARCH BIB ) – 7,245, SJIF – 5,431
ILMIY METODIK JURNAL
"Figures like Babur Mirza and his descendants, especially Akbar, are extremely rare in history. The French
writer Ernest Renan once said, ‘These three men—Babur, Humayun, and Akbar—uniquely continued each
other's work without interruption.’ Indeed, they transformed and enriched a vast country like India. That is
why I believed that writing about them would not only be meaningful for Uzbekistan but also serve as an
inspiring historical lesson for all Eastern nations."
Babur's Influence in Uzbek Literature and National Identity
Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur left a remarkable legacy in 15th–16th century Uzbek literature and
spirituality. His life and achievements serve as an example for future generations. As a descendant of the
great Amir Timur, Babur Mirza was a son of Turkestan and Turan. Although the Uzbek nation had not yet
fully formed, Babur always considered himself a representative of the Turkic peoples.
The Timurid dynasty ruled for 150 years in Turkestan and Afghanistan and 330 years in India, with the
Mughal Empire defining a significant era in history.
Babur’s Enduring Impact on India
Although Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur's life was short, he left an indelible mark on history from Andijan
to India. His journey was filled with historical events, wars, and challenges, yet he always upheld values of
mercy, generosity, and humanity. Babur ultimately settled in India, where he laid the foundation for a new
era of prosperity and development.
As Babur scholar Hamid Sulaymon emphasized, Babur's greatest contribution to India was not plundering
the conquered land but uniting fragmented feudal states into a powerful and centralized empire. He ended
internal feudal conflicts and religious disputes, fostering interfaith harmony and building a strong, unified
nation.
Babur’s reign marked a turning point in Indian history, ushering in an era of stability, cultural fusion, and
economic prosperity.
Babur was a unique and unparalleled figure, both as a sovereign and a literary creator. His life and legacy
stand as a testament to human perseverance and resilience, making him a symbol of courage and
determination. Through his high moral ideals and noble deeds, he overcame the hardships of exile and
adversity, ultimately emerging victorious over fate.
As a ruler, Babur founded a great empire, shaping the course of history in India and beyond. As a poet and
writer, he demonstrated exceptional literary talent, producing works that remain valuable contributions to
world civilization.
Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur’s legacy is undoubtedly one of the cornerstones of Uzbekistan’s
civilizational heritage. His influence continues to inspire future generations, reaffirming his rightful place
in the annals of global history and culture.
References:
1.
Babur, Zahiriddin Muhammad. Baburnama: Memoirs of Babur, Prince and Emperor. Translated by
Wheeler M. Thackston. Oxford University Press, 2002.
2.
Qodirov, Pirimqul. Yulduzli Tunlar (Starry Nights). Tashkent: Uzbekistan Publishing House, 1978.
JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 14, issue 01, 2025
ISSN: 2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR ( RESEARCH BIB ) – 7,245, SJIF – 5,431
ILMIY METODIK JURNAL
3.
Williams, Rushbrook. An Empire Builder of the Sixteenth Century: A Study of Babur. London:
Longmans, Green & Co., 1918.
4.
Erskine, William. A History of India under Babur. London: Cambridge University Press, 1854.
