Zahriddin Muhammad Bobur

Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur's works, which have been translated into many of the world's languages, and his ghazals and rubaiyat are of great importance in raising the young generation in the spirit of loyalty to the Motherland. A great Uzbek poet, thinker, historian, king, and commander, the founder of the Baburid empire, the fifth descendant of Amir Timur, and the son of Umarshaykh Mirza, the governor of the Fergana region, Babur Zahiriddin Muhammad ibn Umarshaykh Mirza was born in Andijan on February 14, 1483.

Like all Timurid princes, Babur studied Arabic and Persian through military education under the tutelage of special tutors and great scholars and clergy. From a young age, he read many historical and literary works and began to be interested in science and poetry. Because of his courage and bravery, he received the nickname "Babur" ("Tiger").

After his father died tragically at the age of 39, he ascended the throne as the heir at the age of 12. The borders of the Fergana region at that time were different from the territory of the current Fergana region. Its east bordered Kashgar, its west bordered Samarkand, its south bordered the mountains of Badakhshan, and its north side reached the cities of Almaliq and Almaty.

Following his father's path, Babur became devoted to the famous Sufi, Khoja Ahrar, and grew up in the spirit of his order, remaining loyal to this belief until the end of his life. Later, in his work "Baburnama," Babur emphasizes that the spirit of Khoja Ahrar saved him from inevitable destruction, illness, and despair on several occasions and provided guidance in the most difficult circumstances.

At the end of the 15th century, Transoxiana was divided into many regions led by conflicting Timurid princes or landlord nobles, which had become almost independent. The struggle for the throne of Transoxiana was escalating, and various political intrigues were being staged.

In addition, several beks and governors subordinate to Umarshaykh Mirza refused to obey the young ruler. Some of them supported Babur's younger brothers, others claimed independence. Still others became rivals to Babur or joined his uncles and set out to kill him.

As a result of conflicts between relatives, in June 1504, Babur left Transoxiana and moved to Afghanistan in the company of his relatives and servants loyal to him. Taking advantage of the internal conflicts there, after seizing Ghazni and Kabul, he began to actively build an independent state, organized the army, and established strict internal discipline. Babur labored for the prosperity and flourishing of the people in Afghanistan and acted justly and wisely in the interest of its welfare.

According to his practical activities in Afghanistan, he gained great prestige throughout Khorasan and Transoxiana as a powerful head of state and a victorious commander, and he rose to a notable position in the region's political life. At the beginning of 1507, Babur began a campaign to India. However, the attempt ended unsuccessfully, and he returned to the capital, Kabul.

By the spring of 1519, he began to realize his plans to conquer India, and over the next 5-6 years, he organized several campaigns. Finally, in April 1526, in Panipat, he defeated the 100,000-man army of his main rival, the Delhi Sultan Ibrahim Lodi, with 12,000 soldiers and seized Delhi.

Not long after, he also triumphed over the second major Indian commander, Rana Sanga, and brought the part of northern India up to Bengal under his submission. Then, through battles, he conquered many lands of India. He raised his flag in Delhi, Agra, Jaunpur, Harid, Bihar, and other lands.

It is known from historical sources that Babur's ancestors — the great conqueror Amir Timur, his son Miran Shah Mirza, and Sultan Abu Said Mirza — were physically strong, to the extent that they could stun a horse by punching it. Babur also grew up as an extremely healthy, cheerful, and agile young man from childhood.

Babur's physical strength and enviable health were manifested throughout his life — in his royal activities and personal life. He remained in history as a wise king when busy with state affairs, a cheerful companion in daily life, a physically strong young man among close friends, and a fearless and heroic commander in the army.

According to the work "Humayun-nama" by Babur's daughter Gulbadan Begim, when Babur seized the city of Agra in India, perhaps out of joy, he climbed the fortress wall, picked up two young men under his arms, and ran along the wall. Babur, who chose Agra as his capital, began major construction and landscaping work in this country.

Thus, he founded the powerful Baburid dynasty, which reigned in India for nearly three and a half centuries. As in Afghanistan, he also carried out many beneficial social works in India and had a serious impact on the country's development. Babur's goal was to unite the fragmented land and build a great empire.

At that time, there were five Muslim and two non-Muslim kings ruling in India; in addition, there were many rajas (beks) inside the mountains and jungles. Babur's great command skill was clearly manifested in the battle with Rana Sanga. Against the enemy elephants, which were roaring and coming, shaking the earth, Babur used the method his grandfather Amir Timur had used, rolling ignited carts and wheels toward the elephants.

The elephants, frightened by the fire, turned back and began to crush the infantry soldiers who were coming in ranks. Babur won a complete victory over the enemy. Wherever Babur Mirza was and in whatever country he was, he participated in the circles of scholars and knowledgeable people who were well-informed about literature, history, music, and art; in particular, he showed sincere respect to creative people and owners of crafts and skills, patronized them, and encouraged them materially and spiritually.