Timur (1336–1405) was the ferocious and terrifying founder of the Timurid empire of Central Asia, eventually ruling much of Europe and Asia.

Throughout history, few names have inspired such terror as his. Also known as Tamerlane, Timur comes from the Turkic word for iron.

Amir Timur is remembered as a vicious conqueror, who razed ancient cities to the ground and put entire populations to the sword.

On the other hand, he is also known as a great patron of the arts, literature, and architecture. One of his signal achievements is his capital in the beautiful city of Samarkand (see my previous posts on this magical place).

Samarkand is of course now in Uzbekistan, though in Timur’s time the region was in a nation known as Transoxiana.

You find his statue in many cities including Tashkent, but it is his likeness in Samarkand that gives you the best impression of the power of the great warrior and general.

Timur the Great, Samarkand