Subject
Asia, Central -- History Books
Best books
Francis Henry Skrine
The heart of Asia : $b A history of Russian Turkestan and the Central Asian Khanates from the earliest times
"The Heart of Asia: A History of Russian Turkestan and the Central Asian Khanates" by Francis Henry Skrine and Edward Denison Ross is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores Central Asia’s rich and complex history, focusing on Russian Turkestan and the various khanates that have existed in the region from ancient times through the period of Russian expansion. The authors aim to provide a comprehensive look at the diverse nationalities, cultures, and significant events that shaped this pivotal area of the world. The beginning of the work sets the stage for the historical journey through Central Asia, emphasizing its status as a cradle of civilization. It outlines the starting point of Turkestan’s history, detailing the earliest references to the region and the influences of major historical figures and empires like the Persians and Alexander the Great. It introduces key concepts and locations, such as Bactria and Soghdiana, and hints at the complex interplay of various cultures and peoples that will be explored in subsequent chapters. The authors delineate the historical timeline, offering a thoughtful examination of how Turkestan evolved through myriad conquests and governing entities over the centuries.
Timur
The Mulfuzāt Timūry = $b or, Autobiographical memoirs of the Moghul emperor Timūr
"The Mulfuzāt Timūry = or, Autobiographical memoirs of the Moghul emperor Timūr" by Timūr is a historical autobiographical memoir written in the early 15th century. Dictated in Jagtay Turki and later rendered into Persian (and then English), it blends personal narrative with political “Institutes,” maxims of rule, and religious reflection. It follows the rise of Timūr from Transoxiana, framing conquest through justice, discipline, Islamic piety, and the counsel of saints and omens. Expect genealogy, campaigns, court craft, and guidance for successors. The opening of this chronicle presents the editor’s and translator’s prefaces (stressing sources and authenticity) and Abu Talib Husayni’s statement that he found a Turki original in Yemen and translated it into clear Persian for princes. Timūr’s voice then lays out twelve governing rules—strict justice, truthfulness, compassion, obedience to Islamic law, honoring the Prophet’s descendants, valuing scholars, keeping promises, and shunning greed—alongside the ideal of the just monarch as “Shadow of God” and the need for wise ministers. A sequence of dreams, omens, and saintly endorsements underscores his mandate: visions of the Prophet, the “white standard” of ‘Alī before Anatolia, counsel in dealings with Tughluk Timūr and the Jete, favorable horoscopes, battlefield portents, and episodes that justify both iconoclasm in India and acts of clemency (such as sparing Shiraz at a Syed’s plea). The narrative then turns to his beginnings—his name linked to a Qur’anic verse, early schooling and leadership games, his father’s pious counsel and genealogy, blessings from saints promising dominion, brushes with danger and illness, and training in horsemanship and the arts of war.
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