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Timur, 1336-1405 -- Early works to 1800 Books
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Johannes Schiltberger
The Bondage and Travels of Johann Schiltberger, a Native of Bavaria, in Europe, Asia, and Africa, 1396-1427
"The Bondage and Travels of Johann Schiltberger" is a historical account written in the early 15th century. This work details the adventures and experiences of Johann Schiltberger, a Bavarian who was captured by the Turks and spent many years in their service, traversing various regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The book provides a unique perspective on medieval society, warfare, and the author's observations as he navigated through different cultures and conflicts during his captivity. At the start of the narrative, Schiltberger introduces himself, recounting how he left his home near Munich in 1394 to follow his master, Leonard Richartinger, only to be taken prisoner after the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396. He vividly describes the battle details, the pride and folly exhibited by different lords, and the aftermath of defeat, where many prisoners are executed while he, due to his youth, is spared and subsequently becomes a servant to the victorious Turkish king, Weyasit. The opening portions set the stage for his extensive travels and encounters with various cultures, hinting at the rich tapestry of experiences and adventures that follow throughout his life as a captive.
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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