Timurlu Başkentleri

When Amir Timur ascended the throne in 1370, he knew the necessity of a capital for a construction of a strong state. After reviewing the cities in the region, he decided on Samarkand. Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world, located in the Zerafshan Valley, at the heart of the Silk Road. Amir Timur rebuilt the infrastructure of his capital Samarkand, making the city a prosperous and beautiful place. Many magnificent buildings and structures were built in the city. However, many of them have not survived to the present day. After his death, Uluğ Bey continued his construction activities in the city. The city of Herat is the pearl of Khorasan and one of the largest cities in the region. It became the Timurid capital during the time of Shah Ruh and Hüseyin Bayqara. Especially after it became a political center, extensive restoration was carried out. It was the place where the Timurid Renaissance took place, which developed culturally and economically during the reign of Shah Ruh. Samarkand of the time of Amir Timur and Herat of Shah Rukh served as the showcase of the country. Therefore, both capitals are very vivid examples for us to understand the Timurid rulers and state structure.