Amir Timur Museum Tashkent
What is that building with the azure dome in the centre of Tashkent? Surely such elegant ancient structures exist only in the "old city"?
Welcome to the Amir Timur Museum in Tashkent, which opened in 1996 to mark the 660th anniversary of the great commander. The building was deliberately designed in the style of the Timurid era and represents an architectural reinterpretation with a modernist approach. The windows are made in the form of arches, elegant columns are built along the entire perimeter, and a classical blue dome crowns the structure. The interior is also maintained in the spirit of Timurid residences: the dome is painted with gold leaf, the walls and staircases are finished with snow-white marble and unique frescoes.
Life hack: if you did not manage to buy a postcard with a memorable image of the building, simply save the 1,000 sum banknote — on the 2001 issue note the museum is depicted on a blue background.
What to See at the Timurids Museum
An 8.5-metre chandelier of 100,000 pendants, a copy of the Quran of Uthman and a grand panel illustrating the life of Tamerlane — these exhibits alone make the State Museum of History of the Timurids in Tashkent worth visiting.
The collection numbers more than 5,000 examples: jewellery, historical documents, manuscripts and even the personal correspondence of the conqueror with the monarchs of European countries. The most remarkable exhibits:
- The seal of Amir Timur — made from three rings symbolising Europe (to Moscow), Asia and Africa — three continents whose lands he conquered
- "Tanga" coins in circulation during his reign, as well as monetary signs of the Chinghizids
- Kitchen utensils — bronze cauldrons for plov used by his army, as well as lanterns, pialy bowls and scythes — everything required for a prolonged campaign
- Military equipment and weapons of warriors — axes, clubs, maces, impact weapons "shashlars" similar to nunchaku, battle axes, helmets with chain mail weighing 8 kg
Part of the exposition is dedicated to the descendants of Tamerlane, whose names resounded loudly in history. His grandson Ulugbek left a scientific legacy in astronomy and mathematics, ahead of his time. His great-great-grandson Babur — poet and commander — managed to conquer India. His great-great-grandson Babur's grandson Shah Jahan immortalised his name by building the Taj Mahal mausoleum, whose prototype was also taken from the Gur-Emir.
The building consists of 3 floors: you need to go straight to the second and third floors — the main exposition is located there. The offices of staff are on the first floor.
In addition to the permanent exposition, the State Museum of History of the Timurids delights visitors with thematic exhibitions about the era of Tamerlane and the traditions of Uzbekistan. Over the years of its existence more than 90 various exhibitions have taken place within its walls.
If your visit to Uzbekistan this time is limited to Tashkent, a visit to the museum will allow you to become acquainted with what is carefully preserved in the capital of Tamerlane's empire — Samarkand — and feel yourself a direct participant in the military campaigns and international political games of the Middle Ages.
Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00 daily, except Monday.