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Amir Timur Museum
Photo: Post of Uzbekistan · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Amir Timur Museum

A blue-domed round building in the centre of Tashkent brings the world of Timur and the Timurid dynasty under one roof. Its collection of miniatures, manuscripts, coins and weapons makes a compact, rich introduction to Central Asian history.

History

After Uzbekistan became independent in 1991, there was renewed attention to national heritage and to historical figures seen as important in world civilisation, and Timur was among them. 1996 was declared the "Year of Amir Temur", marking the 660th anniversary of his birth, and a state museum devoted to Timurid history was planned for central Tashkent.

The round building opened with a ceremony on 18 October 1996. It stands beside Amir Timur Square, where a statue of Timur is found. Its Uzbek name is Temuriylar tarixi davlat muzeyi, the State Museum of the History of the Timurids.

What to see

The first thing you notice is the blue dome, which resembles that of the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum in Samarkand. Inside you will find marble, columns, painted walls and decoration inspired by Eastern miniature art, plus a large crystal chandelier. The building follows medieval architectural traditions while meeting modern museum needs.

The collection holds more than 5,000 artefacts, with over 2,000 on display. Themes include Timur's genealogy, his rise to power, military campaigns, diplomacy and trade, crafts, city building, science and education. Exhibits include maps, weapons, copper and silver coins, miniatures, rare manuscripts, ceramics and jewellery. Highlights include a miniature-style panel telling the story of Timur's life and a copy of the Samarkand Kufic Quran, known as the Uthman Quran.

Visiting tips

The museum is in the city centre, so it fits easily into a day of sightseeing in Tashkent. The statue and park on Amir Timur Square next door are pleasant for a short walk. Opening hours, entry fees, photography rules and closing days can change, so check before you go.

If you plan to continue to Samarkand, visiting here first helps put places such as Gur-e-Amir and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque in context, as both appear in the exhibits. Allow at least a couple of hours for an unhurried visit.

Map

Places to see

Chorsu Bazaar Chorsu BazaarUnder its blue dome in the heart of Tashkent's old town, Chorsu Bazaar is a lively market where everything from vegetables to spices, nuts and bread is sold. It is a good stop for anyone who wants to see everyday city life and a distinctive piece of late Soviet modernist architecture.

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