The Heirs of Mirzo Ulugbek
KDPI Faculty of Philology and Social Sciences
Uzbek Language and Literature Department
1st-year student: Sevara Abduxalilova
Email: abduxalilovasevara007@gmail.com
Abstract: This article discusses the life, scientific activities and great contribution of the great astronomer and statesman Mirzo Ulugbek to the development of science. His interest in science from a young age, the establishment of the Ulugbek Observatory, his research in astronomy and mathematics, and the history of the creation of the famous work „Ziji-i Koragani“are analyzed. Information is also provided about Ulugbek’s contribution to the development of science, his students and scientific school. The article considers the fact that the scientific heritage of the great scientist still retains its significance today.
Keywords: Mirzo Ulugbek, astronomy, mathematics, observatory, Samarkand, science, „Ziji-i Koragani“, Timurid era, scientific heritage.
The great scholar and statesman Mirzo Ulugʻbek (full name Muhammad Taraghay Ulugbek) was born on March 22, 1394, in the city of Sultaniya. He was the grandson of the great commander Amir Temur and the son of Shah Rukh Mirza. From an early age, he showed great interest in science, especially mathematics and astronomy. From childhood, he was respectfully called “Ulugbek,” and later he became famous under this name. Literacy, as well as the basics of religious and secular sciences, were not unfamiliar to young Muhammad Taraghay. He was a great astronomer and mathematician and had memorized the Holy Qur’an. Although his mother was Gawharshad Begum, he was raised in the court of Temur. According to tradition, the young prince was entrusted to the upbringing of Saroymulk Khanum, the chief wife of Sahibqiran.
Although not much historical information has been preserved about Ulugbek’s family and personal life, it is known that he was married and had children. His family was formed in accordance with the traditions of the Timurid dynasty to strengthen political and kinship ties. His wives held an important place in palace life; although they did not directly participate in state affairs, they were active in the cultural and social life of the court. Among his children, the most famous was his son Abdulatif Mirza. Unfortunately, the tragic end of Ulugbek’s life is connected with this very son. As a result of struggles for the throne, Abdulatif rebelled against his father and caused his death in 1449.
Speaking about his scientific activity and legacy, when his father Shah Rukh Mirza appointed Herat as the capital of the state, sixteen-year-old Ulugbek became the ruler of Samarkand in 1409, and in 1411 he became the independent ruler of Movarounnahr. Mirzo Ulugbek created the largest scientific school of his time. Many famous scholars gathered around him, such as the mathematician and astronomer Qazi Zada al-Rumi, the astronomer Ghiyath al-Din Jamshid Kashani, and the scholar Ali Qushchi, who conducted research at Ulugbek’s observatory.
Ulugbek’s scientific works made a great contribution to the development of astronomy and mathematics. He is famous in the scientific world as a great astronomer. His greatest achievement in this field is the astronomical table known as Ziji-i Ko‘ragoniy. This work served as an important reference for astronomers around the world for centuries. Ulugbek was also interested in medicine and music and wrote poetry. In Alisher Navoi’s work “Majolis un-nafois,” examples of his poems are presented. Four works of the scholar have survived:
- “Ziji-i Ko‘ragoniy” — on astronomy;
- “A Treatise on Determining the Sine of One Degree” — on mathematics;
- “Risola-yi Ulugbek” — dedicated to stars;
- “Tarixi arba ulus” (History of the Four Nations) — on history.
Mirzo Ulugbek was not only an astronomer and mathematician but also engaged in architecture. Thanks to his architectural activities, Samarkand flourished. He turned it into a center of science and culture. On his initiative, the famous Ulugbek Observatory was built in Samarkand. This observatory became one of the largest scientific centers of its time, where many scholars worked. In his famous work “Ziji-i Ko‘ragoniy,” the precise coordinates of more than a thousand stars were presented. Later, this work was widely used by European astronomers.
By his decree, madrasas were built in Bukhara in 1417, in Samarkand in 1420, and in Gijduvan in 1433. Charitable institutions were established in the city of Marv. Construction of architectural monuments such as the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Gur-e-Amir, and Shah-i-Zinda was completed. Ulugbek also built caravanserais, markets, domed bazaars, and bathhouses. The Ulugbek Observatory, constructed in 1428–1429 on Kuhak Hill, is one of the finest examples of 15th-century architecture in Samarkand. During his reign, many works were translated from Arabic and Persian into Old Uzbek. His rich library contained more than 15,000 books.
The scientific legacy and historical significance of Mirzo Ulugbek are widely reflected not only in historical sources but also in literary works. One such work is the novel Ulugʻbek xazinasi by Odil Yoqubov. This historical-artistic novel depicts the life, scientific activity, and tragic fate of the great scholar and ruler. Although based on historical facts, the author presents a creative interpretation. The novel highlights Ulugbek’s boundless love for science, his qualities as a just ruler, and the complex political struggles of his time.
At the center of the novel lies Ulugbek’s scientific treasure—not gold or wealth, but his scientific works, astronomical observations, and scholarly school. In particular, his famous work “Ziji-i Ko‘ragoniy” is shown as a great contribution to world astronomy. The novel also portrays the political conflicts of his time. As a ruler devoted to science, he could not reconcile with certain forces and ultimately faced a tragic fate. Through this, the author artistically depicts the struggle between knowledge and ignorance. The main idea of the work is that science is humanity’s greatest treasure, and the legacy of great scholars is an invaluable heritage for future generations. Thus, “Ulugbek’s Treasure” emphasizes that the true treasure is not material wealth, but knowledge and enlightenment. We, in turn, are the heirs of Ulugbek’s treasure!
The name of Mirzo Ulugbek is forever engraved in history as a great scholar, wise ruler, and patron of science. His life and work demonstrate that true heritage is not material wealth but knowledge, intellect, and enlightenment. The scientific school he founded, the works he created, and the institutions he built still play an important role in the development of human thought. Only the younger generation who choose the path of science and strive to develop knowledge and intellect can continue the legacy of great ancestors and achieve new scientific discoveries in the future. Ulugbek’s scientific activity serves as an inspiring historical example, encouraging youth to pursue knowledge, research, and critical thinking. His contributions to science remain a powerful source of inspiration. Therefore, studying and promoting Ulugbek’s legacy is an important task for all of us. In conclusion, the true treasure is not material wealth, but knowledge and enlightenment.
References:
- Ahmad Donish. Historical works. — Tashkent: Fan Publishing.
- Aziz Qayumov. Mirzo Ulugbek. — Tashkent: O‘qituvchi Publishing.
- Boriboy Ahmedov. History of Amir Temur and the Timurid Era. — Tashkent: Uzbekistan.
- Sadriddin Ayni. Historical works. — Tashkent: Fan.
- “Ulugbek’s Treasure.” — Tashkent: Sharq Publishing.