The Mud Battle and Its Consequences
Student of Denov Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy
Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso
Abstract
This article provides information about the Mud Battle (Loy Jangi). It primarily discusses the sides involved in the battle, the sequence of events, and the circumstances that led to the defeat of Amir Temur and Amir Husayn. According to historical sources, Ilyos Khoja, realizing that he could not win in a fair fight, used a yada stone with the assistance of shamans to summon a powerful rainstorm that transformed the battlefield into a swamp.
As a result, the forces of Temur and Husayn became trapped in deep mud; their weapons, clothing, and horses grew heavy with moisture, greatly limiting mobility. Although the Mongol victory resulted from this stratagem, Temur’s strategic miscalculations—particularly his inability to coordinate with Husayn—also contributed to the defeat. Historically, this battle is regarded as the only defeat of Amir Temur, occurring during the early stage of his military career. He later overcame this setback by defeating Ilyos Khoja and strengthening his power. The Mud Battle serves as an important example demonstrating the influence of natural conditions and military tactics in the warfare of Central Asia.
Keywords: Movarounnahr, Jete, Amir Husayn, Chinoz, Ilyos Khoja, Tashkent, right wing
Introduction
In the mid-14th century, Movarounnahr lacked a unified central authority and the region had fragmented into small feudal domains. The renowned historian of the Timurid era, Khofizi Abru, vividly describes this situation in his Zubdat at-Tavorikh: various amirs controlled different territories, and constant internal conflicts created instability across the region.
Taking advantage of this turmoil, the Khan of Moghulistan, Tug‘luq Temur, invaded Movarounnahr in 1360 and swiftly conquered it. The governor of Kesh fled to Khorasan, while Amir Temur, seeking to protect his homeland from plunder, pledged allegiance to Tug‘luq Temur. The khan accepted him favorably and appointed him governor of Kesh and its neighboring territories.
Over the following decade, Amir Temur gradually strengthened his political influence through personal bravery and diplomatic skill. He maintained peaceful relations with influential leaders such as Amir Husayn, the rulers of Moghulistan, and even the governor of Herat.
Main Part
The Mud Battle (Loy Jangi)
According to Nizamiddin Shami’s Zafarnama, the battle took place on 16 June 1365 (Sharafiddin Ali Yazdi dates it to 22 May 1365). The united armies of Amir Temur and Amir Husayn marched against Ilyos Khoja, the Khan of Jete. Although Temur and Husayn had numerical superiority, Ilyos Khoja resorted to an extraordinary stratagem.
Beginning of the Battle
Temur and Husayn deployed their forces along the Chirchiq River between Tashkent and Chinoz. Their army was arranged with strong commanders leading each flank and center. Ilyos Khoja approached from the direction of Konibodom with a large force.
Realizing he would not prevail in open combat, Ilyos Khoja turned to the yadachi—shamans skilled in weather manipulation. With the yada stone, believed in ancient Mongol and Turkic tradition to summon rain or storms, they called forth a torrential downpour. This caused the battlefield to turn rapidly into deep mud.
Shami writes:
“The field became so muddy that neither horsemen nor infantry could move. Their clothes and weapons became soaked and unbearably heavy.”
Outcome of the Battle
The unified army of Temur and Husayn became separated due to the mud. Confusion spread; many soldiers lost mobility, and horses sank into the mire. Ilyos Khoja’s troops, protected from the rain with felt coverings, reorganized themselves and launched a powerful counterattack.
More than 10,000 soldiers were lost, forcing Temur and Husayn to retreat toward Kesh (Shahrisabz). Although Temur displayed great bravery and even managed to break several enemy lines, the conditions of nature and the lack of coordination with Husayn resulted in defeat.
Historical Significance
Shami characterizes the battle as a “difficult trial” for Temur. Yazdi similarly emphasizes that the event served as an early lesson that shaped Temur’s later military brilliance. The battle also marked one of the first serious rifts between Temur and Husayn, contributing to their eventual political separation.
After this victory, Ilyos Khoja captured Khujand and Jizzakh and advanced toward Samarkand. Although there was no large army in the city, the people defended Samarkand fiercely. This uprising later became known as the Sarbador Movement, a prominent event in Central Asian resistance history.
Conclusion
The Mud Battle highlights both the influence of natural forces (rain and mud) and strategic decisions (Temur’s conflict with his ally Husayn) on the outcome of medieval wars. Despite this defeat, Temur learned from the experience, eventually overcoming Ilyos Khoja and establishing a strong empire. Historical sources such as Nizamiddin Shami’s and Sharafiddin Ali Yazdi’s Zafarnama provide important insights into this event. The battle of 1365, fought near Tashkent, remains significant not only for its military aspects but also for its political and social implications, influencing regional power dynamics and governance.
References
Omonullo Bo‘riev. Temuriylar davri yozma manbalarida Markaziy Osiyo. Tashkent, 1997.
Sharafiddin Ali Yazdi. Zafarnama. Tashkent, 1994.
Nizamiddin Shami. Zafarnama. Tashkent, 1996.
Dadaboyev H. Amir Temurning harbiy mahorati. Tashkent, 1996.
History of Moghulistan — Academic publications of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
“Jangi Loy” — Encyclopedic sources and historical accounts.
Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso was born on May 22, 2006, in Denov district, Surxondaryo region. She is currently a second-year student at the Faculty of History, Denov Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy.