Amir Timur

If you’re anything like me, unless you’ve been to Central Asia, there’s a good chance you don’t know too much about Amir Timur (also known as Tamerlane or if you’re prone to mishearing words, Timberland).

Rather than retell the history of Amir Timur, which is definitely worth a read, I’ll stop at a photo and a few words.

The man is revered in all of Central Asia, most of the amazing medressas, mosques and mausoleums were built in his time. It’s said that after his troops would conquer a city, he’d send in builders to repair it. His wars were with governments, not their people.

The reason Amon Xona (near Boysun) is so popular with Uzbek tourists is because Timur once stopped his tired armies for a drink there. The following morning they felt refreshed as if born anew. He couldn’t understand why, until he had another drink of the water and realised it’s powers.

It’s said that WWII broke out as a result of opening Timur’s Tomb. Timur saved Europe from being conquered by the Ottoman empire.

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