Zafarnama (Yazdi biography)
The Zafarnama is a panegyric book written by Sharaf al-Din Ali Yazdi approximately two decades after the death of its main subject, Timur, the Turco-Mongol conqueror. It was commissioned by Ibrahim Sultan, Timur's grandson between 1424–28, and remains one of the best-known sources of Timur's life. The text was written using the notes taken by royal scribes and secretaries of Timur, suggesting that the history of the book was based on a careful and desired selection of facts.
Timur granting audience on the occasion of his accession, from the Garrett Zafarnama
"Conquest of Baghdad by Timur", from Ibrahim Sultan's copy, 1435–1436
Conquest of Baghdad, Shiraz, 1435–1436, Ibrahim Sultan's copy
Timur's celebration of the conquest of Delhi in 1396, 1436 copy of the Zafarnama.
Timur, also known as Tamerlane, was a Turco-Mongol conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire in and around modern-day Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia, becoming the first ruler of the Timurid dynasty. An undefeated commander, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest military leaders and tacticians in history, as well as one of the most brutal and deadly. Timur is also considered a great patron of art and architecture as he interacted with intellectuals such as Ibn Khaldun, Hafez, and Hafiz-i Abru and his reign introduced the Timurid Renaissance.
Timur facial reconstruction from skull, by Mikhail Mikhaylovich Gerasimov
Depiction of Timur granting audience on the occasion of his accession, in the near-contemporary Zafarnama (1424–1428), 1467 edition
Timur commanding the Siege of Balkh
Timur enthroned at Balkh
