Khanate Court of the Timurid Empire

[Voshkod]

The Court of the Timurid Khanate

Nation: Timurid Empire
Head of State: Abu Sa'id Yesugai
Player: Voshkod
Religion: Sunni
Culture: Mongol, Afghani
Stats: 6/2/2(4)/3/7 --> [6/2/4/3/7]
Provinces: 19
Ports: 3
Owned: Samarkand, Bukhara, Elbruz, Meched, Khorasan, Herat, Tabaristan, Kerman, Birjand, Hormouz, Mekran, Iraq, Uzbek, Khiva, Khwarizm, Karabogaz, Turkmenistan, Kara Kum and Basrah
Annexations of Jerusalem, the Kaliphate +2 Technology

The Khan is receiving emissaries.​

 

[Voshkod]

The Gates of Samarkand

The Moor Abu Abdullah Ibn Battuta described Samarkand, seat of Timurid power, as "one of the largest and most perfectly beautiful cities in the world," and so it is. Rising from the banks of the Zarafshan River, it stands as a fairy tale place, enchanting and overpowering even the most jaded traveller. Even in this, its waning days, the power of the Timurids still shines, and the ghosts of Genghis Khan and Timur the Lame stalk the streets. Samarkand is a city of power and history.

The paths of Samarkand are lined with momuments of power and architectual fantasies. Each turn may reveal a broad garden of fountains and singing birds, a tomb of wonderous gold, a mosque reaching toward heaven, or a bustling marketplace. Oh, the markets of Samarkand. Here all can be found, from Europe or Asia, silks and spices, leather and silver, melons and rare fish, all things make their way to Samarkand. Samarkand is a city of wonders and wealth.

Knowledge remains a product of the great city. Khan Ulugh Beg founded a madrasah, a vast hall of teaching, and over its doors he inscribed words that would cause his death: "This portal is built to resemble Paradise. . . in it are teachers of the truths of the sciences useful to the religion, under the direction of the greatest of sultans. . . ." Ulugh Beg built an observatory here, to track the motions of the stars and planets. Samarkand is a city of knowledge and learning.

The name of Allah is praised in Samarkand. The Bibi Khanum mosque is the centerpiece of worship. As one wrote: "Its dome would have been unique had it not been for the heavens, and unique would have been its portal had it not been for the Milky Way." The Shah-i Zinda, a mausoleum complex built in honor of Mohammed's cousin Qusam ibn Abbas, who brought Islam to Samarkand, exudes reverence and holiness. Samarkand is a city of Allah and Mohammed.

The great empire is falling. First Iraq, now Persia, little revolts chewing at the edges of the fabric of Timur's legacy. A new Khan rises, young, untested. His future actions a mystery to all - perhaps even himself. For Samarkand is also a city of shadows in an empire in eclipse.

 

[Voshkod]

A History of the Timurids

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[Voshkod]

The Khan and his Court

Khan Abu Sa'id Yesugai, son of the Great Yesugai

Orqina, older sister of the Khan, with a Persian cast to her face

Chabi, younger sister of the Khan, whose Mongol heritage is plain

Khada, younger brother of the Khan, more Mongol than Arab

Borte, a common woman from near Kabul, and her daughter Toregene, both wards of the Khan

Abu Bekr, Grand Vizier, trusted advisor

Akhutai Shirun, Leader of the Mongol Horsemen

 

[Voshkod]

Foreign Emissaries and Treaties

From the Zayyanids, Mirza Mohammad-Reza

From Fez, Abdul-Halim

From the Abbasids, Al-Mutaz Billah Bajak

[1] The Zayyanid Caliphate agrees to give merchants of the al-Agta favored tariffs, not to exceed 10% of the cost of goods, on purchases of ivory, gold, and precious stones in the cities of Tlemcen, Oran, and Bejaia.

[2] The al-Agta Khanate agrees to give Zayyanid merchants favored tariffs, not to exceed 10% of the cost of goods, on purchases of cloth, timber, and other naval supplies in the port cities leading to Iraq.

[3] During times that the Zayyanids and the al-Agta are at war with a common enemy, no tariff exceeding 5% will be charged on any good exchanged between the two peoples.

The Timurid-Zayyanid Pact of Islamic Solidarity & Brotherhood

I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The spirit of this document, which is to build the signers' friendship, strength, and commerce, bringing prosperity to its people, and Islam, shall be held in good faith, witnessed by Allah and the Islamic world..

Trade
III. The Timurid Empire and the Zayyanid Caliphate shall allow portions of their Trade Quarters to warehouses and caravanassi to be held by merchants of the other nation.

IV. The co-signers shall allow each others' merchants safe passage, and quarter in each others' respective lands at all times; providing for their defense and any aid in the event of danger; including freedom from persecution based on nationality or faith, for citizens owing allegence to the respective co-signers.

V. In the markets held by the Timurid Empire and the Zayyanid Caliphate, the traders originating from these two nations shall have unfettered access to the rights of trade. A tariff of no more than 8% above local tariff on any good bought or sold, and no tariff of more than 4% shall be assesed on goods held or moved through the nations, shall be assesed.

On the Guardianship of Islam
VI. Whereas the Timurid Empire hold sway over all of Asia, and the Zayyanid Caliphate holds sway over the Maghrib, they have an essential duty to the health, wholeness and security of Islam. Though neither party is in nexus to the Holy Cities, their responsibility to their defense stands as does the truth of Mohammed's words. Should the Holy Cities of the Hedzaj come under assault though having acted peacably, the Zayyanid Caliphate and the Timurid Empire shall act to the best of their ability to defend the Holy Places and punish the aggressor.

VII. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Timurid Empire shall allow each others' troops passage through each others' respective lands.

VII. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Timurid Empire recognize the supremacy of Islam, and in the course of events, while acting together, they will do their best to ensure the freedom and propagation of said faith in making agreements with non-Islamic powers.

VIII. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Timurid Empire do hereby swear before the grace of Allah never to wage war upon each other and to observe the terms of this pact at all times, even if other pacts come into conflict with this supercedant pact.

 

[Voshkod]

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[Voshkod]

The Samarkand Observatory

Abu Sa'id, Khan of the Timurid Empire, heir of Genghis Khan and Timur the Lame, lay on his back on a soft carpet and stared at the stars. The heavens wheeled about him as scribes and functionaries created an almost wordless drone about him, writing by the light of shielded candles.

"An observation." The room fell silent as the Khan spoke in a calm voice. "My predecessor, Ulugh Beg, was a genius, and his son lives in Gehenna for killing him on the road to Mecca. Would that my life could be spent watching the moving and immovable stars." A long silence followed, broken only by the scratch of a quill on parchment, to record the Khan's words.

"But of course it cannot, great Khan," came the deep voice of Sa'id's Vizier, Abu Bekr al-Karkhi. "There are earthly concerns that you must address. This so-called Shah in Persia, to begin with."

The moving star Zuhal was begin to climb the vault of the skies. A star of bad omens and warfare. "Do you think, my Vizier, that would should strike him down and reclaim Persia?"

Abu Bekr lit a candle near the Khan. The sudden flare of light wiped the stars from the sky, reduced the Khan to furious blinking. In the candlelight, Abu Bekr looked the part of a djinn, long features casting strange shadows over his face. "I do, my Khan. When Iraq revolted, we did nothing. Then Persia revolted. If we do not act now, who will fall next?"

Abu Sa'id sat up. His own features were somewhat delicate and refined. His beard was short and neat, his eyes wide and deep. He leaned toward his Vizier and blew out the candle.

He lay back down. "An observation. The Koran says, 'Thus it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you; pardon them therefore and ask pardon for them, and take counsel with them in the affair; so when you have decided, then place your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves those who trust.' An order. We will send the Shah of Persia an envoy, we will invite him to Samarkand to speak with us." The quills scratched these words into parchment.

The Vizier grimaced in the darkness. "The Koran also commands us to 'cast into hell every ungrateful, rebellious one.' Too much mercy may be met with more rebellion, my Khan."

The Khan smiled and did not respond. al-'Atiq and her sisters stood prominent in the sky, and he gazed at them, at the smoke around them, as the world faded from his knowing. The dome of heaven turned above the Khan of the Timurids, and his Vizier, knowing that further discussion was fruitless, left to prepare an envoy.

 

[Blade!]

The Coming of Mirza Mohammad-Reza to the new Timurid Khan in March of 1453​

*A party of horsemen had riden from the Timurid capitol two weeks ago, they return with haste upon news of the heir acendant. Riding hard from the south-west, they return to the Zayyanid House in Smarkand before changing horses and riding to the court*

The Zayyanid Envoy, Mirza Mohammad-Reza held the fair looks of his Persian mother while also possesing the face of his Arab father, and stood on the ground as if unused to not being on his horse. He bore a thin scar across his cheek where a saber had missed extinguishing his life several years ago. He began his recitation of honorifics to the new heir to the Timurid Throne.

"My Lord Abu Sa'id, Agakhan, heir to Yesugai, Sultan of Samarkand, Shahanshah of Persia, Grandson of the famed Dsaluu Jambyn, Slaughter of Infidels, Great Khan of the Golden Horde and later Great Khan and founder of the Al-Agta Khanate, son of Ulugh Muhammad the Bagatur of the Golden Horde,the bane of Russians, Poles, Lithuans, Greeks, Turkomen, Arabs and Chinese... I am Mirza Mohammad-Reza, envoy of the Zayyanid Caliphate and its ever praiseworthy Sultan Akbe Mohammed, Head of the Zayyanid Caliphate, Emir-Elector of Almohid Morocco, Lord-Protector of the Maghrib, Crimea, and Al-Andalus, Sharif of Oran, Guardian of Western Civilization, Defender of the Reverend Mother, Victor of Thrace, Premiere of the Almohad Throne, and the Holy Almohad Empire.... I rode with the Timurid calvary in the final battles of the Uzbekistan subjugation.

My Sultan sends a gift to carry your noble presence..."

*Mirza claps two times, and a bearer arrives with two hooded falcons*

"I present... two fine falcons of hunting, bred by the Sultan himself... a mix of traditional Algerian Redtails and new Moldavian specimens of excellence he had recieved from that nation."

*Mirza bows deeply*

"My Sultan has tasked me with keeping up the relations of our realms... I am here to confirm that you will honor agreements previously held bu your predeccesors with Algeria and the Zayyanid Caliphate, and hope you see further benefit in continuing them. Previous clauses were as such:"

[1] The Zayyanid Caliphate agrees to give merchants of the al-Agta favored tariffs, not to exceed 10% of the cost of goods, on purchases of ivory, gold, and precious stones in the cities of Tlemcen, Oran, and Bejaia.

[2] The al-Agta Khanate agrees to give Zayyanid merchants favored tariffs, not to exceed 10% of the cost of goods, on purchases of cloth, timber, and other naval supplies in the port cities leading to Iraq.

[3] During times that the Zayyanids and the al-Agta are at war with a common enemy, no tariff exceeding 5% will be charged on any good exchanged between the two peoples.

"Additionally, my Lord would seek me to expand relations with your nation... the cooperation of our Alims and their work in Baghdad whilst on their quest has spread far and wide, having resulted in the Sunahia tracts and the liberation of Moslems in Drobudja, the Holy Lands, and the Balaric isles. Your great Silk Road..."

"... will be greatly served by further ties to the terminus of the world in the west, my Aghakhan.

I reside here in your city, to be at your service."

*Mizra bowed again*

 

[Voshkod]

Abu Sa'id Yesugai lifted the hood from one of the falcons. The bird blinked, looked about for a target and, finding none, remained on the Khan's forearm. The Khan gazed deeply into the falcon's eye, apparently lost in the moment. "Observation," he said quietly as the scribes picked up their quills, "the optics of a falcon's eye are worthy of further study as an example of skill of the great craftsman Allah. One of these birds will sacrifice his eyes for closer examination."

The Khan rehooded the bird and addressed the Zayyanid envoy. "I thank the Sultan Akbe Mohammed for sending such an august envoy as you, Mirza Mohammad-Reza. I have always had the greatest repect for the Sultan, for his refinement and education, and for his philosphical leanings. We will gladly sign this treaty. Regarding the Silk Road, there is now a vast gap between our lands and yours. The Persians and the Caliphate. I soon hope to have a port on the Middle Sea. When that is accomplished, we would welcome Zayyanid ships as a bridge that carry the riches of China to lands further west."

The Khan motioned for his Vizier, who approached bearing a large plate. "Please return this gift to your Sultan." The plate was of forged gold, the rim covered with alchemical and astronomical symbols, the center studded with an apparently random scattering of precious stones. "This piece models the sky the Prophet would have seen on his night journey to Mecca. I am pleased that you will be staying in Samarkand. You may remain at the palace or, if you prefer, I will have a house found for you."

 

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Abdul-Halim had traveled the long road from Egypt, resolute in his mission to secure the support of the nations of Islam against the infidel Castillians, but increasingly aware of the difficulty of his task.

He would return, if necessary, to kneel before the Calipah, and the House of Abbasid, but he feared it might be a lost cause.

Yet the Khanate of the Timurids, as unlikely as he would have thought it, might actually present a more likely benefactor.

The young emir knew little of this land, or its history, only what tales he had been told as a child, and what the viziers had quickly pressed upon him before his journey East.

The caravan paused outside the gates of Samarkand.

Upon reaching the gates, the young emir, advisor to Emir Elector Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Malikiand son of Sultan Abu-Mohammed Abdul-Haqq II, presented himself as the heir of the noble house of Fez and sought an audience with Lord Abu Sa'id, the Khan, and his concillors.

 

[Voshkod]

Abdul-Halim is brought before the Khan in the great observatory. There, beneath a vast hanging sextant, he found, surrounded by his court, the Khan, who was busy tending to a solar clock. The Khan turned slightly toward him. "Forgive the informality, son of Fez, and come forward to speak with me. I cannot turn from this instrument quite yet. It seems to be slightly off."

 

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Samarkand - Palace of the Khan of Timurlankh

The Egyptian feared backslash by the Timurids, as his masters were revolters from this mongol empire, but perhaps things have cooled down already.

"Assalam Alekum my lord, I hail from the Abbasid Caliphate, oh Khan of Khans, I carry the greetings of Calipah Hakim bin Kamal Al-Abbaci, lord of Egypt.He wishes friendship and understanding between our two powers, and he has sent these astronomical manuscripts as gifts. May they please you my lord.If you accept this gesture of friendship, then I shall speak " The Egyptian grew silent, awaiting the Khans approval.

 

[Voshkod]

The Egyptian was seen by the Khan in the madrasah of Ulugh Beg, where the Khan was examining the optics of a falcon. The Vizier took the astronomical manuscripts. The envoy could see that the Khan wanted to tear into the books first, but he instead sat.

"Please sit, envoy of Egypt." The envoy was given wine and fruit. "I thank your Caliph for these gifts, whose value I am certain will be great. I will listen to your piece, though I am much angered by the fact that your Caliph has entered into agreements with the rebel Shah of Persia. It is not meet or just for a sovereign to meet with rebels. Say your piece."

 

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Samarkand - Palace of the Khan of Timurlankh

The envoy passed the wine away politly, the puritan Sunnah followed by the Abbasid Caliphate has held sway over most Egyptians.He was also shocked, the image of a "barbarian" has been replaced by an astronomical genius.
"My lord, the Calipah, signed a "border" treaty with the rebels. Also you must forgive the Caliphate, for it was not so long ago that the mongols burned Baghdad and it was just recently that the Arabs have gained their freedom.He asks forgiveness for such transgressions, and humbly bows down to your power.Persia, or the rebels, are perhaps best left aside for the moment, as the Caliphate has ventures with your empire.
As you know my lord, your massive empire is a beacon of trade, and much of the Silk Road lies in your lands.Egyptian merchants cant help but gawk at the wealth overflowing from your lands.It is also my belief, that the Timurlankh empire has much aspiration to gain the Western Markets.Alexandria is perhaps the best port for your goods.A trade agrement would be much obliged. Another matter is an exchange in scholarary works.Alas my lord, many of the libraries of Persia have been desecrated by the hordes of the Great Khan, and many men of wisdom wish to look through the last surviving ones. In exchange for that , we shall copy many of our astronomical books and send them for your pleasure. Have you seen the Calipah's Golden Astronomy clock?all the seven planets striked in the exact locations.The diameters of Cairo, the books of Abas bin Firnas and much much more that would quench your love for science. The Caliphate sees you as a friend my lord, do you share that sentiment?
Another matter I wish to share with you my lord, is the city of Basrah.As you know, the area of situated between the Caliphate and two massive shia states.Forgive my audacity, but the shia might try to capture that city.The Caliphate wishes to purchase it for a just sum of your pleasure"

 

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Shah Jonayd Safavid arives at the capital of the Empire at the head of a small envoy. Accompying him is the less then happy Timurid ambassador. Finally they reach the gates of the Khans residence, and are let in to recieve an audience with him. The Shah approached the Khan with confidence and the men in his party bowed to the Khan to pay respect.

"I have come here per your wishes to listen to your words, and hopefully sort out our differences."​

 

[Voshkod]

The Khan looked up from the falcon's eye at the Egyptian envoy. "I hope to travel to Egypt to see the Calipah's great clock. I would bring my own data on the fixed and moving stars. I think that if there are any differences between my clock and his clock, it might show us how far away the stars are!" His eyes were alight with excitement. The Vizier coughed.

The Khan smiled, somewhat embarassed. "Forgive me, I get overly excited by some things my Vizier thinks are not relevant to rulership. First, I hold no grudge against the Calipah for his agreement with Persia. It was a sensible move on his part. Regarding trade, and Basrah, we will speak soon. I have been told that the Shah of Persia has arrived to meet with me. After he and I have spoken, I will call you. You may stay in the palace, or I will find you a house nearby." He returned to the bird's eye.

 

[Voshkod]

The Shah of Persia was admitted to the throne room of the Timurid Khans. The room was vast and filled with shadows of Khanate history. Heavily armed and armored mongols lined the walls. Drums began to pound as the Shah stepped forward. At the far end of the room, bracketed by flaming braziers, sat the Khan. A young man of delicate features, a mix of Arab and Mongol, and an exquisite crown topped his brow.

The mongol guards scowled at the Shah when he failed to bow. The pounding of the drums increased. A darker man stepped forward out of the shadows, glaring at the Shah, and whispered something in the Khan's ear. The Khan shook his head with a smile, and then stood.

"Enough." His voice carried across the room. The drums stopped. "Begone with all of you. The Shah and I will speak alone." The guards motioned to the Shah's men, the Vizier stepped back behind a tapestry, and soon the Shah and the Khan were alone in the throne room.

With a sigh, the Khan removed his crown and placed it on the throne, then shrugged off his robe. "I have put on the show they expect of me," he said to no one in particular. Then, to the Shah: "I am Abu Sa'id Yesugai. I thank you for coming to Samarkand, Jonayd Safavid, and I know the journey is long. Would you take some food and drink? Do you drink wine?"

 

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Abdul-Halim had to question his fortune, arriving moments before so many other important diplomats and statesmen. While the Khan gave audience to the Shah and the delegate from Egypt, he bided his time and waited.......









When at last the men of far greater station had concluded their talks, the young emir presented his case to the Khan:


"Salam Alekum! Lord Abu Sa'id, Khan of the Timurid Empire, I bring you and your councillors greetings from the far away land of Fez.

I am the son of the former Sultan Abu-Mohammed Abdul Haqq II, and now serve the regent Emir Elector Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki of Fez. In his name I bring you this caravan of goods from below the Sahara, from the secret lands of the Songhai and Mali.

Though our nations are separated by leagues upon leagues, we share a common heritage in our devotion to Islam, and in the name of this bond I am here to humbly request your aid in fulfilling a most holy of mission in the name of Allah: the restoration of An-Andalus to the people of Islam!

The Almohads are at war with Castille. The threat posed by the Iberians to Fez is real, but Europe is in divided. Rather than hide in our homes and wait for the enemy to burn our fields and storm the walls of our cities, we are taking the fight to them. The advances we have made through our University have produced vast improvements in our artillery and our siege equipment.

We can turn back the threat from Castille and Leon, and we can take the fight to their soil, winning back what was taken from our people so many years ago!

They cannot stand together against us, if we can unite the many estranged brothers of Islam, at least for the moment presented to us, and seize this opportunity. The restoration of Al-Andalus is beyond the differences that keep all followers of Allah apart.

We are fighting only to right the wrongs of history, and secure justice for the people of Al-Andalus. We need our brothers to come to our aid. We need the call of jihad. We need arms, we need men, we need ships, we need food, supplies, and funds.

The might of the Timurids is unrivalled. Your soldiers, our brothers, fighting beside us would secure victory. However, Fez is far from your borders and the situation with the Persians may require your armies to remain at home.
Should in your wisdom, the call for men to fight in this holy cause be not justified, your aid in these efforts, financially or otherwise, would be most beneficial.

Through your support, Great Khan, our warriors may be armed, equipped, and fed. Through your example, others may join us. But for the premature deaths of your ancestors, Europe might have once been brought under the rule of the Mongol Urdus. Your names are still feared in the western lands. Whatever you can graciously lend to this effort, will be taken as a blessing of Allah, and we will be forever in your debt.

Praise be to Allah and blessings to you, Great Khan of the Timurids. I shall await and respect your judgement."

 

[Voshkod]

The Khan saw the envoy from Fez over dinner that night in the Khan's chambers. "Forgive me, Abdul-Halim of Fez, for making you wait for so long. I hope the informality of this setting is not taken to be insulting. More stew?" The Khan dipped the ladle into the pot of thick, spicy stew, laden with sheep and onions.

"I am honored that our lands are considered to vital to the interest of Fez that the heir himself would travel over the many leagues that divide us. And I would not want to see you return to your lands with empty hands." Abu Sa'id sipped some wine. "But the affairs of al-Andalus are not only distant but largely foreign to me. Tell me, please, why do you fight the Christians? For control of Jerusalem, or for al-Andalus? And do the people in those distant lands wish your war for them, or are they content under their Christian rulers?"