The Status of Women in The Uzbek State (Life and Activities of Saraymulk Khanum)

Abstract

Saraymulk Khanum can be considered one of the figures and women who are known both in the history of Uzbek statehood and the globe. She became the most reliable support of her husband being beloved wife and as the chief princess of the great ruler Amir Temur.

The head Spanish embassy delegation, Rui González de Clavijo, who was in Samarkand as an ambassador in 1404, saw her at one of the official events and he left his impressions of her appearance and power in his famous memoirs.

Saraymulk Khanum had a special role in the upbringing and education of Timurid princes and princesses. It can be said that she managed this well-thought-out system. For example, Saraymulk Khanum took the responsibility of the education of Ulughbek, who later became a great astronomer and mathematician, the author of “Zij”, in which 1018 stars’ coordinates were recorded as a result of his long-term observations in the observatory he built near Samarkand.

Saraymulk Khanum was one of the only persons who had the opportunity to write to Amir Temur on this or that issue, despite having no right to directly participate in the work of the Kurultai and council related to state and country governance. There is enough evidence that the most important members of the administration chose her as a mediator in solving any problem, and the chief queen really performed such a task with confidence.

Saraymulk Khanum was also known as a patron of science and culture. There were built many social buildings in Samarkand with her efforts. Many young people got higher education in madrasas.

After the death of Amir Temur, his grandson Khalil Sultan, who ascended to the throne of Samarkand against Temur’s will, poisoned Saraymulk Khanum in 1408 under the influence his wife Shadmulk Agha.