Sayyid Baraka

Sayyid Baraka
Born1343
Died1403 (aged 59–60)
OccupationsHoly man of Tirmidh, Fief of Andkhoy
Known forMongol spiritual teacher to Timur

Sayyid Baraka (1343–1403) was a holy man of the commercial city of Tirmidh, and spiritual teacher and friend to the 14th century Central Asian conqueror Timur.[1] Timur is buried facing Baraka in the same tomb.

Meeting Timur

In 1370 Timur was traversing a mountain pass known as the Iron Gate south of the Qashqadaryo (river), where he encountered Sayyid Baraka, a Meccan who claimed descent from Muhammad. Baraka presented Timur with a banner and a large drum, symbols associated with rulership, and predicted his future success. Timur publicized these predictions and brought Baraka into his court along with other influential religious figures in Mawarannahr.[2]

Later life

Baraka subsequently served as Timur's spiritual adviser and remained closely associated with him throughout his life.[2]

Baraka was a fief of Andkhoy in Afghanistan, a town given to him by Timur.[3]

Timur is buried facing Baraka in the same mausoleum,[1] Gur-e Amir, at Samarkand.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b Vasilij Vladimirovič Bartold (1962). Four studies on the history of Central Asia, Volume 1. E.J. Brill. p. 19. ASIN B0007ISQB0.
  2. ^ a b Luz Rodríguez. "The Zafarnāmeh by the Persian historian Sharaf al-Dīn 'Ali Yazdī" (PDF). p. 13 – via Hilda Hokhmam. Tamerlane the Conqueror. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1962. p. 49.
  3. ^ V.V. Barthold (1956). Four Studies on Central Asia. E.J. Brill archives. p. 59.
  4. ^ Donovan Webster, Spencer Wells (2010). Meeting the Family: One Man's Journey Through His Human Ancestry. National Geographic Society. p. 208. ISBN 978-1-4262-0573-6.