In the heart of Uzbekistan, the legacy of Babur, akin to revered figures such as Amir Timur and Alisher Navoi, is celebrated with profound respect. Each year on February 14th, Uzbeks honor this esteemed ancestor with festivities marking his birth. Across the nation, Babur’s influence is immortalized in monuments, and his name graces the main thoroughfares and verdant spaces of numerous cities.
Andijan, Babur’s birthplace, pays homage to its son with the Babur Memorial Museum, set amidst the serene Babur Park on the slopes of Bogishamol Hill. It is here, as chronicled in the «Baburname,» that Babur envisioned a khujr—a place of solace and reflection. Though the original structure no longer stands, the «Baburname» recounts a quaint, intricately carved pavilion with an ayvan, perched atop the hill, offering a breathtaking panorama of Andijan.
The park itself forms a comprehensive architectural and historical ensemble. At its core lies the Babur House Museum, flanked by a symbolic cenotaph containing soil from Agra and Kabul—testaments to the far-reaching impact of this poet-king. The city further honors Babur with a statue, and his name is bestowed upon a university, a library, and a prominent avenue.
Within the museum’s walls, visitors encounter a vast array of artifacts that weave the narrative of Babur and the illustrious Mughal lineage. Manuscripts penned by Babur and his progeny, including his poetically gifted daughter Gulbadan Begum, are on display. Miniatures vividly portray the Baburids’ epoch, while diplomatic missives and gifts exchanged with Central Asian potentates illustrate the dynasty’s enduring connections. The museum also offers enlightening talks, inviting guests to delve deeper into the lives and legacies of Babur and his descendants.
Tours in Uzbekistan
