Pakistan has a deep-rooted connection with the land of great cities Bukhara, Tashkent, Samarkand in Uzbekistan. If we wonder in history, then we would know that how the significant rulers, warriors, and scholars had been changing geographical borders for centuries. A piece of land had been part of many empires and had witnessed numerous dynasties. That is why today many countries even situated far away share the same history at any point. There are similarities in the religious, social, and cultural history in many countries that bind the hearts of two nations even they are very far from each other. Here we’ll talk about the close bonding and history sharing facts of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan is about 1300 km far from Pakistan with Afghanistan the only country in between. Uzbekistan is a country with 93% Muslims in it. Its capital is Tashkent which is the largest city in the country. Uzbekistan was part of the ancient Iranian civilization Transoxania. After then several dynasties flourished in this region including Chugtai Khan(second son of Changaiz Khan) and Timurid Empire.It raised the famous cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva. Russia took over the area in the beginning of 19th century. Uzbekstan got independence from Russia in 1991.
Uzbekistan is situated at the heart of the famous historic Silk Road (a network of trade routes connecting west and east from the second century BC to the 14th century). The cities got rich in the period benefitting the heavy trade from the Silk Road. These cities had much to offer for the tourists and to Pakistanis. These cities cradled the golden age of Islam by fabricating the best Muslim scholars and top scientists. Many Pakistanis must know the Uzbek influential personalities that had rooted great effect on Pakistan. Let's discuss one by one:
Muhammad Al Bukhari- Imam Bukhara
One of four Imams, Imam Bukhari was born in Bukhara, Uzbekistan in 810 CE. He compiled the most authentic hadith book Sahih Al Bukhari that Sunni Muslims refer from all over the world. He died in Samarkand and his tomb is in Khartank Samarkand, Uzbekistan. A lot of Pakistani tourists visit Uzbekistan also visits the mausoleum of Imam Bukhari. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Imran Khan also visited Imam Bukhari mosulueum during their visit to Uzbekistan.
Pakistani Prime Minister at the Shrine of great Islamic personality Imam Bukhari in SAMARKAND.
Imam Al Tarmizi
Born in 824, Imam Al Tarmizi is also well known Muslim Scholar who compiled Hadith as Jami Al-Tirmidhi. He was also from Tirmiz, a city in Uzbekistan.
Al-Beruni
Many of us know Al-Beruni as a capable Muslim scientist, philosopher, and historian who laid the base of modern scientific subjects of Physic, astronomy, and Math. He was also born and researched in Khwarizm, Uzbekistan. He died in Ghazni, modern-day Afghanistan.
Ibn e Sina
The world knows about the first significant physician in history Ibn e Sina as Avesinna. Ibn e Sina was also born and researched in the city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, and died in Hamadan, modern-day Iran.
The above are a few of popular Muslim Scholars and scientist
that are also well known and well respected in Pakistan.
Do you know that the most connected geographical history of Uzbekistan and Pakistan is the first Mughal Ruler Babur? Babur also came from Samarkand Uzbekistan formed Mughal Empire. Timur also approached the areas of Pakistan from SAMARKAND. Let us tell you about Samarkand:
SAMARKAND
SAMARKAND was situated on the silk road and famous for its museums, and great fortifications. It was the greatest city in the world at the beginning of 1the 5th Century.
Here are glimpses of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to SAMARKAND that were shared on his official Twitter account.
Zahirdun Din Babur
The Great Mughal Empire that ruled the subcontinent for more than three centuries was formed by a warrior, Babur, who was a grand grandson of Timur, the ruler of the Timurid Empire. How and when Timur and Babur approached the areas in Pakistan and laid the foundations of the great Mughal Empire. Let’s see
Timur in the areas in Pakistan and India
Timur was born in Kesh, Uzbekistan, and died in Kazakstan, and was buried in Samarkand Uzbekistan. Born in 1336, Timur also known as تیمورلنگ in Pakistan as he was lame by birth from the right side. His empire was extended till modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, and other parts of Central Asia. Timur approached India four times. In 1398, he attacked northern India and captured Delhi after defeating the last Tughluq ruler Sultan Nasir u din Tughluq. Allama Iqbal, the national poet of Pakistan, also wrote the poem Dream of Taimur to honor the great warrior of time. His burial place in Samarkand Gur e Amir is a popular tourist attraction. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran visits Gur e, Amir, during his visit to Uzbekistan.
Babar, the founder of the Mughal Empire
Born in 1483, Zahirudin
Muhammad Babar was the founder of the Mughal dynasty and the first rule of the great
Mughal Empire. Babar was born in Uzbekistan. He was died in Agra, India, and
buried in Kabul, Afghanistan. After getting lost in the cities of Samarkand and
Fergana, Babar looked towards Kabul and conquered it in 1504. It was the time
when Babar was regaining control in northern India when Daulat Khan Lodhi wrote
him for aid against Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi of Lahore. He thought that Babar
will support him and go back as per the previous invaders from western borders.
Babar forces met with Ibrahim Lodhi at Panipat, Haryana, India in 1526. He defeated
Ibrahim Lodhi and also captured Delhi and Agra. It was the end of the Delhi
sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire. Babur’s son Humayun succeeded him and
then the throne was taken by Akbar, one of the great Mughal emperors. The Mughal
sultanate was ended in 1857 at the hands of the British Empire.
Babar was not a great
warrior but a notable poet and writer. He is known as a national hero in
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. He wrote many poems and a book Baburnama. The book was
translated into Persian during the reign of his grandson King Akbar.
Pakistan’s cruise missile is named after Babur.
Modern-day
relation of Uzbekistan and Pakistan
Uzbekistan is a new study destination to get medical and other higher education degrees. The University of Uzbekistan has an Urdu department. There are many trade agreements between both countries. There is a plan of the train that will drive between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Tourist attraction in Uzbekistan
Khast-from Complex where world-famous mouse Quran of Caliph Uthman has been preserved
Imam Bukhari Complex
Gur e Amir
And much more to explore.
Anyone who loves Islamic history, and good literature knows about the great history of Uzbekistan like Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. It's not of wonder if he says that he knows much of Uzbek history than Uzbek people.