When I reached my twenty-fifth year, Tugleck Timūr Khān, the descendant
of Jengyz Khān, who was absolute Sovereign of the _Desht Jitteh_,
advanced towards Maveralnaher with the intention of subduing it, and
encamped on the banks of the Khujend river, from whence he sent me an
Imperial edict to summon all the chiefs to his presence.[49]
[Sidenote: A. D. 1360.]
Hajy Berlās being much frightened, consulted me what we should do in
regard to opposing Tugleck Timūr. I said, “it is advisable that we
should wait on him in person, but let us send our tribes and hordes to
the south side of the Jihūn, towards Khurasān, that after he has entered
Maveralnaher we shall see whether he intends to remain; if he stops
there, he will then lay the province waste; but if he does not intend
keeping possession, we will attend his court.” After much argument it
was at length agreed that I should wait on Tugleck Timūr with my own
people, and, by my ingenuity, endeavour to preserve the country from
being plundered, because “policy is often superior to the sword.” It was
also determined that Hajy Berlās should proceed towards Khurasān with
the Tribes and Clans, whilst I remained behind to protect, if possible,
the country; but, if not, to follow him.
In consequence of this determination, I gave the blessing to Hajy
Berlās, and sent him off with all the tribes and hordes, but escorted
them two or three day’s journey; after which I returned alone, and took
up my residence at Kesh.
Amyr Bayezy having explained the order to his Tribe, marched with them
to meet Tugleck Timūr.
At this time my Father Teragay was taken very ill: and, in order to
attend on him, I was obliged to postpone my visit to Tugleck Timūr; but
when the decreed hour had arrived, my honoured parent resigned his life,
and bade adieu to the world. I buried him in an honourable manner in the
vicinity of Kesh, the burying ground of the Holy men (Aulia). After this
event all the principal inhabitants of Maveralnaher waited on me, and by
agreement said, “We are twelve thousand Cavaliers, we wish you to accept
the Sovereignty: and if you permit, we will read the _Khutbēh_ in your
name, for it is written in the ‘_Rules of Government_,’ that whoever has
twelve thousand Cavaliers true and faithful to him, should he not raise
the Standard of Royalty, ought to be reckoned inglorious.” As I knew
that this proposal of theirs proceeded entirely from fear, (of Tugleck)
and that no dependence is to be placed on stipendiaries or needy
followers, till tried by experience, I merely contented myself by
assuring them there was no danger, and consequently no necessity for
this imprudent measure.
At this time I received a second summons from Tugleck Timūr, I therefore
explained to the chiefs and principal persons of Maveralnaher, that the
coming of Tugleck Timūr was an unexpected calamity, and it would be
better, as the Jetes are noted for avarice, to satiate them by presents,
and induce them to refrain from murder and rapine.[50]
Soon after this, the first division of the Jetes, commanded by Mahmūd
Yusury, entered Maveralnaher in great force, with the intention of
plundering and laying waste the country, and encamped at Heraz, I
therefore assembled my own people, and taking with me the principal
personages, and a number of curiosities and valuable presents, I
proceeded towards the Jete army.
When I arrived at Heraz, I met the general Mahmūd Yusury, and we
embraced on horseback; we then proceeded to his tent, where he
entertained me; after dinner I presented him a number of valuable
articles, and requested that he would halt where he was, while I should
proceed to the next division of the army, and visit the other officers;
I accordingly marched forward to the _Heravul_, and in the plains of
Keshem, I waited on the Commander in Chief (Amyr al Omrā) and other
Generals; they all came forward to meet me, and received me in the most
gracious manner, and praised me exceedingly; I deceived them also by
rich presents, and prevailed on them to halt in the desert till I should
have paid my respects to the Khān.
The three generals agreed to my request, considered my visit as an
auspicious omen, and wrote in my favour to their master.
At length I paid my respects to Tugleck Timūr, while encamped on the
banks of the Khujend, and the chiefs of the tribes and principal persons
of the country had the honour of saluting him, (Kūrnish) and of making
him their numerous offerings. When the Khān was informed that the
generals of the advanced divisions had taken valuable presents from the
inhabitants of Maveralnaher, he was incensed, and ordered all the
presents to be confiscated, and deposited in his treasury. This order
gave great offence to the officers, and they vowed vengeance against
him.
At this time, intelligence was brought that the officers of the army in
_Jetteh_ had raised the standard of rebellion against Tugleck Timūr; he
therefore consulted me, saying, “shall I march against the mutineers in
person, or shall I send an army to subdue them.” I replied, “in going
yourself to the desert, there is only one danger to be apprehended, but
by sending an army, and not going in person, there are two[51] to be
feared:” the Emperor was much gratified by this advice, and in order to
subdue the mutinous officers, returned towards the desert.
And he gave me the command of the (Tumān) tribe of Kerachār, and the
government of Maveralnaher, with permission to return; in consequence of
which, all the people of that country, both great and small, soldier and
citizen, considered themselves under great obligations to me, and
offered up thanksgivings and prayers for my success, in recompense for
my having (through the grace of God) averted such a calamity from them.
Amyr Jelayr, who with his people had also paid their respects to the
Khān, came and joined me. Thus I became absolute master of all
Maveralnaher; I then compelled all the nomade tribes to conform to my
regulations, and I took up my abode in the city of Kesh, called also
Sheher Subz or verdant city.[52]
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Footnote 49:
See page 15, printed copy of the Institutes.
Footnote 50:
These Jetes are not to be confounded with the ancient Getē, they were
unconverted Tūrks, and at this time inhabited the country of Jetteh or
Deshti Jitteh; Timūr afterwards calls them his countrymen, in fact
they were the followers of the descendants of Jengyz Khān. See also
printed copy of the Institutes, page 25.
Footnote 51:
First, that his army might be defeated by the mutineers, and second,
that they might join them.
Footnote 52:
Lat. 39,20 North.