The Role of Craftsmen and Labor in Timurid Art

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The Role of Craftsmen and Labor in Timurid Art

During the Timurid period, influenced by the Sufi order of Naqshbandiya, craftsmen occupied an important place in society. Artisan guilds became not only centers of production but also spiritual development, facilitating the emergence of images of ordinary people and their labor in miniature painting.

Sufi philosophy, which elevates creative work, is reflected in the works of that time, such as Nizami's "Khamsa" and Navoi's "Farhad and Shirin." Artists began to include labor themes in their works, notably in Behzad's miniatures, which detailed construction processes—unique for Muslim art.

One outstanding example of Behzad's work is the miniature "Construction of the Havarnak Palace," based on Nizami's poem "Haft Paykar." The palace, described as something magical, transforms in Behzad's interpretation into a dynamic scene of construction with realistic portrayals of builders.

Behzad focused on the diversity of construction professions, from weavers to blacksmiths, as well as on details like differences in workers' clothing, adding realism to his paintings. His mastery of color and dynamics created a lively atmosphere that conveyed the energy of the labor process.

Thus, during the Timurid period, labor gained significant spiritual value and became a key theme in art, with Behzad's creativity standing out as a remarkable example of this direction.

You can learn more about the topic in the book-album "The legacy of Kamal ud-din Behzad in the World Collections" (L volume) in the series "The Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan".

The main sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.
 

The Role of Craftsmen and Labor in Timurid Art