Altar Modelling Timur Figure

Timur

Altar Modelling
Timur figure
Code: ALT-09-11
25mm resin model figure. Five pieces.
Requires assembly and painting. Paint & glue not included in the box.

Timur Figürü

“Lord of the Conjunction of the planets”

Timur

“Just as one God in the sky, there should be one emperor on earth”

Timur

Timur, one of the greatest soldiers and statesmen in Turkish history was born in 1336 in Hoca Ilgar village near Sehr-i Sebz at Samarkand. In 1359, Timur became the head of Barlas clan by swearing loyalty to the Mongol Khan. In 1370, he became the ruler of entire Chagatai. He managed to unite the disperse Turkish and Mongol tribes in the region and with his superior military talents he achieved major conquests. Timur took a wide geography under his control. From deep into Russia to Mongolia, from India, Caucasus to Iraq, Syria and Anatolia, he dominated all powers in these areas. In 1402, he even managed to defeat mighty Ottomans under Sultan Bayezid in Ankara. Timur managed to establish a strong army and strong state without getting help from anyone or without inheritance. With his conquests, Timur accomplished the dream of a ruler who would name himself conqueror even if he manage to achieve a portion of what Timur did, except for China. He lost his life in 1405 at Otrar, Kazakhstan while he was planning a major campaign over China. His tomb is at Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

One of the best statutes of Timur is at Tashkent, Uzbekistan. We modelled our figure based on this masterpiece located at the Amir Temur Square at the Uzbek capital. This statute featured on many book covers, stamps, money etc and is one of the best known Timur image in people’s minds.

Source: flickr.com

Amir Timur Square is the city’s oldest square. The monument shows Sahibkiran on horseback and dressed in warrior’s attire. His sword is in the sheath, the shield is fastened to the saddle, and one of the arms is raised to signify. The pedestal bears Amir Timur’s slogan carved in four languages: "Strength comes from justice".

Source: http://www.sairamtour.com/uzbekistan/tourist_attractions/skver.html#pictures and photograph from flickr.com

This figure was difficult for several reasons. Main reasons were, the necessity of reflecting a great important historical character in a realistic form and to create a 25mm miniature based on meters high giant statue while capturing all the dynamism and detail. Once again, Luc Trichet, very talented sculptor created the master figure. Stages of the figure in the hands of the sculptor were as follows:

First steps.

Development of the master.

Timur’s upper body and legs attached to his horse are the two main components of the figure.

Final

Detail of Timur from a wall painting in Uzbekistan

Source: Photograph from flickr.com

Timur’s statute on an Uzbek postal stamp.
(A rare small stamp that became a victim of an unfortunate accident.)

Source: Altar Modelling collection

Image of the Timur statute on an Uzbek banknote

Portrait of Timur on Uzbek postal stamp

Source: Altar Modelling collection

Timur leading his army against Toqtamish Khan of the Golden Horde in Russia.

Source: "Turks: A Journey of A Thousand Years" exhibition catalogue, RAA, London 2005, p 149.

Detail of the face of Timur from the statute of St.Petersburg wax statute museum.

Source: November 2009 Exhibition at Ankara. Photograph Altar Modelling.

Timur

Timur literally meant “Iron” in Chagatai Turkish. Ottoman historians called Timur, Timurlenk due to his disability in his foot. Timurlenk meant Timur the lame and this passed to other languages in such forms as “Tamarlane”, “Tamerlan”, “Tamerlanos”, “Tamerlanes” etc. Main motive of the Ottoman historians to call him by his disability was to insult him. It is not acceptable to use this name containing an insult to one of the greatest Turkish conquerors of history. We do need to show proper respect and call him Timur, Amir Timur, Timur Gurgan or Demir.

Original gravure from the 1662 French translation of the book of Byzantine historian Laonicus Chalcondyle.

Source: Blaise de Vigenere, Histoire Generale Des Tvrcs: Contenant l'Histoire De Chalcondyle. Tradvite Par Blaise De Vigenaire, Auec les illustrations du mesme Autheur. Et Continvee Ivsqves en l'an MDCXII par Thomas Artus; Et en cette Edition, par le Sieur de Mezeray, iusques en l'annee 1661, Paris 1662 Middle East Technical University Library, Ankara Turkey (ML Rare Collection catalogue no DR485 .V673)

Figure is produced at world standards as in the case of all other Altar Modelling products.

This is a 25mm resin figure. Requires assembly & painting. Figure comes in five pieces.

This figure has been produced in limited numbers and released worldwide on 10 December 2009.