The 12 Principles by which Amir Temur was guided

The 12 Principles by which Amir Temur was guided.
Temur clearly said that during his governing period he was guided by twelve rules, and thanks to these rules he achieved great successes in both governing and winning battles.

1. He followed Islam and the rules of shariat and sup­ ported them.

2. He formed state policy on the basis of advice from and consultations with a wide cross-section of the population. Hedidn't believe only in the power of his army, but depended on all his people.

3. Temur believed that one should always wage war carefully, consulting with many people before acting.

4. All government affairs should be done according to the law. He demanded that his staff follow the law very strictly.

5. It is important to keep good relations with all amirs and governors and to be very respectful to them. Temur always took care of them and gave them a lot of financial and moral support. In return he was always supported by them

and always won difficult wars.

6. A leader should take care of the poorest sections of the population. Temur gave money, food and animals to them and won their respect. In this way he kept the population between hope and fear. He defended his people from criminals.

7. A leader should respect all scientists, engineers, his­ torians, writers and educated and talented people. Temur often organised meetings and got their advice. He hated dishonest, poorly behaved people.

8. If Temur decided to do some work he always finished it. He learned from the experiences of his ancestors. He kept his word, and did not break promises.

9. Temur was always interested in the life of the common people. He respected older people as his brothers and younger ones as his children and kept a respectful attitude towards the traditions, customs, laws and rules of each city and village. He demanded that historians write about the real life of the people. When he found out that some governors and soldiers made people suffer, he punished them.

10. He respected all the nationalities which lived in Movorounnahr, among them Turks, Tajiks and Arabs.

11. He maintained good relationships with relatives and friends and didn't forget them even when he became a ruler. He lived on friendly terms with his friends and enemies.

12. He respected all soldiers, even if some of them were enemies to him, because they devoted their lives to their rulers. But he was very cruel to mercenaries. Temur's policy was very important in its time, but has importance even now. Temur's political views have great importance in this transition period in Uzbekistan.

Comprehension Questions
1. What did Temur believe was the secret of his success?

2. Did Temur believe that the government should break the law when necessary?

3. To whom did Temur show respect?
4. Why did Temur respect soldiers more than mercenaries?
Discussion Questions

1. Why did Temur believe it was important to ask the advice of all parts of the population?

2. Why should all government affairs strictly follow the law? Why did Temur think it was important to respect so many people?

3. Temur respected all nationalities in his land. How do you show respect for another nationality? Why is it impor­tant?

4. Why is it important to show people respect? Whom do you respect? Why?
5. Who do you think respects you? Why?

6. Why are Temur's principles important in Uzbekistan to­ day?

7. Which principles are most important for Uzbekistan to follow? What must Uzbekistan do to follow those prin­ciples?

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