Goharshad Begum (780 – 9 Ramadan 861 AH), revered as Goharshad Agha and Mahdalia, stands as an eminent figure among the noble women of Turk descent and influential politicians of the Timurid period. Her legacy is synonymous with power, benevolence, wealth, courtesy, artistry, and wisdom. As the wife of Timurid Sultan Shahrukh, Goharshad played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the Timurid court.
Cultural Patronage: Goharshad Begum, alongside Sultan Shahrukh, ushered in a cultural renaissance during their 43-year rule over significant parts of Iran. Notably, they transferred the Timurid capital from Samarkand to Herat in 1405 AD. Under Goharshad’s influential support, the Persian language and Iranian culture took center stage in the Timurid court.
Support for the Arts: The Timurid court, under Goharshad’s patronage, became a hub for artistic expression. Renowned figures like Abdul Rahman Jami found unwavering support from Goharshad Begum. Her interest in history and literature extended to having Mehri Heravi, a notable poetess of the 9th century, as her companion and servant.
Architectural Legacy: Goharshad’s impact is eternally engraved in the architectural wonders of the Timurid era. Herat, Afghanistan, and Mashhad, Iran, boast enduring structures like the Goharshad Jame Mosque, School, and Monastery. These masterpieces, collectively known as “Goharshad Mosque,” showcase the zenith of architectural and tiling artistry of the 9th century.
Charitable Works: Goharshad’s philanthropic endeavors extended to the shrine of Imam Reza, where she contributed valuable works, including the creation of the “Dar al-Hafaz” and “Dar al-Siadeh” porticoes. The architect behind these marvels, as well as the mosques in Herat and Mashhad, was Qawamuddin Shirazi.
Legacy and Tragic End: Goharshad Begum’s enduring legacy was tragically marked by her demise on the 9th of Ramadan in the year 861 AH/19 July 1457 AD. At the age of over 80, she fell victim to a collective conspiracy during the rebellion of Mirza Abul Qasim Babur. Goharshad was buried next to her son Prince Baisenqormirza and her husband Sultan Shahrukh Timuri in the Goharshad School and Mosque complex in Herat.
The life of Goharshad Begum is a testament to the transformative power of cultural patronage and philanthropy. Her enduring contributions in the realms of art, architecture, and literature solidify her place as a central figure in the illustrious history of the Timurid period.
