Zolotoordynskoe Obozrenie (Sep 2024)
Is the work of Utemish-hajji pro-Shibanid?
Abstract
Purpose of the study: To consider specific examples to substantiate the pro-Shibanid orientation of the work of Utemish-hajji, formed in the research literature. To analyze these examples in a comparative historical vein using a wide range of written sources, and on this basis note some stylistic features of the written heritage of the Khiva historian. The final part provides a brief analysis of the works of those medieval authors whose main focus is indeed on the Shibanid dynasty. Research materials: The main sources for this article were two manuscripts of the works of Utemish-hajji published in Russian – “Chingiz-name” and “Kara tawarikh”. Also used are synchronous Arab and Persian historians of the 15th–17th centuries, and materials from Russian chronicles. Research results. It has been determined that the arguments for the author’s pro-Shibanid position presented in historiography are not entirely correct, as demonstrated by relevant passages from the work of Utemish-hajji. In both manuscripts of the work, the Shibanid dynasty indeed occupies an important role, but politically it does not stand out from the rest of the descendants of Jochi. The only exception is the founder of the Shiban dynasty whose military exploits are highlighted by the author. In addition, Utemish-hajji’s poor knowledge of the genealogy of the ruling dynasty is noted, which indirectly indicates that the goals and objectives of the work he performed were aimed at building one’s own version of the history of the Golden Horde. This approach was partly due to the sources of the information received. The plot of the work contrasts strongly with works that can be classified as Shibanid historiography. A typical example here is the work of Masud Kukhistani, who built his work around the personality of Abu l-Khair. Separately, it is worth noting a number of episodes discussed in the article (the reign and death of Khizr, the end of the Batuid dynasty), information about which could be gleaned from written sources. All of the above raises pressing questions of research into the goals and objectives set for the chronicler, as well as clarification of the specific ideological orientation of the work.
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