Maqsud Shayxzoda and “Mirzo Ulug‘bek” (I)

“Mirzo Ulug‘bek” is Maqsud Shayxzoda’s five-act historical tragedy (1961). The textbook gives scenes from it. Among the characters are historical figures (Ulug‘bek, Abdullatif, Ali Qushchi, Sakkokiy, Abdurazzoq Samarqandiy) and ones invented by the writer (Piri Zindoniy, Ota Murod). In the first scene Ulug‘bek, before Temur’s tomb at Go‘ri Amir in Samarkand, says the country is in a grave state and the descendants have proved unworthy. Temur’s ghost appears and reproaches his line for a weakened will, says that books have eaten his grandson’s will, and that, becoming a commander of the army of stars, he lost his earthly land. Ulug‘bek reflects that the lives of kings are futile while scholars live forever. In the second scene he announces in Ko‘ksaroy that he has decided to renounce the throne: the crown is merely a heavy legacy from Temur; he says he sees a future when science will flourish and people will go to the stars and return. His last decrees: to free the prisoner Piri Zindoniy, one of the sarbadors, and to send Ali Qushchi and Abdurazzoq with his works to Herat. Then, before Abdullatif’s supporters, he takes the crown from his head and sets six conditions: let intrigue and strife end; let there be no raids on neighbouring lands; let no revenge be taken on his friends and officials; let the honour of the women of his household be kept; let the madrasa, observatory, library and books survive; let him not be hindered in leaving. They swear an oath. Ulug‘bek warns that Abdullatif will not hold the throne for even forty weeks.