Ahmad al-Yamani and the Timurid policy in the Eastern Caucasus

At the end of first third 15th century, a prominent representative Muslim elite, sayyid and theologian from Yemen, Ahmad al-Yamani (died in 1450), arrived Dagestan stopped Kumukh, one major political centers Mountainous Dagestan. He devoted last two decades his life to spread strengthening Islam among highlanders. Since that time, Kumukh turned into large center “internal” Islamization mountain tribes began. The result all this activity was almost islamized by 16th century. Researchers have presented different versions al-Yamani’s arrival version he on behalf Abbasid Caliph Cairo Islamize non-Muslim peoples considered most widespread academic environment. A unique manuscript which recently discovered, belonging pen al-Yamani, called “At-Tuhfa al-Ulugbekiyya / Ulugbek’s gift”, contains new valuable material about al-Yamani. wrote it as gift for Ulugbek (the ruler Maverannahr Shahrukh’s son), while Timurid emirate. manuscript’s translated author introduced scientific use time. studied material, well other Arabic-language sources — 19th centuries, allow us assert inspired Shahrukh, mission not only Islamization, but also extending Timurids’ positions Western Caspian region, military interests opponents Kara-Koyunlu Turkoman confederation.