Timur's Lost Sons and the War of Succession

Tamerlane: The Conqueror Who Tried to Rebuild the Mongol Legacy — Fexingo History · Sep 25, 2026 · 7m · transcript

While Timur’s conquests are often remembered for their scale, the internal dynamics of his household were equally decisive in shaping history. This episode examines the tragic death of Muhammad Sultan at the Battle of Merv in 1397 and how it shifted the succession landscape. We explore the rivalry between Timur’s grandson Pir Budun and his own sons, particularly Shah Rukh and Ulugh Beg, and how the loss of his preferred heir forced Timur to reconsider his imperial structure. The narrative delves into the political maneuvering that followed, including the exile of Khizr Khoja and the eventual…