From Timur’s descendants to today: Uzbeks honored by France

From March 11 to 13, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a state visit to France, where he was warmly received. In recognition of his significant contribution to strengthening bilateral ties, he was awarded the highest honor of the French Republic—the Order of the Legion of Honor. This prestigious award is granted to only a select few individuals.

But did you know that Mirziyoyev is not the first Uzbek to receive this honor? Over a century ago, another Uzbek, a descendant of Amir Temur, was also awarded the Legion of Honor for his remarkable achievements.

Who is eligible for this prestigious order, and which Uzbeks have received it? Today, QALAMPIR.UZ explores the legacy of an extraordinary Uzbek who dedicated his life to raising Uzbekistan’s prestige in France and examines the deep historical ties between the two nations.

"Napoleon Bonaparte, a towering figure in French history, established the Legion of Honor in 1802. It was created as France’s highest distinction, primarily awarded to its citizens for exceptional military or civil service. However, throughout its 200-year history, the honor has occasionally been bestowed upon foreigners who have contributed to politics, culture, and science," said Rakhmon Farmonov in a talk with QALAMPIR.UZ.

Among the recipients of this prestigious award was Sayid Islambek Khudoyorkhan, a distinguished Uzbek statesman and diplomat.

Sayid Islambek Khudoyorkhan was born in 1888 in Tashkent. He was the fifth son of Muhammad Aminbek, the second son of Khudoyorkhan, the last ruler of the Kokand Khanate. Following the Russian conquest of Kokand in 1876, his family relocated to Tashkent, which became part of the Turkestan Governorate.

From an early age, Islambek received both Islamic and secular education. At seven, he was enrolled in a Russian-style school, and by ten, he was sent to a cadet academy in Orenburg. Later, he continued his studies at the Alexandrovsk Military Academy in Moscow. After completing his education, he returned home to teach fencing and gymnastics.

During his youth, Islambek became actively involved in the Jadidist movement, a progressive intellectual movement in Central Asia advocating for modernization and education reforms. However, after the Russian Revolution and the rise of the Bolsheviks, his aristocratic heritage made him a target. Facing increasing danger, he fled Tashkent with the help of prominent reformists Mahmudkhodja Behbudiy and Munavvarqori Abdurashidkhanov.

Seeking refuge, Islambek secured a position as a translator at the Afghan embassy in Tashkent. This marked the beginning of his long diplomatic career. Over the years, he represented Afghanistan as an ambassador in France and Switzerland, where he remained for nearly 50 years until his passing.

In 1961, Islambek Khudoyorkhan was awarded the Legion of Honor by French President Charles de Gaulle. His recognition was not only for his diplomatic service but also for his efforts in fostering cultural and political ties between Central Asia and Europe.

According to historian Rahmon Farmonov, Islambek had a deep personal connection with France. He married a Russian woman, Alexandra, with whom he had a close bond. After she died in 1972, Islambek lived in solitude but continued mentoring young diplomats, including Dr. Akrom, who later became the Afghan ambassador to France.

Islambek passed away in 1983 in Valmont Hospital, Switzerland. As per his will, he was buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, alongside his wife.

Scholars and historians have long debated Islambek’s lineage. According to Lucien Keren, a French historian specializing in the Timurids, Islambek was a direct descendant of Amir Temur. This claim is supported by several Central Asian historical texts, including:

• Tarihi Shahrukhiya by Niyozmuhammad ibn Avazmuhammad;
• Tarihi Jadid Toshkand (New History of Tashkent) by Muhammad Salih Toshkandiy;
• Ansobu-s-Salotin va Tavorikhu-l-Khavoqin (The Genealogies of Sultans and the History of Khagans) by Mirzo Alim Mushrifiy;
• Mukammali Tarikhi Fergana by Fozilbek Otabek oglu;
• Facts about the Khans of Fergana Province by Muhammad Aminbek Khudoyorkhan oglu.

According to these sources, the lineage of the Kokand khans traces back to Altin Beshikkhan, a descendant of Babur and Sayyifok Begim. This lineage, in turn, connects directly to Amir Temur. By this genealogy:

• Khudoyorkhan (the last Kokand ruler) was the 23rd generation of Amir Temur
• His son Muhammad Aminbek was the 24th generation
• Islambek was the 25th generation.

Although Islambek longed to return to Uzbekistan, the Soviet government repeatedly denied his requests. Instead, he relied on his friend Lucien Keren to bring him photographs of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Shahrisabz—the heart of his ancestors’ civilization. Upon receiving these images, Islambek reportedly wept, saying:

“Do you see what a great civilization my ancestors created? Unfortunately, I am deprived of the right to see it with my own eyes.”

Islambek was not the last Uzbek to receive this prestigious award. In 1996, Galina Pugachenkova, a renowned archaeologist and historian specializing in Central Asian heritage, was also honored with the Legion of Honor for her contributions to the study of Uzbek history and culture.

Most recently, in 2024, Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined this distinguished list, strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and France. His warm reception in Paris reflects the growing partnership between the two nations, positioning Uzbekistan as a key player in regional and global politics.

The relationship between Uzbekistan and France is built on a rich historical foundation. Figures like Islambek Khudoyorkhan and Galina Pugachenkova played pivotal roles in enhancing Uzbekistan’s international reputation. Today, as Shavkat Mirziyoyev continues to foster diplomatic ties, the legacy of Uzbek figures honored in France remains a testament to the country’s enduring influence on the global stage.

France, often seen as a gateway to Europe, holds strategic importance for Uzbekistan. Strengthening ties with such a nation will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the country’s political and economic future.