Ibn Arabshah

Abu Muhammad Shihab al-Din Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abd Allah ibn Ibrahim, widely recognized as Muhammad ibn Arabshah, was born on the fifteenth of November in the year one thousand three hundred eighty-nine. An eminent Arab writer, translator, traveler, historian, and linguist, he lived during the tumultuous reign of Timur, which spanned from one thousand three hundred seventy to one thousand four hundred five.

Arabshah's early life unfolded in the vibrant city of Damascus. However, the invasion of Syria by Timur prompted him to relocate to Samarkand and subsequently to Transoxiana. His journey did not end there; he eventually settled in Edirne, where he served in the court of Sultan Mehmed I. In this role, he translated Arabic texts into Turkish and Persian, showcasing his linguistic prowess.

After spending over two decades away from his homeland, Arabshah returned to Damascus. His critical biography of Timur, titled Aja'ib al-Maqdur, was penned in Arabic and provided a unique perspective on Timur's character, notably highlighting his lack of proficiency in Arabic and his inclination towards Persian literature. This work remains a significant contribution to historical literature.

In the later years of his life, Arabshah moved to Egypt, where he ultimately passed away in the year one thousand four hundred fifty. His legacy continued through his son, Abd al-Wahhab ibn Arabshah, who also gained recognition as a prominent Muslim scholar.