Many of us came across the word "emir", most often in fiction or historical literature, as well as in the media. However, not everyone knows the meaning of the term. Details about who such an emir will be described in the article.
Dictionary word
The meaning of the word "emir" in the dictionaries is described as the title of military commander in the countries of Africa and Asia. Emir is also a masculine name.
Translated from Arabic, this word means "leader." Initially, the Arabs called their commanders so, and after the appearance of the prophet Mohammed, they began to call the Muslim rulers who claimed secular and spiritual power. Caliph Omar first received this title, and after it he went to the chief minister of the caliphate, who began to have unlimited power.
Considering what the emir means, it should be said about the leader of a huge caravan with pilgrims, who every year goes to Mecca, making a hajj. This man is called - "Emir Haji."
What is an emir in the modern world?
After the fall of the Arab caliphates, the title gradually gave way to others, such as the khan or sultan. However, at present, it exists and is equated with the princely title (“prince”, “His Serene Highness”).
In Persia, the title "emir" was reduced to "peace", and later the word was transformed into "Mirza" or "Murza", which meant "princely son" or "prince". Along with the term “emir” there is the title “amir”, which also means “leader” or “master”.
The title is currently being awarded in several Arab Muslim countries, for example, in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. It is received by the sons of the monarchs, who later become the rulers of the country.
Emirates
Continuing to consider who the emir is, it is necessary to talk about the concept of “emirate”. This is a form of government in the Islamic state, which is headed by the emir. It is also a modern and historical state that is built around the Islamic world. Its main distinguishing feature is the small size of the territories, as well as the hereditary nature of the transfer of supreme power.
Initially, the title of emir was appropriated by the Islamic community, which was called "Ummah." For the emirate, the main and indispensable condition is the implementation and strict observance of the Sharia, the code of Muslim laws.
Gradually, the emirate practically transformed into a state that resembles a kingdom. From 1996 to 2001, an Islamic form of government (emirate) existed in Afghanistan.
In 2007, terrorist forces tried to create an emirate in the North Caucasus, led by Emir Doku Umarov. However, they were destroyed by the Russian army.
Currently, the emirates are preserved in the Middle East, first of all, this is the confederation of the emirates, called the UAE, as well as separate, independent kingdoms of Kuwait and Qatar.
Tamerlan
In studying who the emir is, Tamerlane, who is also known as Timur, should be mentioned. This is an emir who lived in the 14th – 15th centuries on the territory of modern Uzbekistan. Tamerlane was one of the famous military leaders and conquerors of his time. He played an important role in the history of South, Central and Western Asia, the Volga region, the Caucasus and Russia.
He became the founder of the Timurid Empire (circa 1370) with a new capital in Samarkand. Tamerlan was a very brave and restrained man, an excellent commander, a connoisseur of science and art. He made many successful campaigns, conquering vast territories. Along with this, he cared about the development of his own state.
During his reign, various sciences rapidly developed - from mathematics and medicine to astronomy and jurisprudence. Tamerlan was also the creator of the Code of Laws of Timur, participated in the construction of various structures. In other words, he was not only a conqueror, but also a creator. So far, the cathedral mosque of Timur (Bibi-Khanum) in Samarkand has been preserved.
Nowadays, Tamerlan is highly revered in Uzbekistan and is considered a national hero. And this is well deserved, because this person has done disproportionately much for the future of the entire Uzbek people.
Emir Kusturica
In conclusion, studying the question of who the emir is, it is worth talking about one of the name bearers - Emir Kusturica. This is a famous Serbian film director who was born in 1954 in Yugoslavia, in the city of Sarajevo. His films have received numerous awards, including two Golden Palm Branches awarded to his paintings in Cannes.
Kusturica is a holder of the Legion of Honor, a member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Serbia. He is also known as one of the members of the folk rock band “The no smoking orchestra”.
Emir Kusturica is often criticized and even attacked by ill-wishers for her political views. He is known for being an ardent opponent of the destruction of Yugoslavia as a state. An interesting fact, Kusturica calls himself Yugoslav, despite the fact that this state was destroyed by NATO countries in 2003.