RHETORIC OF RULE: ULUGH BEG’S IMAGE IN SEKKĀKĪ’S PANEGYRIC POETRY

Ulugh Beg (r. 1447-1449) occupies a unique position at the crossroads of science, governance, and literary culture, embodying the ideal of a philosopher-king in Timurid history. This study examines his patronage of poetry and engagement with literary traditions, drawing upon sources such as <italic>Majālis al-Nafāʾis</italic> (<italic>Assemblies of Distinguished Men</italic>) by ʿAlī Shīr Nawāʾī, <italic>Tadhkirat al-Shuʿarā</italic> (<italic>Memoirs of the Poets</italic>) by Dawlatshāh Samarqandī, and the <italic>qaṣīdas</italic> composed in his honor. Particular attention is given to <italic>qaṣīdas</italic> by Sekkākī and others, which construct an idealized vision of kingship rooted in justice, cosmic harmony, and intellectual authority. By situating Ulugh Beg within a broader tradition of poetic praise and intellectual patronage, this research re-evaluates his legacy, arguing that his cultural contributions were as integral to his reign as his scientific achievements.