The memoirs begin with the accession of twelve-year-old Babur to the throne of Farghāna following the sudden death of his father, Umar Shaikh Mirzā. The author details the geography, towns, and economic resources of Farghāna, noting the strategic importance of locations such as Andijān, Aūsh, Marghīnān, and Khujand. The narrative immediately plunges into political turmoil, marked by the invasions of neighboring rulers, including the Chaghatī Khān and rival Timurid princes seeking to dislodge the young ruler from his domains.
As the narrative progresses, Babur describes his relentless ambition to conquer and hold Samarkand, the ancient capital of his ancestor Timur. Despite losing and recovering his ancestral lands multiple times, he faces constant betrayals by his own amirs and military commanders, most notably Aūzūn Ḥasan and Aḥmad Taṃbal. These internal rebellions force Babur into years of guerilla warfare and desperate wanderings across mountainous terrain, accompanied only by a loyal handful of followers who share his extreme hardships and privations.
The political landscape of Central Asia is further complicated by the rise of Muḥammad Shaibānī Khān and the Aūzbeg hordes, who systematically dismantle the Timurid principalities. Babur provides detailed biographical sketches of his relatives, allies, and enemies, documenting their character flaws, military engagements, and political machinations. His accounts reflect a deep familiarity with the administrative, military, and cultural norms of the Turko-Mongol ruling class.
A central turning point occurs when Babur, relying on sheer audacity and local support, recaptures Samarkand by a surprise night attack, ousting the Aūzbeg garrison and restoring Timurid rule to the city. However, his triumph is precarious due to the scarcity of resources, the exhaustion of his troops, and the looming threat of Shaibānī Khān's counter-offensives. The narrative captures the raw immediacy of his triumphs and defeats, portraying a ruler maturing rapidly through relentless conflict and hardship.
