Evaluate the significance of Tamerlane’s [Timur’s] rule to the effective functioning of the Silk Road.

Candidates will make an appraisal of the significance of Tamerlane (Timur or Timur-i Lang) to the effective functioning of the Silk Road. Some candidates may argue that, in the context of the period, he was very significant and that his facilitation of cultural developments in Samarkand enabled cultural changes to radiate along the Silk Road. Others may argue that the limited impact of his conquests on the growth of Ottoman power contributed to the long-term diminishing of the Silk Road as, ultimately, the Ottomans would close its western end. Additionally, or alternatively, candidates may suggest that the significance of Tamerlane’s rule was mixed, noting that his conquests were not permanent and the unity of his empire collapsed after his death. The ensuing civil war between his heirs had serious ramifications for the functioning of the trade routes.