The Nāṣirī Generations 22: II. NASR, SON OF AHMAD, SAMANI.
Tabakat-i-Nasiri 22
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When Ahmad, son of Asad, son of Saman, died at Samrkand, he nominated his son, Nasr, as his successor; and, during the sway of the Tahiris, the territory, which Nasr’s father had held, was confirmed to him, and his brother Isma’il served under him, and acknowledged in him, as his suzerain, his superiority.
In 261 H. Nasr conferred the government of the territory of Bukhara upon Isma’il, who established himself therein. Nasr performed great deeds, and was endowed with many virtues. He governed with strict regard to the rules of equity and justice until the end of his days, when death overtook him in the month of Jamadi-ul-Akhir, in the year 279 H.
When his brother, Ismail, had become established in the government of the Bukhara territory, several designing and evil-intentioned persons managed to come between him and his brother Nasr, his sovereign, and began to resort to calumny and falsehood [to effect their designs], until the disposition of Nasr became completely changed towards his brother, and he determined to reduce Ismail by force, and overthrow him entirely.
Amir Nasr accordingly moved from Samrkand towards Bukhara with a large army. Amir Ismail despatched a trusty agent to Rafi’, son of Harsamah, son of A’yan, who was Amir of Khurasan, and acquainted him with the state of affairs between himself and his brother, Amir Nasr, and solicited assistance from that ruler.
Rafi’, son of Harsamah assembled a warlike army, numerous and well-equipped in every way, and marched towards the scene of expected hostility; but he, out of benevolence, kindness, and humanity, interposed between the brothers, and brought about an accommodation between them, and retired into his own territory again.
Amir Nasr returned to Samrkand, and Amir Ismail proceeded to Bukhara. As soon as Nasr heard of this, still nourishing that antagonism against his brother which had taken possession of his heart, he advanced towards Bukhara with a warlike army. Isma’il came out of the city to encounter him ; and a fierce and obstinate battle took place between them, attended with great carnage, in the year 275 H. Isma’il was victorious over his brother, whose forces were defeated and put to the rout, and Amir Nasr was himself taken prisoner. He was taken to the presence of Isma’il, who, seeing that he was being brought forward, immediately dismounted from his horse, and rendered homage to his captive brother, and kissed him on the breast, and paid him the utmost honour and respect. He then induced Amir Nasr to return to Samrkand, and returned himself to Bukhara, which he con. of Ahmad, lieutenant of his brother. Nasr, son ruled for a period of eighteen years.