Jesús Sánchez Adalid Presents “Three Falcons for Temur” in Toledo
The presentation of “Three Falcons for Temur”, a novel by the renowned Spanish writer Jesús Sánchez Adalid, took place in the historic Spanish city of Toledo.
The event, organized with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Spain, brought together representatives of the country’s political, public, and cultural circles.
Among those attending the presentation were Francisco Cerro Chaves, Archbishop of Toledo and a distant relative of the Spanish Royal Family; representatives of the city council; Antonio de Castro García de Tejada, the Royal Falconer of Spain; as well as young falconers who arrived with their birds, adding a distinctive atmosphere to the occasion.
The ceremony began with military music and welcoming remarks. Guests then visited a historic building constructed in 1180, which today serves as a Catholic church. The venue held particular symbolic significance, once again highlighting the centuries-old cultural ties between East and West.
During the presentation, Jesús Sánchez Adalid spoke about the origins of the novel, his impressions from visiting Uzbekistan, and the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Uzbek people. According to the author, his travels to Samarkand, Bukhara, and other historic cities of the country played a key role in shaping the idea behind the book.
He noted that the concept for the novel emerged following his visit to Uzbekistan in 2024. During the trip, he conducted extensive research into primary sources, European chronicles, and diplomatic records from the period.
The story is based on the journey of ambassadors sent by King Henry III of Castile to the court of Amir Temur. The envoys bring three royal falcons as a gift to the Sahibqiran. At the center of the narrative are the adventures of Alvarén, a young falconer’s apprentice accompanying the diplomatic mission.
According to Sánchez Adalid, “Three Falcons for Temur” is grounded in fifteenth-century historical sources, particularly the memoirs of the Castilian diplomat Ruy González de Clavijo, “Embassy to Samarkand.” The novel explores not only historical events but also the cultural and political relations between the two civilizations.
The author emphasized that the novel promotes the idea of cultural dialogue between the East and Europe—a dialogue that has developed over centuries and remains highly relevant in today’s era of globalization.
He also highlighted the outstanding role of Amir Temur in world history as a statesman who established a vast empire and transformed Samarkand into one of the leading scientific and cultural centers of his time. He added that international academic and cultural interest in the Timurid legacy continues to grow.
Special attention was also given to prospects for future cultural cooperation. Jesús Sánchez Adalid expressed his desire to visit Uzbekistan again. He further announced plans to adapt “Three Falcons for Temur” into a feature film. In his view, Uzbekistan’s rich historical heritage, the architecture of its ancient cities, and the figure of Amir Temur offer significant potential for international cinema.
The writer also revealed that he is currently working on a new historical novel dedicated to Mirzo Ulugbek and the flourishing of science and culture during the Timurid era.
Participants stressed that the presentation was not only an important cultural event but would also contribute to strengthening humanitarian ties between Uzbekistan and Spain, promoting Uzbekistan’s rich historical heritage internationally, and fostering greater mutual interest between the peoples of the two countries.
