The year 2026 marks the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the Babur Empire (or Great Mughal Empire). This empire was established by Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur following his victory at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Within a short period, the state expanded to encompass vast territories and a large population, becoming one of the most powerful and centralized empires of the early modern period.

The Mughal Empire occupies a significant place in historiography due to its political and administrative institutions, economic and fiscal system, rich cultural heritage, and models of interreligious relations. The role of Central Asian Turkic political and cultural traditions in the formation of the empire, alongside a relatively flexible and inclusive system of governance that enabled the coexistence of diverse religious and ethnic groups, deserves particular scholarly attention. In this context, the religious tolerance and multi-ethnic social structure that developed under Mughal rule are considered important examples of early modern imperial governance.

The empire’s cultural and architectural achievements, particularly monuments such as the Taj Mahal, continue to retain their global significance.

In recent decades, the study of Mughal history has developed within transregional and comparative frameworks, while at the same time the empire’s legacy has become subject to diverse and sometimes conflicting interpretations in public discourse. This conference aims to reassess existing historiographical approaches, promote new methodological directions, and encourage the scholarly use of rich yet insufficiently explored archival materials.