Religion and religious communities in Khorezm in the 10th-11th centuries

Authors : Shohruxmirzo Ismoilov

Pages : 275-291

Doi:10.59304/ijhe.1660384

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Publication Date : 2025-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Khorezm is a crucial region in the history of Central Asia, particularly during the early Middle Ages. The activities of the dynasties that ruled this area are significant for understanding the history of the entire East. During this period, the peoples of Central Asia, who were experiencing Islamization, developed a new culture influenced by the Turkic tribes from the north. This emerging culture later contributed to the development of the entire Middle East and the Turkic states. From the beginning of the 9th century, the Turkic Oghuz tribes located in northern Central Asia began to penetrate the southern regions of the Aral Sea and the Amu Darya delta for trade and sometimes military reasons. During this period, representatives of several religious views and groups, besides Islam, lived in the territory of the Afrighids and Mamunids states. This article analyzes the religious and spiritual image of the historical Khorezm region in the 10th-11th centuries, the attitude towards the various religions in this region, and their interaction based on sources. In particular, information is provided about the arrival of Islam in the Khorezm oasis, its spread in the 10th-11th centuries, and its impact on cultural life. In addition, the article provides information about the religions that coexist with Islam in the oasis, including Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Tengrism, and ideas of tolerance.
Keywords : Mamunids, Zoroastrianism, Tengrism, Kharijites, Mu, Paganism.

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