Islamic Culture and Pre-Islamic Beliefs in Central Asia
Ebook
The introduction of Islam ushered in an era of social and cultural change to the region. Some pre-Islamic sacred places have been transformed into Islamic ones, and the cult of saints absorbed elements of both local and Arab mythology. This volume which is a project initiated by the Balkan History Association, focuses on Islamic culture, traditions, and pre-Islamic beliefs in Central Asia. The chapters emphasize the importance of religious life, the significance of certain “sacred places,” and their role in the socio-spiritual life. The volume includes research spanning a period from antiquity to the Post-Soviet era to explore how landscapes of religious places and practices were interpreted and reinterpreted through time.
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Religious Landscapes of Central Asia throughout History
Mihai Dragnea, Dorina Dragnea, Antonio Alonso Marcos, and Elissa Bullion
Soviet Religious Legislation
Chapter 1: Communist Atheism Overrides Islam: The Soviet Movement for Religious Control in Central Asia (1930s-1960s)
Rui Kai Xue
Chapter 2: Interpretation of the "Soviet Past" in Historical Policy Newly Independent States of Central Asia
Viachaslau Menkouski
Chapter 3: Impact of Communal Identity on the Notion of States in Soviet Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Shambhavi Thite
Political Islam and Islamic Social and Cultural Reformation
Chapter 4: Hizb ut Tahrir (HT) in Central Asia Since 2000: A Political Party, a Terrorist Group or a Social Movement?
Antonio Alonso Marcos
Chapter 5: Islam in Central Asia: Why Jadidism is ‘Out’ and Why Salafism is ‘In’
Dareg Zabarah-Chulak
Pre-Islamic and Early Islamic Material Culture
Chapter 6: Ancient Religions and Beliefs: Pre-Islamic Cult Architecture of the Ancient States of Central Asia
Shoira Nurmukhamedova and Feruzjon Subkhonov
Chapter 7: Heads or Altars: An Analysis of Religious Culture in Early Islamic Numismatics
Jonathan Ouellet
Sacred Spaces and Religious Mobility
Chapter 8: Islamic Shrines and pilgrimage in Samarkand (1992-2022)
Azim Malikov
Chapter 9: The Impact of the Seven Pir Shrines in the Bukhara Province on the Social-Spiritual Life of the Muslims in Uzbekistan
Fahri Türk and Dolunay Yusuf Baltürk
Language and Ethnic Identity
Chapter 10: The Semantic Analysis of Mythological Conceptual Units in Religious Discourse: A Case Study of the Karakalpak Language
Gulzira Kdirbaeva
Chapter 11: Beliefs of the Semi-Nomadic Turkic-speaking Ethnic Group in Iran, the Qashqais
Venera Mustafayeva
About the Contributors
“This volume is an exciting addition to the scholarship of Central Asia. This region has provided the fulcrum between different peoples and cultures. This volume, for the first time in recent scholarship, tackles the complexity of these interactions, and in particular, the impact that beliefs had on this critical space in the ancient world. The chapters explore a range of issues from the ancient to the Soviet era and will be vital for scholars of the region.”
“This volume provides a thorough exploration of the multifaceted landscape of contemporary Central Asia. Delving into the social, cultural, linguistic, and political dimensions, the authors trace their roots from the Soviet era, through Islamic influences, and back to pre-Islamic times. With eleven meticulously crafted articles, appealing to scholars and enthusiasts keen on understanding the intricate formation of beliefs and ideologies in Central Asia and Iran, the book offers original and profound insights.”
“This volume is an excellent contribution to the field of Islam in Central Asia and will benefit scholars and students of Islam and Central Asia alike. The range of articles showcases the diversity of approaches to how people practice and understand Islam in the region. Geographically, Central Asia exists at the confluence of cultures, and the complex history of the region has brought a diversity of religions and ideologies, including communism, into conversation. This has led to unique perspectives by residents of the region, and offers students of Islam a window into the range of possibilities for both practice and belief within that tradition.”
“An insightful exploration into the rich tapestry of Islamic culture and pre-Islamic beliefs in Central Asia. This volume offers a compelling and comprehensive analysis, shedding light on the historical, cultural, and religious dynamics that have shaped the region. A must-read for scholars and enthusiasts alike, this book deepens our understanding of the complex interplay between tradition and transformation in Central Asian societies.”
“This book delves into a profound exploration of Central Asia, taking readers on a remarkable voyage through the intricate interplay between Islamic customs and the evolution of the region from the Soviet period to the present day. It commences by recounting the endeavors of the Soviet regime to impose secularization upon these profoundly religious societies, navigating through phases characterized by strict atheism until a reluctant acknowledgment of faith emerged. Transitioning into the post-Soviet landscape, one witnesses how historical reverberations continue to shape current perspectives on Islam, giving rise to a multifaceted mosaic of convictions and heritage. The book explores the significant influence of Islamic sanctuaries on political dynamics, highlighting the enduring practices of ancient rituals predating Islam. It delves into the intricate interweaving of national identity and religious convictions through a collection of personal narratives. Additionally, it thoroughly examines the subtle interpretations of mythical ideas within the Karakalpak dialect, ultimately concluding with a captivating exploration of the cultural practices and beliefs held by the nomadic Qashqai community in Iran. For those interested in exploring this volume, the appeal lies not only in its academic analysis but also in its intimate narratives and eye-opening disclosures. This book serves as a compass for unraveling the intricate connections among faith, history, and culture within Central Asia. It delves into the interplay of these elements, shedding light on the enduring strength and flexibility of human convictions. Whether you are an avid history enthusiast, a passionate admirer of diverse cultures, or simply intrigued by the complex interweaving of religion within communities, embarking on this literary adventure is certain to be an enriching experience filled with valuable insights.”
“In this book, you will learn about the various religious beliefs and rituals of Central Asian societies, such as pre-Islamic Tengrism, Shamanism and Atheism, as well as the emergence and history of Islam in this region. How these religious beliefs and rituals shaped the lives of communities in this region and the stages of historical development of these beliefs. The book talks about Hizb ut-Tahrir’s attempts to dominate and shape social identity in the region, the fight against Sunni Shiites, and the anti-religious campaigns of the Soviet administration. The Qashqai people’s beliefs and conceptual units in religious discourse, the characteristics of the Oghuz and the Karakalpak language, and how the social identity and Islamic faith left behind by the Soviet regime shaped the understanding and style of government in some regions of Central Asia.”
“This volume is well-organized and thoroughly researched, covering topics as diverse as Islam and its history, as well as pre-Islamic beliefs and local traditions in Central Asia. This work reveals the importance of some pre-Islamic rituals in the formation of the social and spiritual life of this region, demonstrates the role of Islamic traditions, which are inextricably linked with the past and cultural heritage of the Muslims of the region. Remarkable contribution to the study of Islam, Central Asia and its religious movements, politics, religious history, and culture.”
“The volume Islamic Culture and Pre-Islamic Beliefs in Central Asia is a timely collection of the articles dedicated to religious practices, development of religious profile through centuries-long history, the heritage of Soviet religious policy and its influence in Central Asian countries. Topics covered in the volume range from the characterization of Hizb ut Tahrir to the patterns of coinage in early Islamic times. I do believe that such multidisciplinary publication is the best way to give a flavor of the region to everybody, whether from the academic community or not, who is interested in such a fascinating crossroad of civilizations.”
“This volume, which explores the rich mosaic of Islamic cultures and pre-Islamic beliefs in Central Asia, represents a valuable contribution to the literature. With insights into political Islam, material culture, sacred spaces, memory, and ethnic identity, this interdisciplinary work offers a comprehensive overview of the religious heritage and cultural diversity present in the region. It addresses issues ranging from the enduring legacy of pre-Islamic tradition to the Soviet past and language. By investigating the historical and spiritual panorama of the area, this volume also helps to understand contemporary Central Asia.”
"Scholarship on Central Asia long remained influenced by the security paradigm of the Cold War. This paradigm also influenced interpretations of the role of Central Asian Islam. The field of Central Asian studies has since matured and new generations of scholars have emerged. Scholarship on religious life in Central Asia have moved on to discussions on the significance for the region of Muslim traditions, the reminiscences of pre-Islamic beliefs, and the continuity, interruption, and transformation of Islamic practices. This study highlights the diversity of current scholarship on the region and offers new perspectives on religious life there."
Islamic Culture and Pre-Islamic Beliefs in Central Asia is a unique scientific work, that brings together the research of various authors on Islamic culture, traditions, and pre-Islamic beliefs in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Each author reveals a specific issue regarding the relationship between state power and religion, about the history of the spread of a certain religion on the territory of a particular state. Some authors have done a lot of work to conduct a comparative analysis of the spread of certain religious movements in different countries in a certain period. Also in the book you can find interesting information about holy places in Central Asia. Of particular interest may be the part of the book that describes the processes of the rituals around the holy places.
- Title: Islamic Culture and Pre-Islamic Beliefs in Central Asia
- Authors: Mihai Dragnea, Dorina Dragnea, Antonio Alonso Marcos, Dolunay Yusuf Baltürk, Elissa Bullion, Gulzira Kdirbaeva, Azim Malikov, Viachaslau Menkouski, Venera Mustafayeva, Shoira Nurmukhamedova, Jonathan Ouellet, Feruzjon Subkhonov, Shambhavi Thite, Fahri Türk, Rui Kai Xue, Dareg Zabarah-Chulak
- Publisher: Lexington Books
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666969306, 9781666969290, 166696929X, 1666969303
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666969306
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-12-14T07:10:23Z
Mihai Dragnea is president of the Balkan History Association and associate researcher at the University of South-Eastern Norway.
Dorina Dragnea is vice-president of the Balkan History Association and currently works at the National Institute of Heritage, Bucharest.
Antonio Alonso Marcos is professor of political science at the CEU San Pablo University.