Introduction
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: آسيا الوسطى (Asiya al-Wusta)
- Turkish: Orta Asya’da İslam
Central Asia, composed of present-day Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, with affinities to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Chechnya, Dagestan, Georgia, and Abkhazia, has a rich Islamic history predominantly oriented towards Sunni Islam and the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. This region also hosts ethnic and sectarian diversities, including Shi’a communities among Azeris, Ironis, and Tats in Dagestan.
Historical Overview
Early Conquests and Spread of Islam (7th to 13th Century)
By the mid-seventh century, conquering Arabs had imposed Islamic rule in the eastern Caucasus. The period from 800 to 1200 saw an expansion of Islam through merchants and traders. The establishment and strengthening of Islamic culture across the region laid deep religious roots that would remain influential over centuries.
Period of Expansion (Mid 16th Century to Russian Conquest)
By the mid-sixteenth century, territories such as Crimea, the southern Russian steppes, the Kazakh steppes, and Western Siberia fell under Islamic law. Islam’s reach continued to grow through trade, scholarly exchanges, and Sufi tarikiat.
Russian Domination and Preservation of Islam
With the Russian visit in the sixteenth century, Islamic regions underwent dramatic changes. Until the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Sufi brotherhoods, particularly the Qadiri order, played critical roles in preserving and advancing the practice of Islam. They also actively participated in leadership and military struggles against Russian rulership, frequently framing their resistance as jihad.
Soviet Period
During Soviet domination, the state’s aim was to suppress religious beliefs related to promoting atheism. Sufi orders operated underground, retaining Islamic knowledge and societal roles. Despite these suppressions, the resilience of the Islamic identity persisted into the post-Soviet era.
Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity
In addition to these dynamics, notable ethnic diversity characterizes the Muslims of Central Asia. Dominantly Turkic-speaking, including the Uighurs and Kazakhs in Chinese Xinjiang, the region also reflects Indo-Iranian influences among the Tajiks.
Key Ethnic Muslim Groups in Central Asia
- Turkic Peoples: The majority population in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.
- Uighurs and Kazakhs in Xinjiang: Retain identities amidst Han Chinese majorities.
- Tajiks: Ethnically and linguistically Indo-Iranian, contributing to the cultural mosaic.
Influence of Sufi Brotherhoods
The significance of Sufi tariqahs, particularly the Qadiriyya, was unparalleled. These brotherhoods ensured the survival of Islam through educational and spiritual means. Many also engaged in militant resistance and culturally preserved Islamic dissemination until modern independence.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Central Asia’s dynamic Islamic history spans from early Arab conquests to Sufi-led resistance against Russian and Soviet rules.
- The predominance of Sunni Hanafi jurisprudence coexists with Shi’a communities among particular ethnic groups.
- Cultural blending of Turkic and Indo-Iranian traits highlights regional diversity.
- Sufi movements like Qadiriyya played essential roles in both spiritual and militant Islamic preservation.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islam after Communism: Religion and Politics in Central Asia” by Adeeb Khalid
- “The Empire of the Steppes: A History of Central Asia” by René Grousset
- “Islam and Colonialism: The Doctrine of Jihad in Modern History” by Rudolph Peters
- “The New Muslim Empires: A Historical Overview”
Understanding Islam’s penetration and evolution in Central Asia extends our comprehension of both regional and global Islamic histories.
