THE ROLE OF THE SURKHAN OASIS IN THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE EMIRATE OF BUKHARA
Abstract
This article analyzes the role of the Surkhan Oasis—part of the Emirate of Bukhara—in spiritual life from the late 18th century to the first quarter of the 20th century. The study examines the oasis's religious and educational environment, the activities of “maktabs” (traditional primary schools) and “madrasas” (higher religious schools), the status of religious scholars (“ulama”) and teachers (“mudarris”) in society, the spiritual functions of mosques and pilgrimage sites, and the formation and development of oral folklore and traditional values. Particular attention is given to the connection between the educational institutions and the scholarly-educational environment of the Boysun, Denov, and Sherobod “bekliks” (districts) and the broader spiritual landscape of the Emirate of Bukhara. The research findings demonstrate that, despite its relative distance from the central regions of the Emirate, the Surkhan Oasis served as a significant regional hub for preserving and transmitting religious knowledge, education, folk traditions, and spiritual values across generations.
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