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THE BRANCHES OF THE GREAT SILK ROAD PASSING THROUGH KHOREZM: IN
HISTORICAL SOURCES
Jumaniyozov Doniyor Khudoyorovich
Lecturer, Department of Social and Humanitarian Sciences
Urgench Innovation University
Annotation:
This article analyzes the caravan routes of the Khorezm oasis from the 14th to the
19th centuries, their geography, representation in historical sources, and their trade-economic
and cultural significance. Based on written accounts of travelers and historians, it provides
detailed information about Khorezm’s international relations during the medieval period, the
economic life of its cities, and its trade infrastructure.
Keywords:
Khorezm, caravan routes, Great Silk Road, Marv–Khorezm–Bukhara route, Urgench,
Gurganj, al-Jurjaniya, trade centers, Middle Ages, trade relations, written sources, Ibn Fadlan,
Ibn Battuta, al-Umari, economic relations, cultural exchange, Khorezmshahs, ribats, wells,
caravanserais, Mawarannahr, Khorasan, historical geography.
Аннотация:
В данной статье анализируются караванные пути Хорезмского оазиса в XIV–
XIX веках, их география, отражение в исторических источниках, а также торгово-
экономическое и культурное значение этих маршрутов. На основе письменных
свидетельств путешественников и историков подробно рассматриваются международные
связи Хорезма в средневековье, экономическая жизнь городов и торговая инфраструктура
региона.
Ключевые слова:
Хорезм, караванные пути, Великий шелковый путь, маршрут Марв–
Хорезм–Бухара, Ургенч, Гургандж, аль-Джурджания, торговые центры, Средние века,
торговые связи, письменные источники, Ибн Фадлан, Ибн Баттута, аль-Умари,
экономические связи, культурный обмен, Хорезмшахи, рабаты, колодцы, караван-сараи,
Мавераннахр, Хорасан, историческая география.
INTRODUCTION:
During the Middle Ages, the Khorezm oasis was not only one of the major political and cultural
centers of Central Asia, but also a crucial crossroads on international trade routes. Its
geographical position — located at the intersection of East and West, North and South — turned
it into a significant center of trade and culture along caravan routes. Particularly between the
14th and 19th centuries, the caravan roads passing through the Khorezm oasis played an
important role in both internal and external relations. These routes enabled continuous economic
and cultural exchanges with Transoxiana, Khorasan, Iran, the Near East, and even the Volga
region and European countries. The Marv–Khorezm–Bukhara route, in particular, was
considered one of the main branches of the Great Silk Road in the region.
LITERATURE REVIEW:
The issue under consideration is based on a number of studies and sources. The anonymous work
Hudud al-‘Alam
provides valuable information about cities in Khorezm and Central Asia, as well
as the communication networks between them [1]. In addition, several scholarly studies have
addressed this topic and offered significant insights. Among them are the research works of
scholars such as M.E. Masson [4], N. Ibrohimov [5], and R. Anyazov [3], whose contributions
are noteworthy in this regard.
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METHODOLOGY:
During the research process, scientific methods characteristic of historical studies were applied.
Information from various sources was thoroughly analyzed through comparative analysis,
allowing for the identification of similarities and differences among them. All events were
examined within their chronological context and historical setting, ensuring strict adherence to
the principle of historicism. Based on the principle of chronological order, all events were
arranged sequentially to determine their interrelations and developmental trends. The method of
critical source analysis was employed to assess the reliability of the sources. The study
undertook a comprehensive examination of the social, economic, cultural, and political processes
of the period in question.
In analyzing historical events, the following methodological approaches were applied: first,
comparing information from various sources and assessing their reliability; second, situating
events within a specific time frame; and third, evaluating historical figures and events within
their historical context. These methods ensured the objectivity and scientific validity of the
research.
DISCUSSION:
Between the 14th and 19th centuries, the caravan routes that played a crucial role in the internal
and external relations of the Khorezm oasis primarily extended through the Khorezm, Zarafshan
Valley, and Ustrushana regions toward the Shosh Valley, the Fergana Valley, and as far as the
Semirechye (Jetysu) region. They also stretched from Khorezm to Marv, Iran, and the Near East,
and via the Ustyurt Plateau of Karakalpakstan to the Volga region and Russian territories [3, 24].
The Marv–Khorezm–Bukhara route was one of the major directions of trade in our region. This
road crossed the Amul ford on the Amu Darya and connected the capital of the Caliphate,
Baghdad, and the cities of Iran with the trade centers of Khorezm and Transoxiana. The route
linked major cities of Transoxiana and Khorezm to Marv via Amul and was considered one of
the most important regional branches of the Great Silk Road. From Marv, caravans continued
through Sarakhs to Herat, and from there passed through Iranian cities such as Mashhad and
Nishapur to reach Baghdad. The significance of this trade route that passed through Marv to
Khorezm and Bukhara is detailed in the writings of Ibn Fadlan [6, 55–56].
Regarding the stopping points along the Great Silk Road, especially on the Bukhara–Khorezm
and Bukhara–Turkmenistan routes, we can note the traces of this famous path across the desert
regions of modern Uzbekistan. On contemporary maps, the route from Bukhara branches in two
directions:
–
First: Bukhara–Qorakul–Alat through Qashqadarya (Guzar) and onward into
Turkmenistan;
–
Second: From Bukhara across the Kyzylkum Desert through Turtkul, Khiva, present-day
Khojayli, then across the Ustyurt Desert following the lower Volga towards Europe [3, 29].
Ibn Arabshah (1389–1450), in his work
Aja'ib al-Maqdur fi Nawa'ib al-Taymur
(
The Miraculous
Destiny
in
the
Misfortunes
of
Timur
),
also
describes
Khorezm:
"Their capital is the city of Jurjan... It is a gathering place of eloquent speakers; scholars
dismount there, the wise and the poets find refuge, dignified and renowned people frequently
visit. This is the narrow wellspring of the Mu'tazilites... Its delights are boundless, and its
goodness is abundant..." [5, 29].
The contemporary of Ibn Battuta, al-Umari, in his
Kitab Masalik al-Absar wa Mamalik al-Amsar
,
provides detailed descriptions of Khorezm, enumerating all types of grain crops and goods
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produced there. He also comments on the monetary system, pricing, and the city of Urgench, and
provides detailed observations on the character and behavior of its people:
"Here, wheat, barley, rice, and other grains grow... various fruits... the best varieties are from
Bukhara and Samarkand, though those from Khorezm are tastier and of higher quality..." [2, 47].
Al-Umari shares warm impressions about the people of Khorezm, praising their hospitality. He
particularly notes the abundance of inns and caravanserais and their convenience for travelers.
He also speaks positively about a madrasa he visited, describing it not only as a place to stay but
also as a conducive environment for learning.
While al-Umari’s descriptions of the markets in Urgench are relatively dry and pragmatic in
comparison to Ibn Battuta’s vivid narratives, he does provide essential information:
"Apart from the capital Urgench — which is sometimes itself referred to as Khorezm — prices
are generally low throughout the region. The price of grain ranges from high to moderate, though
it is rarely low. Meat, however, is extremely cheap..." [2, 68].
According to written sources, there were two cities in the Khorezm region known by the name
Gurganj (Urgench). These cities were located approximately three farsakhs apart. One served as
the capital of the Khwarazmshah state, while the other was recognized as a major trade center,
known as Gurganj or al-Jurjaniyya. This commercial city held strategic importance as a gateway
to Turkestan [1, 122].
During the developed Middle Ages, the caravan roads connecting the major economic and
cultural center of Khorasan — the city of Marv — with the cities of Khorezm played a
significant role in the region's communication and transportation network. Analysis of historical
sources reveals that the Marv–Urgench route of this period consisted of two main branches.
The first route connected Marv to the middle course of the Amu Darya and passed through the
following stations and wells: Shavval, Pashan, Khurmuzfarra, Abdanganj, Rabat-i Serob, Rabat-i
Suran, Chah-i Khak, Chah-i Sahib, Chah-i Harun, Rabat-i Nushagard, and Sangrabat (Tashrabat).
From there, the route continued along the left bank of the Amu Darya to Tohiriya Rabat, Dargon,
Jigarband,
Sadvar,
and
eventually
Hazorasp.
The second route crossed sandy areas and included stops at Suran Rabat, Tarkhan, Yaniker,
Abdanganj, Khurmuzfarra, Durnali, and Shavval [4, 57–67].
RESULTS:
Based on the historical sources and evidence presented above, the following conclusions can be
drawn:
–
During the 14th to 19th centuries, the Khorezm oasis was one of the key trade centers of
the region, actively participating in both internal and external commercial relations.
–
Through the Marv–Khorezm–Bukhara caravan route, Khorezm maintained connections
with Iran, the Arab Caliphate, and other states of the Near East, playing a significant role in the
economic development of the region.
–
The city of Urgench and its surroundings emerged as a major commercial hub and gained
international recognition. The cost of goods there was relatively low, and the infrastructure was
convenient for travelers.
–
Historical sources emphasize the hospitality of the Khorezm population, their respect for
knowledge, and their advanced level of cultural development.
–
The caravan routes and rabats connecting Khorezm with other regions created favorable
conditions for the exchange of trade, knowledge, and culture.
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CONCLUSION:
Between the 14th and 19th centuries, the Khorezm oasis played a crucial role in regional trade,
culture, and scholarly exchange due to its geographical location, economic potential, and
historical conditions. The Marv–Khorezm–Bukhara route, one of the important branches of the
Great Silk Road, turned Khorezm into a cultural and economic bridge between Eastern and
Western
civilizations.
During this period, the city of Urgench was recognized not only as a commercial center but also
as
a
hub
of
science,
literature,
and
social
life.
The evidence found in written historical sources once again confirms the unparalleled
significance of caravan routes in the historical development of Khorezm.
List of References
1. Minorsky V., Barthold V. V., Bosworth C. E. (ed.). Hudūd Al-ʻĀlam; "The Regions of the
World": A Persian Geography, 372 AH-982 AD. - Luzac, 1970. - T. 11. - R. 122.
2. Al-Umari. The book is masolik al-absar and mamolik al-amsar, authored by Ibn Fadlullah al-
Umari. - M., 1968. - C. 68.
3. Anyozov R. Infrastructures and service areas of Central Asian caravan routes (XIV-XIX
centuries as an example of Khorezm oasis). - Urganch: "Khwarezm travel", 2023. - B. 29.
4. Masson M.E. Srednevekovye tragovye puti iz Merva v Khorezm v Maverannakhr // Tr.
Yutake. T. XIII. - Ashgabat.: Ylym, 1966. - S. 9, 57-67.
5. Nematulla Ibrahimov. "Ibn Battuta and his journey to Central Asia". - Addendum to the
Tashkent "Shark, Mashali" magazine "Shark, Bayozi", 1993. - B. 29.
6. Puteshestvie Ibn Fadlana na Volgu / Per. i commentary pod ed. Acad. I. Yu. Krachkovsky. -
M.-L.: Izd-vo AN SSSR, 1939. - S. 55-56.
