“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.”

Tim Williams, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Silk Roads Archaeology, University College London

“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.”

Leila Rahimi Bahmany, PhD, Utrecht University

Islamic Culture and Pre-Islamic Beliefs in Central Asia is an impressive interdisciplinary collection of scholarly chapters written by leading researchers in their fields, including Central Asian history, political science, archaeology, anthropology, and linguistics. Expertly edited by Mihai Dragnea, Dorina Dragnea, and Antonio Alonso Marcos, the book offers a wide-ranging examination of topics relating to Islamic life among the peoples of the former Soviet Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This excellent and thought-provoking volume makes a critically important contribution to a growing body of research on Islam in Central Asia.

Kenneth J. Yin, City University of New York

This volume investigates the nuanced evolution of Islam in Central Asia across the pre-Soviet, Soviet, and post-Soviet eras, offering insights into religion's multifaceted influence from diverse socio-cultural and political perspectives. As contributors illuminate, Islam served as a catalyst for modernization in fields such as language, architecture, and poetry while simultaneously presenting violent manifestations regarding gender roles, governance, and interfaith relations. While some editions examine Islam's resurgence during the colonial period, others analyze its revival in the postmodern era; this volume adeptly presents Islam's socio-cultural development within three interwoven historical frameworks, offering a balanced portrayal of its complex evolution over time.

The volume also presents the perspectives of both insiders and outsiders who have contributed to understanding Islam from diverse geographical viewpoints yet within a shared research framework. By incorporating a range of viewpoints and experiences, this approach enriches the work's academic integrity. It facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of Islam's multifaceted role in the region's everyday life, its interactions with other geographic areas, and its relationships with other religions.

Cholpon Turdalieva, Professor at American University of Central Asia, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

“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.”

Jennifer Rose Webster, University of Washington

“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.”

Safarov Shaxriyor, Samarkand State Foreign Languages Institute