9TH–13TH CENTURY RURAL SETTLEMENTS IN SOGDIANA: LOCALIZATION AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
Abstract
This article is dedicated to the study of rural development in Central Sogdiana during the 9th to 13th centuries,
focusing on the geographic location, economic systems, social structures, and cultural life of its settlements. The
research draws upon Arab-Persian written sources and archaeological findings from the Samanid and Karakhanid
periods. Special emphasis is placed on the methods of topographic localization of villages, using historical place
names, distance measures, and modern toponymic analysis. The article highlights the significant role of Sogdian
villages in the civilizational development of Central Asia. These settlements are viewed as a fundamental
component of the agrarian economy of the Samanid and Qarakhanid states. The study creates an opportunity for
a deeper understanding of rural life and socio-economic dynamics in the region of Transoxiana during the 9th–13th
centuries.
Archaeological excavation materials and topographic data, complementing the aforementioned methods,
provide deeper insights into the medieval concept of the ‘village’, its administrative structure, and economic
foundation. The findings reveal that Sogdian villages relied on advanced irrigation systems and practiced
agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry. Handicrafts, particularly textile production, played a key role in
local economies. Situated near major cities and Silk Road trade routes, these settlements actively participated in
regional commerce and cultural exchange. From a scholarly perspective, the article contributes to clarifying the
role of Sogdian villages in Central Asian history and demonstrates their importance in the region’s economic and
cultural development
About the Authors
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