This focused study is one of the few analytical resources in English that covers the ancient and early medieval history of one of the least studied areas of the vast mountainous Pamir region of Central Asia: Shughnan.

The book brings together scattered fragments of information from a wide range of early Greek, Chinese, Persian, and Arabic sources, the accounts of early European travellers and the scholarly contributions of Soviet and post-Soviet authors, as well as personal accounts and oral history material from the region. Drawing on historical, archaeological, linguistic, and ethnographic data, it provides a holistic overview of the kingdom of Shughnan. It also attempts, for the first time, to identify and locate the town of Kuhan, which the Chinese historical chronicle, the Tang Shu (Book of the Tang Dynasty, 618-907 CE) describes as the 'first capital' of Shughnan. Many archaeological sites are examined and offered as potential candidates for the location of the town of Kuhan, providing a foundation for future archaeological and ethnolinguistic research in the area.

Ancient and Early Medieval Kingdoms of the Pamir Region of Central Asia: Historical Shughnan and its Lost Capital is suitable for students, scholars, and historians studying ancient and early medieval Central Asia, particularly the Pamir region, as well as those interested in Central Asian history and archaeology more broadly.

About the Author

Muzaffar Zoirshoevich Zoolshoev is Research Assistant in the Central Asian Studies Unit, Department of Academic Research and Publications at the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London, United Kingdom. His research focuses on the history and culture of the peoples of Central Asia and he is the author of several articles and chapters on this subject.

Reviews

"While Shughnan has often been disregarded on account of its remoteness and mountainous terrain, Zoolshoev makes a compelling case for revisiting the region's significance as a regional political actor and trade conduit...it will undoubtedly serve as the definitive reference point for any further research on these issues." - The Medieval Review

Book Information
ISBN 9781032246765
Author Muzaffar Zoirshoevich Zoolshoev
Format Paperback
Page Count 150
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 303g