Sogdians and Cultural Exchange in Eastern Eurasia

The Sogdians -- the Iranian ethnic group, originally inhabiting the Sogdiana region between the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, and belonging are known for their commercial trade and are a renowned merchant nation. Throughout the first millennium CE, trade between inner Eurasia was dominated by the Sogdians, whose activities played an important role in the historical development and cultural exchange between the East and the West. In addition to the general introduction, this book contains 14 papers covering the culture, thoughts (beliefs) of the Sogdians. It further examines the political, economic, and cultural characteristics and influences of Sogdians interacting with Chinese agricultural states and nomadic powers like the Turkic Khaganate and Uyghur Khaganate from the 6th to 10th centuries. Through this exploration, readers gain insight into the multifaceted role Sogdians played across Eastern Eurasia. The authors are leading scholars in Japan's academic circles specializing in Sogdian history and culture. Their insights are highly innovative and enlightening, making this volume an excellent introductory text for understanding Sogdian history and culture.