SPIRITUAL HERITAGE OF AKHUN-ISHANDS IN THE SYR REGION: FROM THE SOVIET PERIOD TO THE PRESENT DAY

Abstract

This article examines the history of the spiritual heritage of religious figures known as “Khoja”, “Ishan” and “Akhun” who lived in the Syr Darya region between the late 18th century and the early 20th century. Despite the atheistic policies of the Soviet era, their rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts were preserved by their descendants and have survived to this day. These historical materials, discovered through specialized expeditions, provide an opportunity to systematize and introduce the legacy of religious figures from the Syr Darya region into academic discourse. The main objective of this study is to highlight the significance of the spiritual heritage that has endured since the Soviet period and to provide a detailed description of these artifacts. Additionally, identifying the role of the descendants of the akhun and Ishan in preserving these relics is a key research task. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, interest in religious heritage increased, leading to the study of previously hidden works. This article explores these issues through the example of the Syr Darya region.