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Manichaean Faith Network in Central Asia

Type Object Region Central Asia Time 300–1400

Founded by Mani in the 3rd century, Manichaeism spread east from Persia into Central Asia, forming a cross-oasis network supported by Sogdian merchan…

Timeline

  1. 300–400Mesopotamia–Persia frontier · MesopotamiaMani founded a dualistic religion in Sasanian Persia; after his martyrdom, followers carried it east along trade routes, establishing the first Manichaean communities and scripture-copying centers in the Sogdian towns of Central Asia.
  2. 500–800Samarkand · SamarkandSogdian merchants brought Manichaeism into the Tarim Basin and the Hexi Corridor; Manichaean murals and manuscripts unearthed at Dunhuang, Gaochang, and elsewhere reveal an inter-city organizational network of the faith.
  3. 762–840Gaochang · TurpanAfter the Uyghur khaganate adopted Manichaeism as its state religion, Manichaean temples were built at Gaochang and elsewhere, forming faith centers in eastern Central Asia supported by the royal house and sustained by merchant caravans.
  4. 1200–1300Central Asian oasis towns · Fergana ValleyBetween 1201 and 1210 CE, under Mongol rule policies of religious tolerance continued, and Manichaean believers were still active in some Central Asian towns, though far from the height of the Uyghur period.

Sources