Islamic Central Asia

An anthology of historical sources documenting the history of Islamic Central Asia from the seventh century to the nineteenth century.

“A much-needed, long overdue, and impressive anthology of translations from sources by and about Muslim Central Asians. The editors have chosen well.” —Peter B. Golden, Rutgers University

Islamic Central Asia is the first English-language anthology of primary documents for the study of Central Asian history. Scott C. Levi and Ron Sela draw from a vast array of historical sources to illustrate important aspects of the social, cultural, political, and economic history of Islamic Central Asia. These documents—many newly translated and most not readily available for study—cover the period from the seventh-century Arab conquests to the nineteenth-century Russian colonial era and provide new insights into the history and significance of the region.

“The selection of previously translated materials is well thought out, the introductions to each section and each selection are elegant and erudite, and the more than twenty new translations are particularly welcome.” —Robert D. McChesney, New York University

“A well-chosen and vividly translated collection . . . making a wealth of sources available to students for the first time.” —James A. Millward, Georgetown University