HISTORY OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE BUKHARA EMIRATE AND IRAN

Abstract

 From the period of the Samanid rule, Iranian and Arab Shiite communities began migrating to the Bukhara oasis. This process was prompted by the intensifying power struggles in the center of the Arab Caliphate and its surrounding regions, as well as the persecution of Caliph Ali and his followers. As a result, seeking political refuge, Shiite communities crossed the Amu Darya and reached the Bukhara oasis. During this period, they even laid claims to local power. However, from the 9th century until the early 20th century, no state led by a Shiite community was established in the Bukhara oasis. Nevertheless, during the reigns of the Samanid and Manghit dynasties, representatives of Shiite movements of Iranian origin rose to the rank of viziers and attempted to take control of the government. In both cases, their rule ended in tragedy.

This study explores the relations with Iran and the process of formation of the Iranian community in Bukhara during the reigns of the Manghit dynasty’s amirs: Amir Shohmurod, Amir Haydar, and Amir Nasrullo. The first political and military base of the Iranians in Bukhara emerged after the invasion of Bukhara by Nadir Shah Afshar. Subsequently, the nature of Iranian migration to the city of Bukhara and its surroundings changed. Beginning with the reign of Amir Shohmurod, large-scale campaigns were conducted in the province of Khorasan. Amir Shohmurod, loyal to Sunni Islam and considering himself its protector, persecuted the rulers of Khorasan who adhered to Shiism. During his numerous campaigns, he resettled various ethnic groups under the general label of “Iranians.” As a result, large Iranian quarters began to form within the Bukhara Emirate.