Central Asian Journal of Social Sciences and History

Mourning rituals in the Miyonkol oasis

Gulida Sodikovna Norkulova — 2025-10-02

Mourning and burial rituals represent one of the most conservative cultural phenomena, often preserving layers of ancient beliefs within modern traditions. In the Miyonkol oasis, these practices embody a unique synthesis of animism, fetishism, totemism, and Zoroastrianism, later reshaped under Islamic influence. Despite their significance, the funeral and mourning customs of Miyonkol have received limited scholarly attention, particularly regarding their transformation under religious and cultural shifts. This study aims to investigate the continuity and change of mourning practices in Miyonkol, focusing on their ethnocultural and religious underpinnings. Field research and historical analysis reveal that many rituals such as washing the deceased, preparation of the “death bundle,” laments, and the symbolic use of willow continue to survive, though modernization and Europeanization have contributed to their gradual erosion. The research documents and interprets rituals that preserve traces of pre-Islamic traditions, demonstrating how layers of belief systems coexisted and evolved, while highlighting practices that are disappearing in contemporary times. The findings underscore the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, suggesting that further ethnographic research can contribute to the preservation and revitalization of national values amidst globalization pressures.

Establishment of Soviet Power in Bukhara and Khiva, Increasing Economic Representation

Mamatkarimov Ilyosbek Bakhritdin oglu — 2025-09-26

This article explores the historical processes surrounding the establishment of Soviet power in the Khiva Khanate and Bukhara Emirate, focusing on economic policies introduced by both the Russian Empire and the Bolshevik government. It examines the imposition of economic ideologies such as military communism, cotton policy, and forced collectivization. The article discusses how these policies contributed to economic stagnation and widespread suffering, as local populations were subjected to forced labor and the disruption of traditional agricultural practices. It further analyzes the impact of these policies on local economies, including the significant shift from food production to cotton cultivation, and the ensuing food shortages and famine. Additionally, the article considers the socio-political consequences of Soviet control, emphasizing the forced introduction of communism and the repression of local populations. The study highlights the role of Soviet administrative structures and the Workers' and Peasants' Inspectorate in enforcing these policies and their long-term effects on the region's economy and social fabric.

The Triangle of Struggle: Violence, Disempowerment, and the Reality of Daily Life for Iraqi Women

Muaad Al-Jumaah — 2025-09-16

Iraqi women have lived for decades under cycles of war, sanctions, dictatorship, and fragile democracy. While much scholarship has presented them as either resilient survivors or passive victims, less attention has been given to what women themselves identify as their most pressing daily struggles. This study investigates Iraqi women’s own perspectives, focusing on the struggles they named when directly asked about their biggest daily problems. By centering their voices, the paper aims to move beyond symbolic representations and document the lived realities of disempowerment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 Iraqi women aged 20–75 between September 2023 and March 2024, across Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, and semi-rural towns. Data were analyzed thematically, leading to the development of a “triangle of struggle” model. Ethical safeguards and anonymity were maintained in line with institutional approval. The findings reveal a triangular structure of struggle: violence at the apex, with harassment, tribalism and insecurity, regression, and daily burdens forming its base. Violence was reported as pervasive, while harassment restricted mobility, tribal dominance weakened legal protections, regression reflected fragile institutions, and daily burdens highlighted unemployment and exhaustion. These interconnected struggles reinforce cycles of fear and fatigue.

Contemporary Means Of Proof In Islamic Jurisprudence

Prof. Dr. Rafed Hasan Majeed — 2025-09-03

Islam took great care to preserve the rights of individuals, eliminate injustice, and prevent some people from transgressing against others. Because of this, it appointed judges to rule fairly among people in their disputes. Islamic law has shown the methods of proof that the judge must rely on in his rulings. These methods include those on which Muslim jurists have agreed, and those on which they have differed among themselves, and those on which Muslim jurists have differed (may God be pleased with those who have passed away and protect those who remain). Judgment based on circumstantial evidence, and in this research, we will try to show what the jurists see in the Qur’anic verse: is it suitable to be a method of proof? And if we say that, then in what case and field is it used? Is it in all types of cases, or is it specific to a specific type of case in which circumstantial evidence may not be used in any other case?

Nature Is A Poetic Reference For The Poet Youssef Bin Lulu' Al-Dhahabi

Dr. Ali Sahib Issa — 2025-09-03

It was nature's, with its heavens and soil, by its rivers, with its flowers and fruits, with its classes and its volatile conditions, it is a poetic reference whose milk drank most of the poets of the Mamluki era, including our poet the Abu lulua AL-Dahabi. It contacted her and her love. The nature of Egypt and the Levant helped to diversify and vary the kinds of beings in which she lives. However, the study came in four patterns: Style 1: Static nature is a poetry reference in Mamlak poets. Second style: Still nature is a poetry reference when poet. Style III: Moving nature is a poetry reference in Mamlak poets. Style IV: Moving nature is a poetic reference for poet.