Spreading of Islam Among Turkic People of Western Siberia in the Middle Ages
50th Annual Meeting of the PIAC, Kazan 2007
Summary. For the first time Islam reached nomadic tribes in the southern area of western Siberia in the beginning of II A.D., constructive features of gravestones serve as a proof of this process. After its creation in XII A.D. Kypchak union experienced political and cultural influence of the biggest Moslem statement in Middle Asia — Khorezm-Shakh state. The influence of Khorezm contributed to the spread of Islam among nomadic people of Desht and Kypchak. The determining factor in spreading the Moslem religion among Turkic people of Western Siberia was its inclusion into Ulus Djuchi.
In the beginning of II A.D. among nomadic tribes located on south area of West Siberia, for the first time entered Islam. As a proof of this process testifies constructive features of constructions based over burials. They were putted together from adobe brick and looked like posterior mazaries belonged to Turkish Moslem nomads in epoch of late middle ages. In XII A.D. after creation of Kypchak union which included nomadic tribes of Kazakhstan and West Siberia, it tested political and cultural influence from biggest Moslem statement on the Middle Asia — Khorezm —Shakh power. Khorezm forces more that once kept a campaign to steppes right up to upper course of Tobol River.
A big power in Khorezm had Kypchak princess Turkan-khatun. She was a daughter of Kypchak khan Ikran. Then she becomes a wife (later widow) of Tekesh sultan. Her son Mohammed was latest Khorezm Shakh. Obviously, Kypchak people positioned close to court and army of Khorezm Shakh must be Moslem. Power of Khorezm supposed to Islam spreading among nomadic people of Desht and Kypchak.
Mongolian conquest of West Siberia and Kazakhstan territory, on which lived Kypchak people and other Turkish tribes, in the beginning of XII A.D. delayed but not stopped their passage to Islam religion. Mongolian aristocracy truly treated to Islam. In East Turkistan Chingiz khan appeared in the role of protector of Moslem religion opposite to statement of kara-kitay ruler Kuchhluk. Moslem buyers spread Mongolian politics in Middle Asia. They played a big role in trading.
Determining factor in spreading of Moslem religion among Turkish people of West Siberia was its including into Ulus Djuchhi. In the first half of XIV A.D. in time of the power of Uzbek khan Islam becomes statement religion in Golden horde. Important role in Moslem spreading played trade and cultural connections of people, located in east zones of this statement, in Kok horde, with trade, craft and town centers on the territory of Siberian Yurt. Adoption of Moslem religion promoted to cultural orientation of Siberian Tatar people onto traditions and values of Islam world.