DECIPHERING THE SCRIPTS AND LANGUAGES OF AFRIGHID KHOREZM A HISTORIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW.

Abstract

This review explores the evolution and scholarly investigation of Khorezmian scripts and languages during the Afrighid era (4th-10th centuries), focusing on their Aramaic origins and transformations post-Arab conquest. Significant findings from the Khorezm Archaeological-Ethnographic Expedition have highlighted the minimal alterations in script style from the 3rd to the 8th century, despite cultural and religious shifts from Zoroastrianism to Islam. The research integrates contributions from both Soviet and international scholars, revealing that while the script's study began earnestly in the mid-20th century, many inscriptions from pivotal archaeological sites remain unpublished. Challenges in compiling and analyzing these texts are discussed, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive platform to publish and synthesize all findings. The paper also addresses the broader implications of script changes on the understanding of Khorezm’s cultural independence and historical linguistics, suggesting that further research could refine our knowledge of regional interactions and script evolution in ancient Central Asia.