Sogdian culture

Sogdian culture thrived in Central Asia from around the 6th to 10th centuries CE, centered in what is now Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The Sogdians were skilled merchants and traders, facilitating routes like the Silk Road, which connected China to Europe. They developed a distinctive language, script, and religion, blending elements of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and local beliefs. Their art and textiles reflected complex patterns and vibrant colors, revealing a rich cultural identity. Sogdian influence waned with changing trade routes, but their legacy remains in archaeological finds, inscriptions, and the historical importance of Central Asian trade networks.