Centers of Scholarship & Islamic Learning in Central Asia

Although the Middle East, Africa, and southern Spain have often been recognized as centers of Islamic learning throughout history, Central Asia’s contributions have received less attention. This place collection invites users to explore both historical and contemporary cities of Islamic learning in Central Asia. While it does not catalog every important location, it highlights several key centers (Bukhara, Chach/Tashkent, Khiva, Merv/Marw, and Samarkand), showcasing both historic and modern hubs of scholarship. These cities were not only centers of religious and philosophical study but also of science, literature, and the arts, reflecting the rich intellectual life of the region. By examining these locations, users can gain a deeper understanding of the enduring influence of Central Asian scholarship on the broader Islamic world and beyond. This place collection is associated with this lesson plan: https://whgazetteer.org/resources/18/detail