THE ROLE OF CROSSINGS AND RIVER PORTS IN THE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS OF THE KHOREZM OASIS (9TH–13TH CENTURIES)

This article examines the communication systems that developed and operated in the Khorezm Oasis during the 9th to 13th centuries, with particular emphasis on the role of river crossings and ports. The research analyzes the socio-economic and military-strategic significance of these infrastructures. It explores the Amu Darya River, its tributaries, canal networks, and the riverside trading and military stations – namely, the ports and fords – within the broader context of Khorezm’s political administration, trade connections, and international transit systems. The study is based on classical sources by Arab and Persian geographers such as Ibn Rusta, Istakhri, Ibn Hawqal, and al-Maqdisi, as well as on modern historical and archaeological investigations. Particular attention is given to the development of agriculture, domestic logistics, and foreign trade in the oasis through water routes and related hydraulic engineering structures. In conclusion, the integrative role of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers in interregional networks is synthesized, and the historical-geographical position of Khorezm is evaluated within the context of contemporary academic research.本文考察了9至13世纪花剌子模绿洲（Khorezm Oasis）发展并运作的交通通信体系，重点探讨渡口与港口所发挥的作用。本研究剖析了这类基础设施的社会经济与军事战略价值。本文在花剌子模政治治理、贸易联系与国际过境体系的整体框架下，探讨了阿姆河（Amu Darya River）及其支流、运河网络，以及河畔贸易与军事站点——即港口与渡口——的相关情况。本研究的史料基础包括伊本·鲁斯塔（Ibn Rusta）、伊斯塔赫里（Istakhri）、伊本·豪卡尔（Ibn Hawqal）与马格迪西（al-Maqdisi）等阿拉伯、波斯地理学家的古典文献，以及现代历史学与考古学调查成果。研究还重点关注了该绿洲依托水路与相关水利工程设施发展的农业、国内物流与对外贸易状况。最后，本文综合阐释了阿姆河与锡尔河（Syr Darya）在区域间网络中的整合作用，并结合当代学术研究语境，评估了花剌子模的历史地理区位。