THE ROLE OF ABU BAKR KALOBODIY IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT OF TRANSOXIANA IN THE 9TH-10TH CENTURIES

Abstract

This article examines the profound influence of Abu Bakr Kalobodiy on the social and cultural environment of Transoxiana during the 9th and 10th centuries. The period, marked by the Islamic Renaissance in Central Asia, saw the emergence of numerous scholars, theologians, and mystics who contributed to both religious and secular intellectual traditions. Abu Bakr Kalobodiy's role in this intellectual movement is crucial as he became a leading figure in Islamic mysticism, particularly Sufism. His notable works, such as At-ta’arruf li mazhabi ahli-t-tasavvuf and Bahr al-favoid, played an essential part in advancing Sufi thought and practices in the region. The article also highlights the intellectual climate of Bukhara and Samarkand, where Kalobodiy and his contemporaries thrived amidst a rich blend of theological, philosophical, and scientific endeavors. Moreover, it delves into the sociopolitical transformation in Transoxiana during this time, emphasizing the role of Kalobodiy’s teachings in the broader context of Islamic scholarship, including the development of Ilm (knowledge) and the interaction between Islamic, Persian, Turkish, and Arabic cultures. By exploring the synthesis of various intellectual traditions, this study provides insights into how Kalobodiy contributed to shaping the social, religious, and cultural milieu of his time.