EARLY MEDIEVAL KHOREZM: SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE EVOLUTION OF URBAN LIFE

Аннотация

This article analyzes the socio-economic development of the Khorezm oasis in the early Middle Ages and the formation of urban life. It examines the development of agriculture, crafts, and trade, the formation of artificial irrigation systems, and the role of large families in society. The study also explores Zoroastrian beliefs, temples, religious symbols, and the significance of bird depictions. Based on archaeological sites such as Ayazqala, the discovery of Khorezmshah Shram’s coins and the development of urban culture are analyzed. Keywords: Khorezm, early Middle Ages, agriculture, irrigation system, Zoroastrianism, archaeological sites,Ayazqala, urban culture, trade routes, Khorezmshah Shram’s coins. ILKO‘RTAASRLARDA XORAZM: IJTIMOIY-IQTISODIYTARAQQIYOTVA SHAHARHAYOTINING RIVOJLANISHI Matyakubova ShahodatXamidjanovna Urganch Ranch texnologiya universiteti, Ijtimoiyfanlar kafedrasi o’qituvchisi Annotatsiya: Mazkur maqolada ilk o‘rta asrlarda Xorazm vohasining ijtimoiy-iqtisodiy rivojlanishi va shahar hayotining shakllanishi tahlil qilingan. Dehqonchilik, hunarmandchilik va savdo-sotiqning rivojlanishi, sun’iy sug‘orish tizimlarining shakllanishi va jamiyatdagi katta oilalarning roli ko‘rib chiqilgan. Shuningdek, zardushtiylik e’tiqodi, ibodatxonalar, diniy ramzlar, jumladan, qush tasvirlarining ma’nosi ham tadqiq etilgan. Ayozqal’a va boshqa yodgorliklar asosida Xorazmshoh Shram tangalarining topilishi va shahar madaniyatining rivojlanishi tahlil qilingan. Kalit so‘zlar: Xorazm, ilk o‘rta asrlar, dehqonchilik, sug‘orish tizimi, zardushtiylik, arxeologik yodgorliklar, Ayozqal’a, shahar madaniyati, savdoyo‘llari, Xorazmshoh Shram tangalari. РАННЕСРЕДНЕВЕКОВЫЙХОРЕЗМ: СОЦИАЛЬНО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЕ РАЗВИТИЕ ИСТАНОВЛЕНИЕГОРОДСКОЙЖИЗНИ Матякубова Шаходат Хамиджановна Ургенчскийтехнологический университет РАНЧ Преподаватель кафедрысоциальныхнаук Аннотация: В данной статье проанализировано социально-экономическое развитие Хорезмского оазиса в раннем Средневековье и формирование городской жизни. Рассмотрены развитие земледелия, ремесел и торговли, формирование систем искусственного орошения и роль больших семей в обществе. Также изучено зороастрийское вероисповедание, храмы, религиозные символы, включая изображение птиц. На основе археологических памятников, таких как Аёзкала, исследовано https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue2,2025 488 обнаружениемонет ХорезмшахаШрама и развитиегородскойкультуры. Ключевые слова: Хорезм, раннее Средневековье, земледелие, ирригационная система, зороастризм, археологические памятники, Аёзкала, городская культура, торговые пути, монетыХорезмшаха Шрама. Introduction. The Khorezm region is one of the oldest civilizations in Central Asia, with its socio-economic development and urban lifereaching a significant stage in theearly Middle Ages. During this period, the development of irrigation systems, the expansion of agriculture and handicrafts led to the formation of large cities in Khorezm. The widespread practice of Zoroastrianism and its symbolic and spiritual influence played a crucial role in the social life of thecommunity. Literature Review. The study of Khorezm’s history has been significantly enriched by research conducted by both local and foreign scholars. The works of Abu Rayhan Beruni serve as primary sources in understanding the socio-economic structure of the Khorezm region. In his work “History of Khorezm,” Beruni provides valuable insights into the cities, irrigation systems, and economic activities of the region. Additionally, studies by scholars such as N.Ya. Bichurin, S.P. Tolstov, and L.M. Levina extensively discuss the processes of urbanization and the importance oftrade routes in Khorezm. Methodological Approaches. The research employs historical-comparative, archaeological, and ethnographic methods. The historical-comparative approach allows for the analysis of the economic and cultural conditions of early medieval Khorezm in comparison with other regions. Archaeological excavations provide insights into the urban structures of ancient cities such as Ayaz-Kala, Topraq-Kala, and Khazarasp. Analysis. In the Khorezm region, the development of agriculture based on artificial irrigation required collective labor to ensure high crop yields. Managing irrigation systems, regulating water flow, and maintaining the infrastructure were beyond the capacity of individual families. As a result, collective agricultural efforts became essential. Furthermore, experienced farmers played a crucial role in maximizing crop production. Only those with significant expertise in agriculture could properly manage tasks such as sowing, irrigation, and crop maintenance. Consequently, collective farming was beneficial for all members ofthecommunity. During the early Middle Ages, the population of Khorezm practiced Zoroastrianism. Zoroastrian temples were built in urban areas, such as Ayaz-Kala 2. In residential buildings and fortresses, special fire chambers known as Atashkada were constru