Abstract

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the study of Islamic manuscripts of Central Asian origin currently preserved in libraries in the United States. Central Asia historically was a major center of intellectual and cultural life of the Muslim world, where manuscript culture flourished until early twentieth century. The major cities such as Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva were centers of manuscript production.

The study analyzes twenty-five manuscripts originating from Central Asia, now housed in major American libraries. Their provenance has been established primarily through colophons, ownership notes as indicated in catalog records.

The paper provides an overview of the manuscripts’ chronological range and their subject matter. The collection includes works in Arabic and Persian, covering Qur’anic studies, Islamic law, theology, Arabic philology, literature, and astronomy. The attention is given to valuable manuscripts produced by renowned calligraphers and artists.

By bringing together dispersed materials, this study contributes to a better understanding of the book culture and intellectual history of Central Asia.