Religions in Central Asia: Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Christianity

Abstract

Religious beliefs were highly significant, and in some cases crucial, in the development of ancient civilizations everywhere, as well as in the ways that different empires, states and peoples interacted. Central Asia was no exception. Religious development between the sixth century b.c. and sixth century a.d. played an important role in the cultural and political changes. What made this region different from other places in the world, however, was the intensity of interfaith interactions (Foltz 1999). Several factors worked in unique combination: large-scale migration; active trade; multi-ethnic composition of major urban and rural areas; and fierce competition between various missionary groups for proselytizing advantage. The geographical position of Central Asia at the crossroads of major cultural highways also contributed to this intensity.