New article online! In present-day minds, the Uyghur people are associated with Islam. Yet, this is a relatively recent development in their history. It is only after the integration of the Uyghur kingdom of Qocho (ca.840–14th century) into the Chagatai Khanate during the 14th century that they slowly began to convert to Islam. Long before that, in 762/763, the Uyghur kingdom adopted Manicheism as its state religion. But why would a steppe khaganate choose a religion that originated in Mesopotamia? And, why would they adopt a religion that prohibited the consumption of dairy products and meat, which represented a significant part of the steppe diet? Read the full article here: https://alongthesilkroad.com/2026/07/06/unveiling-uyghur-legacy-in-eurasian-history-ii-on-the-impact-of-manicheism-and-the-sogdian-elites-on-the-uyghur-khaganate-744-840/
