
In the late 7th and early 8th centuries, Central Asia underwent a profound transformation as Arab armies expanded their control over the region. This period saw the incorporation of areas like present-day Turkmenistan into the Islamic Caliphate, divided administratively between Mawara'un Nahr and Khorasan. The Arab conquest brought Islam to the diverse peoples of Central Asia, reshaping cultural and religious practices for centuries to come.
The city of Merv, strategically positioned on key trade routes, played a crucial role during this era. Arab forces, under the caliph Uthman ibn Affan, established Merv as the capital of Khorasan. From this base, the Arab commander Qutayba ibn Muslim launched campaigns that subdued regions such as Balkh, Bokhara, Fergana, and Kashgaria, extending influence even into China’s Gansu province by the early 8th century.
In 748, Merv became a focal point of political upheaval when Abu Muslim declared the Abbasid revolution against the Umayyad Caliphate. From Merv, he spearheaded a movement that culminated in the establishment of the Abbasid dynasty, which shifted the caliphal capital to Baghdad. However, the revolution’s violent overtones were evident in incidents like the execution of a goldsmith from Merv who had admonished Abu Muslim to avoid conflict among Muslims.
During the latter 8th century, Merv also became notorious as a center for the heterodox teachings of al-Muqanna, the “Veiled Prophet of Khorasan.” His movement, rooted in religious and social dissent, challenged the Abbasid orthodoxy, leaving a mark on the region's history.
Following the period of direct Arab rule, Merv and surrounding areas transitioned to the control of the Tahirid dynasty (821–873). During this era, Merv flourished as a hub of Islamic learning, rivaling cities like Samarkand and Bokhara. The city produced numerous scholars, including historians and legal experts, many of whom bore the nisba “Marwazi” to denote their origins.
In 873, the Arab grip on Central Asia ended with the Saffarid conquest, though their rule was short-lived. By 901, the Saffarids were displaced by the Samanids, who brought a renewed cultural and economic vibrancy to the region. However, by the late 10th century, the Samanids weakened, and the Ghaznavids emerged as a dominant force, taking control of present-day Turkmenistan in the 990s.
The Ghaznavids’ reign was challenged by the Seljuks, Turkic newcomers from the north. The Seljuks achieved a decisive victory in 1041, marking the beginning of their control over Turkmenistan. This transition ushered in a new era of Turkic dominance, reflecting the broader shifts occurring across Central Asia.