From Genealogical Inquiry to Intellectual Pursuit: Tracing the Legacy of the Descendants of Khwaja A‘zam

Yayoi Kawahara, Associate Professor and historian at the University of Tokyo, Japan, has paid a visit to Uzbekistan with the aim of conducting a joint academic research project in cooperation with the Imam Bukhari International Scientific-Research Center under the theme ‘Khwaja A‘zam Dahbedi and His Descendants: Genealogy and Spiritual Lineage’.

As part of her research, the scholar became closely acquainted with the sacred pilgrimage sites, mausoleums, and cultural heritage objects associated with Khwaja A‘zam Dahbedi and his descendants in the regions of Samarkand and Kashkadarya. The epigraphic monuments preserved at these sites ancient inscriptions on tombstones were analyzed and evaluated as outstanding examples of the advancement of Islamic history, scholarship, and spirituality.

These inscriptions represent not only an important source for the people of Uzbekistan but also for the international scholarly community. They reflect the way of life of successive generations, the chain of spiritual heritage, as well as the rich aspects of local history.

According to Yayoi Kavahara, these studies demonstrate that Uzbekistan preserves its religious and educational heritage on a scientific basis and with the utmost care. At the same time, they contribute to the study of eminent historical figures and their descendants, as well as to the promotion of their scholarly and spiritual legacy at the international level.

Within the framework of the visit, plans were outlined to implement extensive research in the future as part of an international academic project—specifically through joint studies focusing on genealogies, dynastic lineages, historical inscriptions, and archaeological sites.

This initiative represents yet another practical example of the efforts undertaken by the Imam Bukhari International Scientific-Research Center , in cooperation with representatives of the global scholarly community, to study the spiritual heritage and to transmit it to future generations.