Zoroastrianism in ancient Khorezm

Before Islam arrived in the 8th century, the dominant religion in Khorezm (the Amu Darya delta, modern Khiva/Nukus region) was Zoroastrianism — the monotheistic fire-worshipping religion founded by the prophet Zarathustra.

Some scholars believe Zarathustra himself came from Khorezm (though Balkh in Afghanistan and eastern Iran also claim him). What's certain is that Khorezm was a major Zoroastrian centre by the time of the Achaemenid Persian Empire (6th–4th c. BCE).

Evidence: - Fire temples at Toprak Kala and Koy-Krylgan-Kala (excavated Soviet-era). - Ossuaries — Zoroastrians exposed dead bodies to birds ("sky burial"), then collected bones in clay boxes. Thousands found across the Kyzylkum. - Avestan language fragments in Khwarezmian inscriptions. - The desert fortresses (Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala, etc.) were built during the Zoroastrian period.

The Arab general Qutayba ibn Muslim conquered Khorezm in 712 CE. Conversion to Islam was gradual — Zoroastrian practices (fire-veneration, Navruz celebrations) persisted in diluted form and survive today in Uzbek folk traditions.

The modern celebration of Navruz (spring equinox) is a direct Zoroastrian inheritance. Fire-jumping at Navruz bonfires is the last echo of fire worship in Central Asia.