THE STUDY OF FIRDAWS AL-IQBAL IN WESTERN ACADEMIA

The historical and literary contributions of Central Asian scholars Munis and Agahi, particularly through their work Firdaws al-Iqbal, have long attracted interest among historians and scholars of Central Asian history. This article traces the journey of Firdaws al-Iqbal from its initial misinterpretations in the 19th century to its eventual recognition in Western academia. Drawing on primary and secondary sources, it examines key figures such as H. Vambery, A.L. Kun, and V.V. Bartol'd, and the role they played in the manuscript’s dissemination. It also discusses the gradual shift from fragmented, often inaccurate accounts to more rigorous and nuanced research, particularly in the Soviet Union and Central Asia. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of Firdaws al-Iqbal as an invaluable source for understanding Khorezm and Central Asian history, despite challenges related to access to the original manuscripts.