MUSA SAIDJONOV'S SCIENTIFIC LEGACY AND BUKHARA ARCHAEOLOGY AT THE END OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Abstract

 This article analyzes the scientific contribution of Muso Saidjanov to the study of the medieval historical topography of Bukhara. In the 1920s, research on the historical geography of Bukhara became one of the most important directions in Central Asian historiography. As a native scholar, Saidjanov approached the history of the city from a critical and scientific perspective. Despite holding high administrative positions, he continued his academic activity without interruption. His research was based on archaeological observations and a detailed analysis of waqf documents from the Samanid, Temurid, Shaybanid, and Ashtarkhanid periods. Special attention was given to Narshahi’s work *History of Bukhara* as a primary source. The article emphasizes Saidjanov’s conclusions on the formation of Bukhara during the 6th–7th centuries, the boundaries of the shahristan, the location of city gates, and the irrigation system. It also highlights his cautious attitude toward legendary narratives. Saidjanov’s research remains an important and reliable source for the study of medieval Bukhara.