Abstract

In this study, since ancient times, the Great Silk Road has been a powerful channel not only in the economic sphere but also in spiritual and cultural exchange, connecting many countries and peoples of the Eurasian continent. In addition, the Islamic factor played an important role in these processes both in the past and present. According to medieval sources, in the 9th-10th centuries, the main Muslim region passed along these roads - from the Middle East to Northern China. Throughout this vast territory, contacts were established between Muslim scientists, theologians, and jurists. The Great Silk Road was the way of international diplomatic relations ambassadors, and preachers of religion (missionaries). Sufis and dervishes, in the spirit of asceticism, self-restraint, and wandering, armed with the idea of spiritual travel as a religious end in itself, “brought Islam on their shoulders,” conquering half the world with their soft power. Thus, the system of religious ideas of early Sufism laid the foundation for the subsequent more dynamic spread of Islam in remote corners of the planet. In addition, historical records of scientists, ambassadors, Sufi poets of the Turkic peoples, and great figures (khans) about diplomatic relations and the procedure for receiving ambassadors are considered. Analysis of primary sources testifies and proves that Sufi dervishes made an invaluable contribution not only to the spread of religion, but at the same time contributed to the strengthening and development of dialogue between different cultures, which in turn led to the strengthening of spiritual ties, stability, permanence, and growth all spheres of society of a given period.