Sogdians were a nomadic people who inhabited Central Asia from around 800 BC until the Islamic conquest of Samarkand in the early 10th century AD. They played an important role in facilitating trade between China and the Mediterranean world during the Han dynasty and later periods. Their culture was influenced by both Chinese and Iranian civilizations and they spoke a unique language that combined Sanskrit, Pahlavi, and Iranian elements.
Sexuality and Religion
In Sogdian society, religion played an important role in shaping attitudes towards sexuality. The most prominent religion among the Sogdians was Zoroastrianism, which had strong prohibitions against extramarital sex and homosexual behavior.
There is evidence that other forms of sexual expression were tolerated within certain contexts.
Homosexuality in Sogdian Society
Homosexuality was not uncommon in Sogdian society, particularly among men in positions of power or wealth. There are many instances of same-sex relationships recorded in ancient texts, including those involving elite members of the Sogdian community.
The Chinese writer Ban Gu described how two Sogdian nobles, Boqi and Luo Xiong, fell in love with each other after meeting at a banquet. The story suggests that their relationship was openly accepted by their peers.
Polyamory in Sogdian Mercantile Contexts
Polyamory was also common in Sogdian society, particularly among traders who traveled extensively. Many Sogdian merchants engaged in multiple marriages or concubinage as a way to maintain ties with different families and communities along their trade routes. This practice was seen as a way to ensure the stability of the merchant class and prevent conflict between different groups.
Transgender Identity in Cosmopolitan Contexts
Transgender identity was also recognized in Sogdian culture. Some scholars have suggested that transgender individuals may have been able to find acceptance and even prestige in cosmopolitan cities like Samarkand, where they could blend into a diverse population of people from different cultural backgrounds. There is evidence of cross-dressing among Sogdians during religious festivals and ceremonies, suggesting that some members of the community identified as neither male nor female.
How did Sogdian religion accommodate sexual diversity in mercantile and cosmopolitan contexts?
Sogdian religion was polytheistic and tolerated a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities. The society was cosmopolitan, with people from different parts of the world, including China and India, living together in cities such as Samarkand. Merchants and traders who traveled long distances for business often encountered new cultures, religions, and values that were not always compatible with their own belief systems.