A Brief Overview of the Early History of the Formation of the Ḥanafī School of ‘Aqīda on the Territory of Russia (10th–15th Centuries)

The article is devoted to the historical analysis of the early stage of the formation of the Ḥanafī School of ‘aqīda on the territory of Russia (10th–15th centuries). Based on the analysis of fragmentary sources, the works of Muslim historians (Sh. Marjani, Kh. Faizkhanov, M. Ramzi and R. Fakhreddin), and modern studies, the authors reconstruct the key stages of the Ḥanafī tradition’s development in the Khazar Khaganate, Volga Bulgaria, and the Golden Horde. The article identifies the main periods in the formation of the doctrinal school and determines the possible intellectual centers of influence and the regions of its development (Khorezm, Maverannahr, Bukhara, Saray, and Crimea). It analyzes the personalities of Bulgar and Golden Horde theologians. Special attention is given to the process of institutionalization of the Ḥanafī-Māturīdī tradition during the Golden Horde era. In conclusion, the authors outline the prospects for further research related to the introduction of new sources and the study of the Khorezmian theological heritage.