The rise and fall of the Hami Kingdom (cc. 1389-1513)

The example of the rise and fall of the Hami Kingdom, which existed between 1389 to 1513, illustrates the external forces and the religious and political vicissitudes that were at play during a pivotal time in the history of Central Eurasia. Until the arrival of the Turkic people, the region was known for its extreme diversity of ethnic groups and as being a central meeting place of eastern and western cultures. From ancient times, the region had been inhabited by Indo-European-speaking people who followed Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism and Buddhism. However, the arrival of Islam played a significant role in the fate of the once Buddhist Hami Kingdom. With its destruction, the region adopted Islam and has remained Muslim ever since.