The 8th-century marriage contract will be placed in the Center of Islamic Civilization

As part of research at the Center of Islamic Civilization aimed at studying pre-Islamic culture and legal traditions, rare documents found in Mount Mug, particularly the Sogdian marriage contract, are being studied in detail.

The contract numbered Nov.3–Nov.4 dates back to the 8th century CE and sets out the marriage conditions, rights, and obligations between one of the Sogdian nobles, Uttigin, and his future wife, Dugdoncha. Consisting of 90 lines, the contract is written on leather and is one of the largest documents discovered in Mount Mug.

Structure of the contract:

-Mutual duties of husband and wife during the marriage;

-Material and legal guarantees in the event of divorce;

-Provisions on exemption of both parties from criminal liability;

-Information about witnesses, the scribe, and officials.

Most importantly, the copy states that the contract must be kept by the wife.

Husband’s obligations in the contract include:

-Not depriving the wife of her freedom;

-Returning her to her father’s home if she is insulted;

Providing material guarantees in the event of divorce.

From this document, it is evident that in the 8th century CE, family relations, property rights, and legal equality between men and women in Sogdian society had reached a significant level of development, with legal protection of rights ensured by local authorities.

The Center of Islamic Civilization, while thoroughly studying these historical sources, is carrying out research and media projects to present them to the wider public and the academic community.

Egamon Alisher
Senior Researcher at the Scientific Department of Museum and Exhibits.

P/S: The article may be used with reference to the official website of the Center.