Abdullayev K.

The cult of khaoma in ancient Central Asia. Samarkand: International Institute for Central Asian Studies, 2009. – 120 p.: ill.

This book discusses the issue of identification of the sacred beverage khaoma made of natural plants. The manufacture of this beverage was an important component of the religion of Persian speaking people of the Central Asia. The production was localised in a certain geographical area occupied by the tribe of Saki origin – Khaomavarga – in the cultural areas Margiane and Bactria. The laboratory analysis of some vessels found in excavations has shown, that for the preparation of the cult beverage various plants from the group of hallucinogens were used, namely opiates and psychostimulators.

To confirm this hypothesis monuments of fine arts, in particular, works of glyptics were analysed for the first time. In investigation on the basis of the iconographic analysis attempt of identification of some images of plants which have the similar form (a tulip, a pomegranate, a poppy) is made. Some stone objects which could be used for the manufacturing of the cult beverage and during a religious ceremony.