From Sogdiana to Zarang in Scythian Lineages, Epic Continuity, and the Rustamite Ethos in Eastern Iran

The present study examines the kamāl, or surviving cultural-genetic memory of Scythian tribes in Eastern Iran as seen through the Rustamite heroic pastiche. Based on their studies of Sogdiana, Tukharestan, Zarang, and Sistan etc., how Scythian pastoral identities were consolidated, reworked and run through with the Iranian epic narrative after the decline of Rustamide heroes i.e. memory of former great figures partially mythical — notably the figure Sandar, Iranian historical-warrior of Khvarn. This study assembled oral genealogies, local folklore and legal systems, linguistic features as well archaeological patterns to demonstrate the existence of warrior ethos among select tribal of upholding the same principles before and after Islam. The analysis allows us to glimpse a long and steady transmission of ethical codes, symbols and martial patterns from Scythian cultural paradigms into Iranian ones. The findings of research indicate that these tribes were not passive assimilated, but instead surrounded themselves like museums of a mediatory identity that belonged to valor, justice and ancestral memory. Finally, in conclusion the research posits that there existed a peculiar culture-hybrid in Eastern Iran that, by challenging imperial historical historiography, elucidates how peripheral narratives are fundamental to understanding the civilizational placemat of Iran.

کلیدواژه ها:

Scythians ، Rustamite tradition ، Eastern Iran ، Sogdiana ، Zarang ، oral history ، cultural continuity ، nomadic identity