A critical, deeply researched work on a long and still debated theme within and beyond Kazakh scholarship. Weller's book is an erudite exploration of Tsarist, Soviet, Western (European and American), Turkish and modern Kazakh writing on the spread and role of Islam and other religious systems in Kazakh society. As such, it is essential reading for all who are interested in the history of religion in Central Asia and in particular of Islam in Kazakhstan. (Peter B. Golden, Professor Emeritus of History, Turkish and Middle Eastern Studies, Rutgers University) This the first book-length study of the concept of 'pre-Islamic survivals' among the Kazakhs and other Muslim societies of Central Asia. Weller's painstaking research draws on medieval and modern primary sources, including twenty-first century developments.Focused primarily on the Kazakhs, the book opens doors to a broader discussion of Muslim populations of Central Asia and the former Russian Empire in the context of colonial scholarship and the global reach of knowledge production. (Marina Tolmacheva, Professor Emerita, Middle Eastern & Islamic History, Washington State University and President Emerita, American University, Kuwait) Weller's study of the concept of 'pre-Islamic survivals' in Central Asia is an erudite and thought-provoking book.

On the basis of wide-ranging research and deep engagement with Kazakh-language sources, he argues that the paradigms through which a number of (especially Western) scholars have -- implicitly or explicitly -- understood religiosity in Central Asia do not adequately explain Central Asian religious beliefs and customs. His arguments merit careful study and engagement by scholars of Central Asian history and the history of religion alike. (Ian W. Campbell, Associate Professor of History, University of California-Davis, California) A comprehensive volume which offers fresh perspectives and ideas. Scholars of Islamic, religious, cultural and historical studies will find much of interest on the problems of 'syncretism' and 'conversion,' especially in relation to the study of religious identity in Central Asia and its developing trends. (Ainura D. Kurmanaliyeva, Professor & Department Chair, and Nurlykhan K. Aljanova, Senior Lecturer & Vice-Chair on Science and International Cooperation, Department of Religious & Cultural Studies, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty)) This is an insightful work, rich in detail; scholars from many disciplines will benefit from it.

(Razia Sultanova, Research Fellow, Cambridge Muslim College, UK, and Visiting Professor, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic).