By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS, Freemason, and Proud Patriot
The history of the Christian Iranic Alans stands as a testament to the resilience of faith and identity in the face of conquest and cultural obliteration. Descended from the ancient Scytho-Sarmatian tribes, the Alans embodied the values of courage, independence, and faith in Christ. As a former Muslim and someone deeply connected to the rich history of Iranian peoples, I find their story a profound source of inspiration. It highlights the enduring spirit of a people who resisted Islamic imperialism and fought valiantly against the Turkic invaders who sought to impose their foreign culture, religion, and power.
The Iranic Alans and Their Christian Identity
The Alans, part of the greater Iranic family, had roots that stretched back to the nomadic steppes of Eurasia. They were closely related to other Scytho-Sarmatian peoples, whose contributions to history included advanced horsemanship, warrior culture, and trade across the ancient Silk Road. By the time Christianity began spreading throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, the Alans embraced the faith with fervor, integrating it into their warrior ethos.
Unlike Islam, which relies heavily on conquest and subjugation, Christianity appealed to the Alans’ sense of justice, freedom, and the sanctity of life. Their conversion to Christianity further differentiated them from the encroaching Islamic Turkic tribes who sought to dominate the region. The Alans’ faith became a rallying cry for resistance against Islamic imperialism, offering hope and a spiritual foundation for their struggle.
Resistance Against the Turks
The Islamic Turkic expansion into the Caucasus and the steppes brought devastation to many ancient peoples, including the Alans. The Turks, armed with the doctrines of jihad and backed by the Arabized Islamic Caliphate, sought to convert, enslave, or eradicate those who stood in their way. The Alans, however, did not capitulate easily.
Aligned with Christian allies such as the Byzantines and Georgians, the Alans utilized their strategic position in the Caucasus Mountains to defend their homelands. They fortified mountain passes and built strongholds that served as barriers against Turkic invasions. These warriors were not only fierce on the battlefield but also adept at guerrilla warfare, leveraging their knowledge of the rugged terrain to outmaneuver their enemies.
The Alans’ dedication to defending their Christian faith played a critical role in their resistance. They saw the Turkic invaders not merely as political adversaries but as existential threats to their way of life, religion, and freedom. For centuries, the Alans withstood waves of Turkic incursions, preserving their Christian identity even as their numbers dwindled due to relentless attacks.
Lessons for Today
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim who once embraced Islam and its political organizations, I cannot help but reflect on the stark contrast between the Alans' defiance and the submission demanded by Islamic ideologies. Their story resonates deeply with me because it underscores the importance of fighting for truth, faith, and cultural heritage against forces that seek to erase them.
Today, as modern Western nations face threats from ideological and cultural imperialism—be it Marxist or Islamist—the example of the Alans should serve as a rallying cry. Their unwavering faith in Christ and refusal to submit to tyranny remind us of the power of conviction and the necessity of defending our freedoms at all costs.
Citations
Thompson, E. A. The Early Germans. Oxford University Press, 1965.
Golden, Peter B. An Introduction to the History of the Turkic Peoples. Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, 1992.
Kettenhofen, Erich. "The Alans in the Caucasus: Their Historical Significance." Iranica Antiqua, 2001.
Grousset, René. The Empire of the Steppes: A History of Central Asia. Rutgers University Press, 1970.
Christiansen, Eric. The Northern Crusades. Penguin Books, 1997.
Their faith, their resistance, and their ultimate sacrifices remain an enduring legacy for Christians and freedom-loving peoples everywhere.
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