Sogdian Merchants as Iranian Cultural Carriers (Studying the Effect of Sogdians in Iran-China relations during Parthian and Sassanians)

The current analytical-historical study aims to investigate the influence of Sogdiana in Iran trading under Parthian and Sassanian Empire, motives of Sogdians trading with china, and their consequences. To do the research, Iranian and foreign books, papers, studies and researches have been used. In general, results of the study show that Sogdian merchants were playing key role in protection and business continuity of the Silk Road, particularly with China. Although the main reason of trading was economic profit, but other motives were also influential such as promoting religious rituals (Zoroastrian, Nestorian, Manichaean and Buddhist), and expanding Persian culture, literature, and language; the motives which make Sogdians to change their trading acts to establish cultural relations between Iran and China.