The Sarbadars movement, which emerged in the mid-14th century in the region of Khurasan and Transoxiana, represents one of the earliest examples of grassroots socio-political resistance in Central Asian history. This article explores the socio-economic causes that contributed to the rise of the Sarbadars by analyzing historical sources, economic structures, and the lived experiences of ordinary people under Mongol and post-Mongol rule. The study employs a historical-analytical methodology to investigate how economic hardship, class inequality, and administrative corruption catalyzed mass mobilization. The findings reveal that the Sarbadars were not only a religious or political reactionary force but also a reflection of deep-rooted structural tensions within society. The study also draws parallels between the Sarbadars and other contemporary uprisings, highlighting the universal nature of grassroots resistance movements in the post-Mongol Islamic world. By identifying shared economic triggers across regions, the paper contributes to comparative historical sociology.

:Sarbadars, socio-economic history, Transoxiana, Mongol rule, grassroots resistance, 14th century

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