Publication Details
Abstract
This article examines the etymology of several demononyms in the Uzbek language and analyzes their historical-linguistic development and mythological background. The study focuses on the origin, phonetic evolution, and semantic transformation of key demonological concepts in Zoroastrian cosmology such as Ahriman, dev (daiva), and albasti. Based on linguistic reconstructions and scholarly sources, the roots of these lexemes are traced back to Proto-Iranian and Indo-European language layers. The article also investigates how these demononyms appeared in different historical periods and languages, including Avestan, Old Persian, Middle Persian, Sogdian, and modern Central Asian languages. The results demonstrate that demononyms are not only mythological or religious terms but also important linguistic units reflecting historical-cultural contacts and the development of languages.