Reference

The Penjikent murals, located in modern-day Tajikistan, primarily reflect the Sogdian culture and their cosmopolitan society, which included Turkic elites and foreign merchants. While the murals themselves do not directly depict Arab influence, historical context suggests that the region experienced Arab incursions and subsequent influence after the death of the city's ruler, Devastich, in 722 AD. The Arab conquest and the enforcement of Islamic law in the 9th century likely had an impact on the local culture, including art, though this may not be explicitly visible in the existing murals. The murals are more renowned for their depictions of Sogdian life, mythological figures, and possibly Aesop's fables, indicating a rich and diverse cultural heritage. For a deeper understanding of the Arab influence on the art and culture of Penjikent, further research into historical records and archaeological findings post-dating the Arab conquest would be necessary. For more detailed information, you can refer to resources like Wikipedia's article on Penjikent murals and voicesoncentralasia.org.