AHC: Steppe Equivalent of Islam

Challenge: Have a charismatic leader unite the tribes in Central Asia around a new monotheistic religion that borrows elements from Christianity and Judaism that becomes a global religion until present day. Existence/non-existence of Islam is optional, but preferably no contact before the establishment of the new religion. Bonus points if this religion can expand under the leader through military conquest and there is a "Caliph" of sorts.
 
So, basically you want a cross between Genghis Khan and Muhammad?

This could easily happen under the right circumstances... Central Asia historically was a hodgepodge of Zoroastrians, Nestorian Christians, Buddhists, a smattering of Jews, Manichaeans, etc. before Islam showed up (and even for a long time after). All it would take is a local prophet to dream up some new syncretic evangelical faith and convert a powerful Kha(ga)n... Or for the prophet and Kha(ga)n to be one and the same. Really, pick a time, any time.

If you want something more specific - though not strictly in line with the parameters of the challenge (since it doesn't involve a *new religion) - I've always like the idea of a Manichaean Uyghur Khagan building an empire the size of Genghis Khan's and establishing Manichaeism as the dominant central Asian religion up to the present, maybe even converting China...
 

Incognito

Banned
Challenge: Have a charismatic leader unite the tribes in Central Asia around a new monotheistic religion that borrows elements from Christianity and Judaism that becomes a global religion until present day. Existence/non-existence of Islam is optional, but preferably no contact before the establishment of the new religion. Bonus points if this religion can expand under the leader through military conquest and there is a "Caliph" of sorts.
Sounds like you are looking for some kind of ATL Tengrism.
 
I dont think it would be to hard. Have one of the tribal leaders, who happens to be a great warrior, receive visions from "God X", then proceed to unite the tribes around him by force and convert them, and have them go on the warpath, having Hun-like successes.
 
I would remind you that up until the Turkic migrations, central asia was mostly Indo-European, specifically Iranic. So I think there is a possibility this religion could turn out somewhat like Zoroastrianism.
 
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