To be merged with [[Sabians of Maimonides]] and [[Yazdânism]] and [[Mithraism]].
The Sabians of Harran, a sect of Hermetists, often confused with the Mandaeans. As star-worshippers, Sabians showed a great interest in astronomy, astrology, magic and mathematics. This sect lived in the vicinity of the main center of the Caliphate until 1258, when the Mongols destroyed their last shrine. During Muslim rule, they were a protected minority, and around the time of al-Mutawakkil's reign their town became a center for philosophical, esoteric and medical learning. They were joined by the descendants of pagan Greek scholars who, having been persecuted in Europe, settled in lands that became part of the Abbasid caliphate. The Muslims were greatly interested in Greek culture and science, collecting and translating many ancient Greek works in the fields of philosophy and mathematics. Although they later became Arabic speakers, in pre-Islamic times, it was common for Sabians to speak Greek.
==Harranians same as Yazdâeans== *[[Harranians|Sabean of Harran]], aka Harranians, a the exonym (ca. 9th and 10th c. CE) for the Yazdâeans gnostic people who have lived in northern Mesopotamia from ancient times. As star-worshippers, Harranians showed a great interest in astronomy, astrology, magic and mathematics. They incorporated astrology and "worship of the heavenly host". From 830 CE until 16th century they adopted the name Sabian to seek protection under Islamic law.*[[Yazdânism]], or Cult of Angels is a gnostic religious belief of the Kurds*[[Yazidism]], [[Alevism]] and [[Yarsanism]] are sects within Yazdânism.*[[Sabians of Maimonides]] The adherents of Yazdânism were referred to as the "Sabians of Harran" (of Carrhae) in Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed, although may be a composite of Sabaeans, Harranians, Mandaeans and Zoroastrians. ==Christianity and SabianismHarranian==Harran was a centre of Christianity from early on, the first place where purpose-built churches were constructed openly. However although a bishop resided in the city, many people of Harran retained their ancient pagan ''Karzdi'' faith during the Christian period and thus the [[Sabian]] Harranian culture was born here in Harran.