The Amu Darya flows through vast areas of steppe and desert (Kara Kum and Kizil Kum). On its banks, the only naturally available vegetation are tugai and reeds. We will be looking at how the neighbouring populations have managed to make the most of the reed beds' resources (flora, fauna, etc.) to live and survive in this difficult environment. We will be focusing on the early Islamic period. Using data from written sources (Arabic and Persian texts from the medieval period, travellers' accounts from the 19th century), archaeology, palaeoecology, botany and archaeobotany, we will look at the adaptability of reeds to Central Asian climatic conditions (aridity, salinity, floods/droughts). We will also look at the uses to which reeds are put, both for wildlife (habitations/buildings, food) and for humans (location of reedbeds, consumption, construction, transport). The aim of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the role of reeds as an essential resource for agropastoral societies, whether sedentary or nomadic.