PANEL: THREADS OF EMPIRE: ORIENTAL STUDIES AND THE RUSSIAN EAST
12/07/2025 08:30 - 10:45
HALL: Lecture Hall 01

Proponent: Carluccio A., Favaretto G.

Chair: Rajola-Pescarini A.

Speaker: Carluccio A., Favaretto G., Rajola-Pescarini A., Willard R.

This panel explores the distinctive nature of Oriental Studies within the Russian Empire, highlighting how it diverged from Western Orientalism. It delves into the field's deep connections to the empire's geopolitical ties with the "Orient" and its governance of diverse populations across regions such as the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Siberia. Key themes include the institutional frameworks that shaped Oriental Studies, the interplay between knowledge production and imperial policy, and the broader reception of this scholarship. For instance, the panel will analyze Likoshin's contributions to the study of Sufi brotherhoods in Central Asia, as well as the pivotal roles of Kazembek and Runovskii in shaping subsequent historiography on Imam Shamil.
In addition, the panel examines the enduring legacy of these studies, including their contributions to areas beyond the Russian Empire. Notable examples include Vladimir Ivanov's work and that of his predecessors on Islamic Sicily, showcasing their engagement with global Islamic scholarship.
We welcome participants to join a dynamic discussion on the legacies and relevance of these studies, examining critical intersections and their implications for understanding East-West relations.