International Conference <i>Middle Eastern Studies in Eurasia</i>: Oriental Studies Culture and Search for New Formats of Interaction

Abstract

On October 20–21, 2023, the International Conference Middle Eastern Studies in Eurasia was held in Moscow, organized by the Primakov Center and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The event was attended by representatives of research institutes and teachers from universities in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as various regions of Russia, which have historically established and are developing their own oriental centers and schools. The conference participants had a unique opportunity to exchange teaching experience, talk about achievements and problems in Oriental studies education, and share skills in studying the problems of one of the most conflict-ridden regions in the world. The conference was structured around a discussion of issues affecting both the current state and prospects for the development of Oriental studies, trends in the development of existing schools of teaching Middle Eastern languages, and scientific schools of classical academic research. The issue of the possibility of creating a common educational space for Middle Eastern studies in Eurasia was discussed. In her welcoming speech, the executive director of the Center for Foreign Policy Cooperation V. G. Karslieva emphasized that common historical roots and methodological traditions determine not only the past, but also the present of oriental studies in the countries of the post-Soviet space. In many countries of Central Asia, academic oriental studies have changed significantly and have become much more applied in nature. During the plenary discussions, the scientific director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences V. V. Naumkin stated that academic oriental studies are necessary for solving not only political, but also scientific, humanitarian, and educational problems. Four plenary sessions of the conference were devoted to the topics of: the current state of Middle Eastern studies, schools of teaching Middle Eastern languages, scientific schools of the classical cycle of Middle Eastern studies and the issue of studying the modern Middle East in Eurasian countries. MGIMO was represented at the event by Vice-Rector for Personnel Policy, Associate Professor of the Department of Diplomacy V. M. Morozov and professor of the Department of Oriental Studies M. A. Sapronova. In conclusion, the conference organizers proposed to develop regular interaction, and also initiated an expansion of the event format: the Russian language and common culture not only remain a factor in bringing together experts from Eurasian countries, but also form a common research and educational field.