Introduction

At a time, when Kurdistan was less being recognized in the world academic circles, Russian orientalists conducted valuable research on Kurdistan and elevated the status of Kurds at the international level. Their work on the history of Kurdistan, Kurdish language, Kurdish sociology and Kurdish politics has significantly served the realm of Kurdish studies. Scholars such as Vladimir Minorsky[1], Igor Diakonoff[2] and Basil Nikitin[3] carried out historical and linguistic research on Kurdistan and established a tradition of Kurdistan studies that had scientific and political implications. Meanwhile, a number of Kurdish scholars had the opportunity to go to Russia to continue their studies who later served as the foundations of Kurdistan studies; such scholars include Marf Khaznadar and Kurdistan Mukriyani among others. It is obvious that these Kurdish scholars have studied Kurdistan under the influence of Russian scholars and the fingerprints of Russian orientalists on them are undeniable.

On the other hand, the work of Russian orientalists on Kurdistan can be critically examined. While it is obvious that Russian orientalists established a foundation for Kurdistan studies and has enormously contributed to the literature, their work  could have political motivations. There are questions as whether or not the studies conducted by Russian orientalists were based on established historical and linguistic facts and evidence.

 For these purposes, Soran University and The Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences  are organizing a joint conference with an aim to uncover the role and effects of Russian orientalists in introducing the Kurds and the cause of Kurdistan. The aim of the conference is to honor the vital role of Russian orientalists in introducing Kurdistan to the world, and also to critically examine their influence in the field of Kurdistan studies both within the context of Kurdistan and the world.

Aims of the Conference

The aim of this conference is to provide an in-depth understanding of the role and influence of Russian orientalists in acknowledging and introducing Kurdistan. Participants will be able to present their views on the historical and political contexts that led Russian orientalists to study the Kurds and issues related to Kurdistan in particular and the Middle East in general.

Another goal of the conference is to promote cultural dialogue between Russian and Kurdish experts and scholars. Exchange of ideas and views among the participants and shaping scientific cooperation between the Kurdish and Russian researchers is another main objective of the conference.

Forms of Conference

The conference will feature keynote speakers, discussion panels, presentation of papers and workshops.

Conference themes

The topics of the conference include, but not limited to, the following topics:

History of Kurdistan:

- Russian orientalists and the history of ancient Kurdistan (Medes and Sassanids, etc.)

- Russian orientalists and the narration of contemporary history of Kurdistan

- Minorsky and the Kurds

- Diakonoff and the Kurds

- Nikitin and the Kurds

Kurdish Language:

- Russian orientalists and the status of Kurdish language

- The role of Russian orientalists in Kurdish linguistic identity

- Kurdish Grammar and Syntax in the Writings of Russian Orientalists

- Kurdish Grammar and Syntax in the Writings of Kurdish Scholars in Russia

Religion in Kurdistan:

- History of Islam in Kurdistan from the perspective of Russian orientalists

- History of the Shiite religion in Kurdistan from the perspective of Russian orientalism

- Russian orientalists and Christianity in Kurdistan

- Russian orientalists and Judaism in Kurdistan

- Russian orientalists and Ezidi religion in Kurdistan

Kurdish Politics:

- The relationship between Russian orientalism and Russian policy towards Kurdistan

- The relationship between Russian orientalism and Russian policy towards Iraq

- Critical Interpretation of Russian Orientalism from the Perspective of Edward Said’s Orientalism Theory

- Comparison of Russian policy towards Kurdistan during the Soviet and post-Soviet periods in relation to Russian orientalism

Kurdish Culture and Media

- Kurdish folklore and culture in the work of Russian orientalists

- Kurdish media in the writings of Russian orientalists

- Russian orientalists' views on the situation of Kurdish women

- Russian orientalists' views on Kurdish music

Languages of the Conference

·      Kurdish

·      Russian

·      English

Conference Committees

Organizing Committee

Dr. Karmand Abdulla Hamad

Dr. Sattar Sheikh Hassan

Mr. Karwan Mohammed Aziz

Mr. Rebaz Dlawer

Dr. Ibrahim Sadiq Malazadah

Dr. Muslih AbdulQahar Irwani

Dr. Dilshad Sabri

Dr. Karzan Abdulrahman

Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim

Ms. Arina Asylguzhina

Mr. Omer Mustafa

Mrs. Zahra Samad

Scientific Committee

Prof. Dr. Sirwan Jabar (Soran University)

Prof. Dr. Vitaly Naumkin (Institute of Oriental Studies/ Russia )

Prof. Dr. Jabbar Qadir (retired professor)

Prof. Dr.Ismael Mohammed Assaf (Salahaddin University)

Prof. Dr. Saman Hussein Ahmad (University of Sulaimani)

Asst. Prof. Dr. Qadir Mohammed (University of Raparin)

Asst. Prof. Dr. Ayub Karimi (Soran University)

Asst. Prof. Dr. Amanj Ahmad Dilzar (Soran University)              

Dr Ozmanyan Midia (Institute of Oriental Studies/ Russia)

Dr Abrosimov Alexander (Institute of Oriental Studies/ Russia)

Dr Lana Ravandi-Fadai (Institute of Oriental Studies / Russia)

Dr Marouf Cabi (Middle East Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science/ United Kingdom)

Important Dates of the Conference

Conference Announcement 01-04- 2024

Abstract Submissions:        01-04-2024 to 15-06-2024

Accepting Abstracts:           15-06-2024 to 25-6-2024

Full paper submission:            01-09-2024

Full paper acceptance         15-09-2024

Conference Date:                29 -30 September 2024

[1] Vladimir Fyodorovich Minorsky (Владимир Фёдорович Минорский) (1877 – 1966)

[2] Igor Mikhailovich Diakonoff (И́горь Миха́йлович Дья́конов) (1915 – 1999)

[3] Basil Nikitin (Васи́лий Петро́вич Ники́тин) (1885 – 1960)