Title of the conference

Russian Orientalists and Kurdistan: role and effects of the Russian orientalists in introducing the Kurds and the cause of Kurdistan

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.

[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)