Western Viewpoints Unveiled at MNU: A Glimpse into Central Asia via Early Explorers' Lenses
New and Improved Account:
CITY OF ASTANA - The initial phase of the "Perception of Central Asia Through Western Explorers' Eyes" series rolled out on April 29 at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), presenting the works of the esteemed Hungarian travels-scholar, Armin Vambery.
Kickstarting the exhibition dedicated to Vambery, one of the pioneers of global Turkology, at MNU was a joint venture between the MNU and the Hungarian Embassy in Kazakhstan. This project aims to shed light on Central Asia's historical heritage through the lenses of Western ethnographers, voyagers, scholars, and linguists.
"This event at Maqsut Narikbayev University signifies a significant milestone, reflecting the growth of Turkology as an academic field and its development in Hungary. Armin Vambery, a founding father of global Turkology, dedicated his research to unraveling the mystery of the Hungarian tribes' origins, dwelling in Central Europe. It was he who sparked a conversation that remains relevant today: whether Hungarian language belongs to the Turkic or Finno-Ugric language family. Vambery's research established a spiritual bond between Hungary and Central Asian peoples, and thanks to his work, the kinship between Kazakhs and Hungarians has remained unbroken till today," stated Hungarian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Otto Ivan Rona in his opening speech.
Vambery's Central Asian expedition offered vivid descriptions of daily life in the region, enhanced with detailed visuals representing notable landmarks such as the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi mausoleum in Turkistan.
The exhibition highlights a rare printed piece from the first edition of Vambery's "Journey through Central Asia" book published in 1868, in addition to a collection of historical images depicting the region's life.
Yerkin Tukumov, director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, emphasized the significant role Western travelers like Vambery, Marco Polo, and Thomas Atkinson played in illuminating the region to the world and fostering dialogue between East and West.
"Vambery, disguised as a mystic wanderer, traversed the heartlands of Central Asia under extreme peril, not to plunder but to comprehend; not to rule, but to empathize. His journey was not just an intellectual journey – it was a quest for identity, belonging, and a deeper connection between people," said Tukumov.
"He catalogued not just geographical elements but the very pulse of our ancestors – their languages, tales, and aspirations. Vambery's works remind us that real discovery lies in empathy, earnestness, and mutual respect. Vambery's legacy is a priceless thread that intertwines our shared human history," he added.
Olzhas Berkinbayev, the director of the Public Relations Department and press secretary of the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education, elaborated on Vambery's contributions to the Central Asian region.
Highlighting his importance, Berkinbayev quoted the renowned historian Babakumar Hinayat, who said, "Vambery, lacking formal education, paved his own path to knowledge and became the originator of the world's first Turkology department. He played a substantial role in the birth of orientalism in Hungary and proposed the concept of Turanism. His proficiency in Persian, Turkish, and Chagatai was so impressive that his interlocutors could not distinguish him from a native speaker."
Driven by his fascination to trace the Hungarian people's Turkic roots, Vambery embarked on his first journey to Istanbul at age 20. His linguistic skills in Turkish earned him a position as the Ottoman foreign minister's secretary, which resulted in several linguistic writings. By the age of 29, he was a corresponding member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. In 1862, the Academy funded his expedition to the Middle East and Central Asia – a challenging journey for the time. Disguised as a dervish, his profound understanding of Eastern languages and cultures enabled him to navigate through Turkey, Iran, the Khanate of Khiva, and the Emirate of Bukhara.
The bridges that appear in Vambery's works symbolize critical links for trade, travel, and cultural exchange, mirroring the vibrant lifestyle of the region.
The outcome of this expedition was the book "Bukhara, or History of Maverannahr from Antiquity to the Present Day." In 1873, it was published in Russia in Pavlovsky's translation.
"The book's worth lies in the fact that Vambery, while examining the material, relied on the works of the great historical writers of the Middle Ages. He thoroughly studied the works of Tabari, Neshri, Abu Bakr Nashshahi, Assaf Merhond, and knew well the works of Hafizi Abru and Sharaf al-Din Ali Yazdi," said Berkinbayev.
"In this regard, the academic introduction of the works of researchers at the level of Armin Vambery is an essential step towards the revival of historical awareness. Such individuals grant us an opportunity to view our history objectively and profoundly," he added.
[1] en.rep.kz/content/hungarian-embassy-kazakhstan-support-collaboration-maqsut-narikbayev-university-hosting...[2] market.mng.kz/en/news/item/zodchi-abvp-arbmin-vambe-ry-i-sushchestvennyi-sovremennik-kyi-keputynstvie-i...[3] archive.nam.gov.kt/17593393-zashchita-hyakon-o-besedke-hvzbic-cmbim-en-syngleasia-vozle-arhimandrii-hyakon-...
- "In their exploration of Central Asia, Armin Vambery's travel accounts offer a unique insight into the lifestyle of the region, providing detailed descriptions of daily life for future researchers and travelers to study."
- "As both an explorer and scholar, Armin Vambery's journey through Central Asia served not only to extend his knowledge but also to foster a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage, ultimately enriching his own lifestyle and all who would follow in his footsteps."
