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Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University

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CONCERT- Alash Throat Singing Ensemble, Boston Area Performances, June 25-26

From: Susan Sypko <centasia@fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 14 Jun 2007

A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
            Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CONCERT- Alash Throat Singing Ensemble, Boston Area Performances, June 25-26

Alash
International Award-Winning Throat Singers from Tuva

Monday, June 25, 2007
Lily Pad, 7 p.m.
1353 Cambridge Street (Inman Square)
Cambridge, MA 02139
Info: 617-782-5536
Donation appreciated

Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Cloud Place, 7 p.m.
647 Boylston St. (Copley Square)
Boston, MA 02116
Info: 617-782-5536
Donation appreciated

For more information about the Alash Ensemble and their U.S. tour 
visit: http://www.alashensemble.com/
 

LECTURE- Rebiya Kadeer, Repression of Uyghurs in Western China, May 15, MIT

From: Shaheer Rizvi <rizvi@fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 11 May 2007

A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
            Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Rebiya Kadeer, Repression of Uyghurs in Western China, May 15, MIT


"I am a Terrorist": Rhetoric and Repression of Uyghur Muslims in Western China
Featuring Rebiya Kadeer
May 15th, 2007
7:30pm to 9:00pm
MIT Landau Building, Room 66-110

The Muslim Uyghur people are victims to what Human Rights Watch has 
identified as a "wholesale assault" on their faith and cultural 
identity by the Chinese state. Fearful of separatist tendencies in the 
majority Muslim population in its western most province, China has 
instituted a systematic repression that has failed to discriminate 
between legitimate threats to state security and peaceful religious 
practice and tradition. After September 11 th, China has used blanket 
accusations of terrorism to justify repressive policies that suppress 
any Islamic ideology that does not, according to a PRC internal 
document, "uphold the Marxist point of view of religion and use the 
yardstick of the Party's."

Rebiya Kadeer has been called the spiritual mother of the Uyghur 
people. A brilliant business woman, she rose from poverty to become 
China's millionaire poster-child. However, she quickly fell out of the 
government's favor when she began to demand a change in its policies. 
She was arrested in 1999 for sending newspaper articles to her husband 
in the United States, and spent her next two years in solitary 
confinement, witnessing the brutal torture of her fellow prisoners. 
Ms. Kadeer was released to America in 2005 and currently resides in 
Washington, D.C., where she serves as president of the Uyghur American 
Association and the World Uyghur Congress.

 

PRESENTATION- TODAY: Newly Discovered Judeo-Persian Letter from the Silk Road

From: Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations <nelc@fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 9 May 2007

A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
            Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


PRESENTATION- TODAY: Newly Discovered Judeo-Persian Letter from the Silk Road


The Harvard GSAS Near East Society and the Harvard Graduate Student
Council present:

A Joint Presentation on the Newly Discovered Judeo-Persian Letter

"The Discovery, Provenance, and Date of the Letter"

Zhang Zhan
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations

and

"The Historical Context of the Letter"

Bryan Averbuch
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations

Wednesday, May 9, 2007, 5:30 to 6:30 P.M.
Semitic Museum, 6 Divinity Avenue, Room 201

Background:

In recent years, a Judeo-Persian letter was discovered in Western
China.  Currently in the National Library of China in Beijing, this
unpublished document is thought to be one of the earliest New Persian
texts in existence, and is an invaluable source for the study of
Iranian languages.  Written around 800 C.E. by Jewish merchants
trading in Inner Asia, the letter provides us with valuable
information on Jewish, Islamic, Iranian, and Inner Asian history.  Our
presentation will begin with a look at the provenance and date of the
letter, as well the relationship between this document and the
Judeo-Persian letter discovered by M. Aurel Stein in Dandan-Uiliq in
1901.  The second part of our talk will focus on social and historical
information in the letter.  We hope you join us for a glimpse into the
world of Jewish merchants on the Silk Road!

An informal reception, to which all are invited, will be held prior to
the presentations.  We hope to see you there!  
 

SEMINAR- CANCELLED: Robert Crews, Romanov Russia in Qajar Iran, May 8

From: Davis Center <daviscrsfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 8 May 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


SEMINAR- CANCELLED: Robert Crews, Romanov Russia in Qajar Iran, May 8


Please note that the following seminar has been cancelled:

Tuesday, May 8
Historians' Seminar

"Romanov Russia in Qajar Iran (1795-1925)"
Robert Crews, Professor of History, Stanford University 
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor, Room S354
12:15-2:00 p.m.
 

LANGUAGE COURSES- Next Year's Courses on Central Asian/Eurasian Languages

From: John Schoeberlein <centasiafas.harvard.edu> 
Posted: 7 May 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LANGUAGE COURSES- Next Year's Courses on Central Asian/Eurasian Languages


We are in the process of preliminary planning for courses to be taught 
on Central Asian languages in the next academic year.  We would 
appreciate it if you would let us know what courses you would like to 
take.  This pertains especially to Uzbek and Tajik -- the courses that 
we generally teach with some regularity -- though please let us know 
also of the other languages you might need if available (including 
languages of any part of Central Eurasia -- for many languages, our 
possibilities are more limited, but we can work on it).

This announcement pertains, of course, to those who are able take 
courses at Harvard (i.e., Harvard students, those who can cross 
register from other universities, etc.).

Please indicate language and level you are interested in, and send it to:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus - centasiafas.harvard.edu

And have a great summer!

John Schoeberlein
 

LECTURE- Robert Crews, Romanov Russia in Qajar Iran, 5/8

From: Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies <daviscrfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 1 May 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Robert Crews, Romanov Russia in Qajar Iran, 5/8


Tuesday, May 8
Historians' Seminar

"Romanov Russia in Qajar Iran (1795-1925)"
Robert Crews, Professor of History, Stanford University 
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor, Room S354
12:15-2:00 p.m.
 

LECTURE- Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, Human Rights & Islam in the N. Caucasus, 5/7

From: Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies <daviscrfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 1 May 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, Human Rights & Islam in the N. Caucasus, 5/7


Monday, May 7
Sakharov Seminar on Human Rights 

"State Building, Human Rights, and Islamic Radicalization in the North 
Caucasus" 

Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, Sakharov Human Rights Fellow, Davis Center; 
Programs Director, Memorial Human Rights Center, Northern Caucasus; 
Assistant Professor of Political Science, Grozny University

1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor, Room S354
4:15-6:00 p.m.
 

LECTURE- Vitaly Kozyrev, China's Energy Strategy: Russia and Central Asia, 5/2

From: Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies <daviscrfas.harvard.edu>

Posted: 1 May 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Vitaly Kozyrev, China's Energy Strategy: Russia and Central Asia, 5/2


Wednesday, May 2
Comparative Economics Seminar 

"China's Continental Energy Strategy: Russia and Central Asia"
Vitaly Kozyrev, Fellow, Department of Political Science, Amherst College
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor, Room S354 
12:30-2:00 p.m.

EXHIBIT- The Eternal Traveler, Artist Reception and Book Presentation, ALMA

From: Armenian Library & Museum <armenianlmayahoo.com>
Posted: 27 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


EXHIBIT- The Eternal Traveler, Artist Reception and Book Presentation, ALMA


ALMA and Hamazkayin-Boston would like to remind you that the artist 
reception and book signing with maestro Rafael Hambardzumyan will take 
place at 4:00 on Sunday, April 29, at ALMA's Contemporary Art Gallery. 
As you know, ALMA has been hosting Hambardzumyan's exhibit "The 
Eternal Traveler". The artist will present his latest book showcasing 
a remarkable collection of his photographs spanning an almost 60-year 
professional career.  Each page of this coffee-table book feels like a 
small Armenia or Yerevan , and provides appeasement to the nostalgic 
feelings of Armenians in Diaspora. 
 
Hambardzumyan's photographs take the viewer on an emotional roller 
coaster of pain, pride, hope and joy. Many Armenians know him for his 
work for the prestigious "Yerekoyan Yerevan" news magazine published 
in Armenia . While working for the magazine, he would capture unique 
tidbits of the daily life of Yerevan and its inhabitants. 
Hambardzumyan is the author of the most well-known panoramic 
photograph of Yerevan. 
 
His black and white photographs emanate rich personalities and nuances 
of the captured moods. The portraits are deep, emotional, and moving: 
Hambardzumyan creates magic with the angle of his lens and his 
interpretation of light and shadow and finds a unique solution, which 
makes the portraits "speak". Looking at his portraits one can't help 
but be drawn to the expression of the people's eyes, and be 
mesmerized, intrigued and simply curious. One of Hambardzumyan's most 
celebrated photographs, "After Surgery" is the portrait of Ruben 
Paronyan, where he captures the spiritual vigor of the surgeon 
convinced in his mission with self-determination, balance, and firm 
disposition. 
 
Hambardzumyan's style and talent is not limited to portraits. His 
creations are full of variety and style. His inspiration comes from 
his home country with its beautiful landscapes and people. The 
photographs of scenic landscapes are breathtaking, and each of them is 
a confession of his love for his home, Armenia . His sharp attention 
to detail captures the beauty of nature. His lens makes the rocky 
mountains of Armenia ring in harmony and shine with a majestic 
magnificence. Every time his lens captured Mount Ararat , it is as if 
it tried to bring the mountain closer, dissipate its mystery and 
embrace its splendid beauty. 
 
The exhibit "The Eternal Traveler" was reviewed in the Daily News 
Tribune - to read the article please follow this link 
http://www.dailynewstribune.com/arts/x1919433948. ALMA and 
Hamazkayin-Boston are co-sponsors of the exhibit. 
 
Gallery Hours are Thursday 6-9pm, Friday and Sunday 1-5pm, and 
Saturday 10-2pm. ALMA is located at 65 Main Street in Watertown MA . 
For more info rmation, please visit the website www.almainc.org or 
call 617.926.2562.

Armenian Library and Museum of America, Inc. 
65 Main Street
Watertown MA 02472 
 
Tel: 617 926 2562
Fax: 617 926 0175
www.almainc.org
 

LECTURE- Akio Kawato, Comparative Economics Seminar, April 26, 2007

From: Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies <daviscrsfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 24 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Akio Kawato, Comparative Economics Seminar, April 26, 2007


Thursday, April 26
Comparative Economics Seminar
Cosponsored by the Fairbank Center for East Asian Research, the Korea 
Institute, and the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations at the Weatherhead 
Center for International Affairs

"Japan: Between Russia, China, Korea, the US and the Deep Blue Sea"

Akio Kawato, Chief Economist, Research Institute of Capital Formation, 
Development Bank of Japan; former Ambassador of Japan to Uzbekistan

1730 Cambridge Street, Concourse Level, Room S050

2:30-4:00 p.m.
 

EXHIBIT- Here Be Giants, Gwendolyn Stewart, CGIS Sout

From: Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies <daviscrsfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 24 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


EXHIBIT- Here Be Giants, Gwendolyn Stewart, CGIS South


Monday, April 23
Exhibition Opening

Cosponsored by the Fairbank Center for East Asian Research, the 
Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, the Davis Center for 
Russian and Eurasian Studies, and the Asia Center

"Here Be Giants: A Quarter-Century of Political-Photographic 
Explorations of That Broad Swath of the Eurasian Landmass Formerly 
Known as the Sino-Soviet Space"

Gwendolyn Stewart, Photojournalist; Center Associate, Davis Center; 
Research Associate, Fairbank Center for East Asian Research
 
1730 Cambridge Street, Concourse Level, Room S020
 

CENTRAL ASIA SEMINAR- Douglas Northrop, Memories on the Edge of Disaster: Earthquakes in Central Eurasia, April 26

Posted: 23 Apr 2007
From: Program on Central Asia & the Caucasus <centasiafas.harvard.edu>


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
            Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CENTRAL ASIA SEMINAR- Douglas Northrop, Earthquakes in Central Eurasia, Apr 26


Central Asia and Caucasus Seminar

Douglas Northrop

"Memories on the Edge of Disaster: Earthquakes in Central Eurasia"

4:15-6:00 p.m., April 26

Douglas Northrop is Associate Professor of Modern Central Asian
Studies at the University of Michigan.  His first book was entitled
"Veiled Empire: Gender and Power in Stalinist Central Asia," examining
early Soviet policy on women and the campaign to unveil women in
Central Asia.  The topic of his presentation in this seminar is
connected with his next book project, which is provisionally titled
"Five Days that Shook the World: Earthquakes and Empire on the
Eurasian Frontier."

Room S-153, CGIS South
1730 Cambridge Street
Harvard University
Cambridge, Mass.

Open to the public

Sponsored by:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
1730 Cambridge St., Suite 301, Cambridge, MA 02138

For further information, contact:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Tel: 617-496-2643
E-mail: centasiafas.harvard.edu
http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:27:06 -0400
From: Central-Asia-Harvard-Listfas.harvard.edu
Subject: FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION- Wars on Terror in the North Caucasus, Apr 23-TODAY

A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION- Wars on Terror in the North Caucasus, Apr. 23

Monday, April 23 5:00 p.m. ? 7:00 p.m.
Center for Government and International Studies, N354
1737 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA

Wars on Terror in the North Caucasus: Politics, Identity, Human Rights

"The Crying Sun" documentary screening,  followed by discussion

Ousam Baysaev, reporter for Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty (North
Caucasian Desk)
Zarema Mukusheva, Memorial Grozny videographer and recipient of 2005
Reebok Human Rights Award
Joshua Rubenstein, Northeast Regional Director, Amnesty International
Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, Sakharov Human Rights Fellow, Assistant
Professor of Political Science, Chechen State University
Shamil Tangiev, Director, Memorial Human Rights Center, Grozny

Refreshments provided

Co-sponsored by the University Committee on Human Rights Studies, the
Northeast Regional Office, Amnesty International USA, and the Sakharov
Program on Human Rights at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
 

ROUNDTABLE- Reports on Field Research in Xinjiang, April 25, 2007

From: Inner Asian and Altaic Studies <iaasfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 23 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


ROUNDTABLE- Reports on Field Research in Xinjiang, April 25, 2007


"Beyond the Archives": Reports on Field Research in the Qapqal Sibe Autonomous
County, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

Loretta Kim, History Department, Harvard University

Max Oidtmann, Regional Studies - East Asia, Harvard University

Chair, Professor Mark Elliott, East Asian Languages and Cultures, 
Harvard University

Discussant, Professor Michael Szonyi, East Asian Languages and 
Cultures, Harvard University

4:00 - 6:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 25, 2007

CGIS South S050, 1730 Cambridge Street

Sponsored by the Inner Asian and Altaic Studies Program
 

LECTURE- Peter Golden on Basmïls and Qïpchaqs of Medieval Eurasia, April 26

From: IAAS <iaasfas.harvard.edu>, (617) 495-3777
Posted: 23 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Peter Golden on Basmïls and Qïpchaqs of Medieval Eurasia, April 26


Second Richard N. Frye Fund Lecture

"Basmïls and Qïpchaqs: Some Unexplored Elements in the Shaping of the 
Peoples of Medieval Eurasia"

Peter Golden (Professor, History, Rutgers University)
1730 Cambridge Street, CGIS South Building, Tsai Auditorium

Thursday, April 26, 2007, 4:00 P.M.
An informal reception, to which all are invited, will follow the lecture.

Sponsored by the Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies at 
Harvard University
 

FILM- Sardar, Kazakh Epic, Davis Center Student Film Series, April 18, with Guest Speaker Professor Jane Knox-Voina

From: Hillary Colter <hcolterfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 17 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


FILM- Sardar, Kazakh Epic, Davis Center Student Film Series, April 18


The Davis Center Student Film Series Continues with the Kazakh epic Sardar

Wednesday, April 18, 5 pm 

CGIS North, Room N-031 (concourse level) 

CGIS North is located at 1737 Cambridge Street, just one short block 
east of Memorial Hall. Snacks will be provided

Sardar (Kazakhstan) with guest speaker Professor Jane Knox-Voina.  
2005.  95 mintutes. Directed by Bolat Kalymbetov.  In Kazakh with 
English subtitles.

Synopsis:  An epic historical spectacle set amongst landscapes as 
beautiful and awe-inspiring as those of any western, Sardar is based 
on Kazakhstan history and folktales. Inspired by tales of the brave 
deeds of "sardars," heroes of 18th century Kazakh history, three young 
men decide to emulate these warriors of yore, immediately entering the 
world of fantasy and legend, where they play out the role of defenders 
of freedom-loving Kazakh nomads, and become involved in attempting to 
free a kidnapped Kazakh princess with whom they fall in love. These 
events unfold on a rich canvas of natural beauty--one can almost sense 
the smells of earth, forest, steppe and mountain.

Jane Knox-Voina is Professor of Russian at Bowdoin College. She is 
interested in visual arts, focusing on Russian painting and film as 
expressions of mentality. She has published extensively in the areas 
of Russian film and literature, and is a leading authority on Central 
Asian cinema. 

The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies is sponsoring a 
spring semester film series for students and affiliates with an 
interest in Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. This semester we 
are focusing on Central Asia and Russia.  The series is free of 
charge, and showcases lesser-known films from the region (in the 
original languages with English subtitles). 

The film series webpage, with complete schedule, is located at:

http://www.daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/news_events/sp07_filmseries.html
Feel free to contact Hillary Colter (hcolterfas, 5-4038), Susan Sypko 
(sypkofas, 6-2643), or George Soroka (sorokafas) with any questions  
 

EVENT- April 21 Concert - Tribute to Armenia

From: Armenian Library & Museum <armenianlmayahoo.com>
Posted: 16 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


EVENT- April 21 Concert - Tribute to Armenia


Dreamland Armenia- An Evening Of Music And Poetry
 
Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) and the Amaras Art 
Alliance will host an evening of music and poetry featuring 20th 
century Armenian composers and poets. The event is free and open to 
public and will take place at 7 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2007.
 
The evening, titled "Yerazi Yerkir Hayastan" (Dreamland Armenia),  
pays tribute to Armenia with a wonderful selection of music by Edgar 
Hovhannisyan, Alexander Harutunyan, Khachatur Avetisyan, Edward 
Bagdasarian, Edward Mirzoyan, and Aram Khachaturyan.  The event 
features vocalists Victoria Avetisyan and Noune Karapetian, pianists 
Karine Baghdasarian, Ani Hovsepian and Anna Avetisyan, and violinist 
Armen Ghazaryan, all natives of Armenia.   
 
The concert will take place at ALMA's Contemporary Art Gallery (65 
Main Street, Watertown MA) to take advantage of the ambiance created 
by the Rafael Hambardzumyan's exhibit whose photographs are a 
testament of his love for Armenia and its people. The event is 
sponsored in part by the Watertown Savings Bank.  
 
For more information, please visit the website www.almainc.org or call 
617.926.2562. 
 
Armenian Library & Museum of America, Inc.
65 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-926-2562 ext. 3
Fax: 617-926-0175
Website: www.almainc.org
 

SEMINAR- Muslims of Central Asia, Eren Tasar, Boston Public Library, 4/17

From: Rachel Ohuiginn <rohuiginnworldboston.org>
Posted: 13 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


SEMINAR- Muslims of Central Asia, Eren Tasar, Boston Public Library, 4/17


Great Decisions 2007

Central Asia

"Muslims of Central Asia: Hope and Dedication in a Post-Soviet World".

Eren Tasar
Davis Center for Eurasian and Russian Studies, Harvard University

Join WorldBoston as we examine the role Islam plays in the five 
Central Asian nations. Coined as "The New Great Game", Central Asia is 
quickly becoming a sought after land environmentally, politically, and 
religiously among major world powers. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, 
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are each attempting to carve 
out their own unique identity amidst the backdrop of their rich 
religious and social differences and shared history.

Open Forum

Tuesday, April 17, 2007
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Boston Public Library - Mezzanine Conference Room

Free And Open To The Public

Each Spring WorldBoston hosts the series known as Great Decisions.  
This series was created by the Foreign Policy Association who also 
selects the topics covered each year.  In Boston, WorldBoston leads 
community discussions with a local expert every Tuesday night in March 
and April at the main branch of the Boston Public Library.  All 
sessions are free of charge and open to the public.  WorldBoston is 
grateful for the financial support of the Lowell Institute which makes 
this series possible as well the in-kind support it receives from the 
Boston Public Library.
 

CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Judith Beyer, Customary Law in KG, April 17

From: Program on Central Asia & the Caucasus <centasiafas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 12 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Judith Beyer, Customary Law in KG, April 17


Central Asia and Caucasus Seminar

"Imagining the State: How perceptions of the state influence customary 
law in the Kyrgyz aqsaqal courts", April 17, 2007

Judith Beyer

Judith Beyer is Ph.D. Candidate affiliated with the Max Planck 
Institute for Social Anthropology in Halle, Germany.  She conducted 
fieldwork in the Talas Province of Kyrgyzstan on the role of aqsaqal 
courts (courts of elders), especially in dispute resolution in 
post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan.  She also has a forthcoming book on the 
cultural life of the inhabitants of Talas, which will include 
ethnographic texts and extensive photos.

4:15-6:00 p.m.
1730 Cambridge Street, CGIS South, S534, Third Floor
Harvard University
Cambridge, Mass.

Open to the public

Sponsored by:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
1730 Cambridge St., Suite 301, Cambridge, MA 02138

For further information, contact:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Tel: 617-496-2643
E-mail: centasiafas.harvard.edu
http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
 

LECTURE- Alcohol in the Political Culture of Inner Asia, Today

From: Inner Asian and Altaic Studies <iaasfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 11 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Alcohol in the Political Culture of Inner Asia, Today


"Alcohol in the Political Culture of Inner Asia"
Wednesday, April 11, 1:00-2:00pm
Thomas Allsen (Professor Emeritus, Department of History, College of
New Jersey)
1730 Cambridge Street, CGIS S050
You may bring your own lunch; snacks will be provided (room opens at 12:30)
Sponsored by the Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies
Contact: iaasfas.harvard.edu
 

SEMINAR- Discussion with Rory Stewart, O.B.E., Today, Eliot House Library

From: Center for Middle Eastern Studies 
Posted: 11 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


SEMINAR- Discussion with Rory Stewart, O.B.E., Today, Eliot House Library

<mideast-listlists.fas.harvard.edu>

This Wednesday afternoon, Eliot House at Harvard College will be 
hosting a discussion with Rory Stewart, former Provisional Governor of 
Maysan Province in Iraq and author of the bestselling book about 
walking across Afghanistan, "The Places in Between". The event is open to all.

A Discussion with RORY STEWART, O.B.E.

Rory is the author of "The Places in Between" (NYT's Best 10 Books of 
2006) and "The Prince of the Marshes and Other Occupational Hazards of 
a Year in Iraq"

Wednesday, April 11th  2:30pm, Eliot House Library (C-Entry)

In early 2002, Rory Stewart, an Oxford-educated 28 year-old Scotsman 
with a hitherto promising career in the British Foreign Office, 
decided to walk across Afghanistan. In the middle of a war. In the 
middle of winter. He was told by local officials he would die. He 
didn't, just, surviving by his wits, the kindness of various strangers 
and the companionship of a giant mastiff named Babur. His account of 
the trek was lauded by The New York Times as a "striding, glorious 
book . . . a flat-out masterpiece."

Then, in mid-2003, Stewart took a taxi to Baghdad to look for work and 
found himself appointed governor of the southern Iraqi province of 
Maysan. His recounting of the absurd and astounding challenges the job 
presented, to be found in "The Prince of the Marshes and Other 
Occupational Hazards of a Year in Iraq", prompted The New York Times 
to remark that he "seems to be living one of the most extraordinary 
lives on record." A reviewer from Slate noted that of all the books 
"about the tragedy in Iraq, . . . Stewart's is the most likely to last".

Rory is currently based in Kabul, where he heads the Turquoise 
Mountain Foundation, a non-governmental agency dedicated to preserving 
the cultural and artistic heritage of Afghanistan. In January, Rory 
did an interview with BBC World's "Hardtalk" about coalition strategy 
in Iraq, which can be viewed here: 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/hardtalk/6248027.stm	  
	 

FILM- Story of the Weeping Camel (Mongolia), April 11, 5 pm, CGIS North, N031

From: Hillary Colter <hcolterfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 10 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


FILM- Story of the Weeping Camel (Mongolia), April 11, 5 pm, CGIS North, N031


The Davis Center Student Film Series Continues with the Mongolian film 
The Story of the Weeping Camel.

Wednesday, April 11 at 5 pm 

CGIS North, Room N-031 (concourse level) 

CGIS North is located at 1737 Cambridge Street, just one short block 
east of Memorial Hall. Snacks will be provided

The Story of the Weeping Camel (Mongolia).  2003.  87 mintutes.  
Directed by Byambasuren Davaa.  In Mongolian with English subtitles.

Synopsis: In the spring of the Gobi Desert, in South Mongolia, a 
nomadic family of shepherds has troubles when one camel has a tough 
two days delivery, immediately rejecting the offspring. The family 
unsuccessfully uses their best efforts trying to force the female to 
accept and feed the newborn. When there is no further hope of saving 
the animal, they send their two sons to bring a musician from the 
nearest town to perform a ritual and save the "baby camel".

The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies is sponsoring a 
spring semester film series for students and affiliates with an 
interest in Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. This semester we 
are focusing on Central Asia and Russia.  The series is free of 
charge, and showcases lesser-known films from the region (in the 
original languages with English subtitles). 

The film series webpage, with complete schedule, is located at:
http://www.daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/news_events/sp07_filmseries.html

Feel free to contact Hillary Colter (hcolterfas, 5-4038), Susan Sypko 
(sypkofas, 6-2643), or George Soroka (sorokafas) with any questions.
 

SEMINAR- Joint Central Asia and Historians' Seminar, Paul Werth, 4/11

From: Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus <centasiafas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 9 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


SEMINAR- Joint Central Asia and Historians' Seminar, Paul Werth, 4/11


Joint Central Asia and Historians' Seminar

"Armenian and Russian Religious Policy in the Context of Caucasian Geopolitics"

Paul Werth, 
Associate Professor of History, University of Nevada

Paul Werth is Associate Professor of History at the University of 
Nevada, Las Vegas.  His research addresses questions of state policy 
and religious and ethnic affiliation in the Russian Empire, 
particularly of the peoples of the Volga Basin and the Caucasus.  He 
is author of the book, At the Margins of Orthodoxy: Mission, 
Governance, and Confessional Politics in Russia's Volga-Kama Region, 
1827-1905 (2002). 

4:15-6:00 pm
Room S450, CGIS South
1730 Cambridge Street

Open to the public

Note: This is a joint seminar with Historians' Seminar 

For further information, contact:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Tel: 617-496-2643
E-mail: centasiafas.harvard.edu
http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
 

CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Galina Yemelianova, Islam in Eurasia, 4/10

From: Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus <centasiafas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 9 Apr 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Galina Yemelianova, Islam in Eurasia, 4/10


Central Asia and Caucasus Seminar

"The Rise of Islam in Eurasia: Comparative Perspectives and Potential 
Consequences"

Galina Yemelianova
Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Russian and East European Studies, 
University of Birmingham 

Galina Yemelianova specialises in history and contemporary 
ethno-political and religious issues in the Middle East and the Muslim 
regions of the Russian/Soviet empire and post-Soviet Russia.  She 
received her Ph.D. in Arab and Islamic studies from Moscow State 
University in 1985.  Until 1994 she worked as a Research Fellow at the 
Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 
Moscow.  Since 1994 she has been a Senior Research Fellow at the 
Centre for Russian and East European Studies, University of 
Birmingham, United Kingdom.  She is author of the book, Russia and 
Islam: A Historical Survey (2002), and co-editor of Islam in 
Post-Soviet Russia (2002). 

April 10, 2007
4:15-6:00 pm
Room S354, CGIS South
1730 Cambridge Street

Open to the public

Sponsored by:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
1730 Cambridge St., Suite 301, Cambridge, MA 02138

For further information, contact:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Tel: 617-496-2643
E-mail: centasiafas.harvard.edu
http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
 

CENTRAL ASIA SEMINAR- Edil Baisalov, "Political Instability in Kyrgyzstan" - REMINDER & ROOM CORRECTION

Posted: 2 Apr 2007
From: Program on Central Asia & the Caucasus <centasiafas.harvard.edu>


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CENTRAL ASIA SEMINAR- Edil Baisalov, "Political Instability in Kyrgyzstan," 3/5


PLEASE NOTE the correct room listed below (CGIS South Concourse Level Rm S-050)

Central Asia and Caucasus Seminar

"Political Instability in Kyrgyzstan: Sources of Hope and Despair, April 5"

Edil Baisalov
President, Coalition for Democracy and Civil Society, Kyrgyzstan

Since 1999, Edil Baisalov has led the Coalition for Democracy and
Civil Society, the largest civic grass-roots network and democracy
watchdog group in Kyrgyzstan.  He was among the most prominent figures
in the movement calling for the resignation of former present Askar
Akaev on grounds of corruption, and has in recent years been one of
the main voices that has effectively brought a Kyrgyz perspective to
the Western audience through press interviews.  His campaigning
against corruption is considered the reason for an attempt on his life
in April 2006.  In 2006, he also received the American Bar
Association's Global Rule of Law Award.  He continues to be at the
forefront of opposition politics in Kyrgyzstan.  Just this week,
together with Rosa Otunbaeva, Azimbek Beknazarov, and Almaz Atambaev,
he established the "United Kyrgyzstan" Party, in opposition to
President Bakiev, and following this there has been continuing turmoil
in Kyrgyzstan.

Thursday, April 5
4:15-6:00 pm

1730 Cambridge Street, CGIS South Concourse Level Room S-050
Harvard University
Cambridge, Mass.

Open to the public

Sponsored by:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
1730 Cambridge St., Suite 301, Cambridge, MA 02138

For further information, contact:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Tel: 617-496-2643
E-mail: centasiafas.harvard.edu
http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
 

LECTURE- South Caucasus - Challenges and Solutions, KSG, 3/29/07

From: Katherine Bourne <Katherine_bourneharvard.edu>
Posted: 23 Mar 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- South Caucasus - Challenges and Solutions, KSG, 3/29/07


South Caucasus:  Challenges and Solutions

Mr. Elin Suleymanov
Consul General of Azerbaijan
Los Angeles

Mr. Irakli Alasania
Ambassador of Georgia to the United Nations

Thursday, March 29
10:00-11:30 am

Littauer Building, Room L275
79 JFK Street
John F. Kennedy School of Government

The Eurasia Security Program at the John F. Kennedy School of 
Government is very pleased to welcome Mr. Elin Suleymanov, Consul 
General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles, and Mr. Irakli Alasania, 
Ambassador of Georgia to the United Nations, to discuss ongoing 
challenges in the South Caucasus.
 

LECTURE- Uradyn Bulag on Nationalism, Friendship and Autonomy in China, 3/21

From: Inner Asian and Altaic Studies <iaasfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 21 Mar 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Uradyn Bulag on Nationalism, Friendship and Autonomy in China, 3/21


The Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies is pleased to invite 
you to a lunchtime lecture tomorrow:

"Collaborative Nationalism: The Dialectics of Friendship and Autonomy in China"

Uradyn Bulag, Department of Anthropology, Hunter College, CUNY

Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 1:00 - 2:00 P.M.
Room S050, Concourse Level, 1730 Cambridge Street

Sponsored by the Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies, Harvard 
University
Contact: iaasfas.harvard.edu

You may bring your own lunch to the seminar room; the Cafeteria is 
located in the CGIS North Building. Snacks will be provided. The room 
opens at 12:30 PM, and the presentation begins at 1:00 PM.

We hope to see you there!

IAAS Office

CONF.- American Center for Mongolian Studies Poster Session, Boston

From: Charles Krusekopf <Charles.KrusekopfRoyalRoads.ca>
Posted: 21 Mar 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CONF.- American Center for Mongolian Studies Poster Session, Boston


The American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS) will host its Annual 
Meeting and a Mongolian Studies Poster Session and Reception in the 
Bello Mondo Room (note new location) of the Boston Marriott Copley 
Place Hotel On Friday March 23 from 7:30-10:30pm (in conjunction with 
the Association of Asian Studies conference.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Registration for the AAS conference is 
not required.

The ACMS Annual Meeting will be held from 7:30-8:00pm. The meeting 
will include a report on the newly expanded ACMS Mongolia office, 
library and programs by Brian White, ACMS Resident Director in Ulaanbaatar. 

Following the Annual Meeting, from 8:00-10:30pm the ACMS and Mongolia 
Society will host a Mongolian Studies Reception and Poster Session in 
the same room. 

Poster Panelists:

"Human Trafficking in Mongolia: Confronting a growing non-traditional 
security concern" 
Alec Metz, Monterey Institute of International Studies

"Civil Space in the Steppe" 
Allison Hahn, Fulbright Fellow, University of Pittsburgh

"Wood Identification of Grave (13th Century) from the Chinggis Khan's 
Golden Horde"
Baatarbileg, Byambagerel, and Uyanga, National University of Mongolia

"Air Pollution Influence on Forest Detected by Dendro-Chemical Analyze 
(Forested Area Near Ulaanbaatar)"
Baatarbileg, Byambagerel, Buyankhishig, Uyanga, Oyunbileg, and 
Bilegbaatar, National University of Mongolia

"Exploring the Frontier: Regional Analysis of Khovd Altai"
Bryan Miller, University of Pennsylvania

"History of the Mongolian Stock Market" 
Christyne J. Vachon

"Advantages of learning Mongolian Clan Names"
Dojderem, International Bridge College

"Mongolian Traditional Medicine: its uniqueness"
V.Enkhtuya, S.Oldokh, N.Tumurbaatar, S.Narantuya, and Ts.Lkhagvasuren, 
School of Traditional Medicine, Health Sciences University of Mongolia 

"Ethnopolitics in Wartime China: The Chinese Nationalists, Muslims, 
and Mongols in Alashaa Banner (1937-45)"
Hsiao-ting Lin, W. Glen Campbell National Fellow, Hoover Institution, 
Stanford University

"Water Quality in the Darhad Valley, Northern Mongolia"
Loren Barber, Montana State University

"Method and Function of the Collective Numerals in Modern Mongolian"
Ochirbat Sambuudorj, Associate Professor, Osaka University of Foreign Studies

"Mongolian Medicine Project"
Sas Carey, Life Energy Healing School

For more information on the ACMS, Mongolian Studies or to reach the 
poster presenters, please contact the ACMS via email:
infomongoliacenter.org, or visit the ACMS website:
www.mongoliacenter.org
 

EVENT- Afghanistan: A Campaign Assessment - A Discussion with Lt.Gen. Karl W. Eikenberry, Mar. 20

Posted: 19 Mar 2007
From: Isabela Echeverry <isabela_echeverryharvard.edu>



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
           Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


EVENT- Afghanistan: A Campaign Assessment - Discussion with Lt.Gen. Eikenberry


Tuesday, Mar. 20, 2007 - 6:00 pm at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum,
located exactly at 79 JFK St. Cambridge, MA 02138 - open to the public!

Afghanistan: A Campaign Assessment

A Discussion With:

Lt. Gen. Karl W. Eikenberry
Commanding General, Combined Forces Command, Afghanistan (2005-2007);
Incoming Deputy Chairman, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Military
Committee (April 2007)

Ashton B. Carter (Moderator)
Co-Director, Preventive Defense Project & Chair of the International
Relations, Security, & Science Faculty, Kennedy School; Assistant Secretary
of Defense for International Security Policy (1993-1996)

Co-sponsored by the Kennedy School's
Preventive Defense Project

Isabela Echeverry
Forum Office
Institute of Politics
Harvard University
79 JFK Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
T: (617)495-1380
F: (617)495-2293
http://www.iop.harvard.edu/

LECTURE- Aga Khan Development Network, March 13, 2007

From: Center for Middle Eastern Studies 
Posted: 12 Mar 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Aga Khan Development Network, March 13, 2007

<mideast-listlists.fas.harvard.edu>

Social Conscience in Islam: The Case of the Aga Khan Development Network
Tuesday, March 13 - 4:10-6:00 pm - Starr Auditorium (Kennedy School of 
Government)
 
Many people believe that development and poverty alleviation are 
inspired solely by a Western ethic. However, the Islamic faith also 
offers a similar tradition. The example of the Aga Khan Development 
Network (AKDN) provides useful insight into the embodiment of this 
ethic. Working in over 30 countries, primarily in the poorest parts of 
Asia and Africa, the AKDN focuses on health, education, culture, rural 
development, institution-building and the promotion of economic 
development. It is dedicated to improving living conditions and 
opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender.
Join Qahir Dhanani (MPP1/MBA) and Taufiq Rahim (MPP1), who will speak 
about the social conscience of Islam, from the perspective of their 
experiences working for AKDN. This event is part of the MPP Seminar 
Series. For more information please contact Candace Chin 
(candace_chinksg08.harvard.edu). 

 

EVENT- March Events at ALMA

From: Mariam Stepanyan <mariamalmainc.org>
Posted: 8 Mar 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


EVENT- March Events at ALMA


With all the late winter storms and snow in the Boston area it is 
difficult to believe that spring is around the corner. We have an 
exciting schedule of events and exhibits planned for the community. 
Please mark your calendars and make sure to attend. If you have little 
children or grandchildren, they will truly enjoy this year's Family 
day with Noune Karapetian. And to reserve tickets for the upcoming 
jazz concert with John Baboian on March 30th, please call the office 
617.926.2562. The detailed schedule is enclosed below. 
 
All these events and exhibits are just a sample of what ALMA has to 
offer to the community this March. April and May are promising to be 
as eventful and exciting, and the community is asked to stay tuned to 
announcements or check ALMA's website www.almainc.org  for updates. 
Regardless of the weather and storms, ALMA always offers a warm and 
inviting atmosphere, and interesting exhibits and programs for both 
young and old. Hametsek! Museum and gallery hours are Thursday 6-9pm, 
Friday and Sunday 1-5pm, and Saturday 10am-2pm. ALMA is located in 
Watertown Square at 65 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472.
 
We hope to se you at ALMA! 
 
ALMA Events: 
 
Family Day 
March 4, 2007, 2-5 pm 
 
ALMA's annual Family Day celebration this year will be on March 4, and 
will feature singer Noune Karapetian. ALMA will open its doors 2-5pm 
for those seeking family fun and entertainment full of singing, 
dancing, story-telling, and arts and crafts. The program schedule is 
as follows: 3pm - Story Hour; 3:30 pm - Singing with Noune; 4  pm - 
Dancing and family fun. The event is Free for ALMA members and 
children, $5 suggested donation for non-members.
 
Armenian Needle Lace Classes
March 11, 2007, 3-4:30 pm
March 18, 2007, 3-4:30 pm
 
Textile Curator Susan Lind-Sinanian will be offering a two-part course 
on the ancient art of Armenian Needle Lace on March 11 and March 18. 
For many years ALMA has been offering the community this unique 
opportunity to learn traditional lace and embroidery techniques that 
have been passed down from generation to generation. The courses 
promote the preservation of this uniquely Armenian art form. 
Interested individuals should register early since the class is 
limited to 10 students. All materials for this introductory course 
will be included in the tuition, $18 for ALMA members, $25 for 
non-members for this 2 part course.  To participate one needs to be 
able to thread a sewing needle and do some basic stitches. Examples of 
laces from ALMA's collection will be on view. To sign up or for more 
information please contact Susan Lind-Sinanian at 617.926.2562 ext. 5. 
 
Jazz Nights At ALMA - The John Baboian Quartet
March 30, 2007, 8 pm
ALMA Art Gallery 
 
The second concert of the "Jazz Nights at ALMA" series will feature 
The John Baboian Quartet. Guitarist/composer, John Baboian has been a 
part of the New England Jazz and Armenian music scene for over 30 
years. On the faculty at Berklee College of Music in Boston since 
1980, he has performed throughout the world including in his ancestral 
Armenia. His compositions and arrangements have been heard in concerts 
and on television and radio programs throughout the United States and 
abroad. He has been a part of over 20 recordings including everything 
from solo guitar to big bands. The first concert of the series 
featuring LUSIN folk-jazz group in February was a sold-out event. John 
Baboian is promising jazz enthusiasts a beautiful night of mainstream 
and contemporary jazz. Advance reservations are strongly recommended 
since seating is limited. Call ALMA617.926.2562 to arrange for tickets 
($10). The concert series is sponsored by the Wainwright Bank & Trust Co. 
 
ALMA Exhibits:
 
The Eternal Traveler: A 60-year Retrospective of Master-Photographer 
Rafael Hambardzumyan's Work
March 15-April 30, 2006 
ALMA's Contemporary Art Gallery
 
The exhibit features hundreds of images taken by renowned photographer 
Rafael Hambardzumyan throughout his 60-year prolific career. 
Originally from Armenian, Hambardzumyan currently resides in 
California. He is known to many Armenians for his work for the 
prestigious "Yerekoyan Yerevan" news magazine that was being published 
in Armenia, as well as for his scenic landscapes and intimate 
portraits of prominent Armenians. The exhibit opens on March 15 and 
runs through April 30. The culmination of the exhibit will be on April 
29, 2007 with a reception honoring the virtuoso photographer on his 
75th birthday, and the inaugural presentation of his book of 
photographs on the east coast. The exhibit is co-sponsored by ALMA and 
Hamazkayin-Boston. 
 
LOST IN TRANSLATION: From Urartu to Ararat
February 28 - August 31, 2007
 
ALMA Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian has prepared a unique exhibit of 
ancient Urartian artifacts to be displayed at the Museum this spring. 
The artifacts on display are primarily examples of ancient metalware 
which date back to 8th century B.C. and are rare reminders of the 
glorious past of once-powerful Urartian Kingdom. The exhibit examines 
one of the most controversial issues in contemporary Armenian 
historiography: the relationship of ancient Urartians and the 
Armenians, and the relation to the Biblical story of Noah's Ark and 
Mt. Ararat in Armenia.

 

LECTURE- New Research on Chinese Turkistan, March 7

From: James Jumper <jjumperfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 5 Mar 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- New Research on Chinese Turkistan, March 7


The Harvard GSAS Near Eastern Society in conjunction with the Harvard 
Graduate Student Council present a special session of New Research on 
Chinese Turkistan.

David Brophy will deliver a talk entitled, "The wangs of Xinjiang: The 
Origins of Qing China's Islamic Aristocracy," and Rian Thum will 
present a talk entitled, "Siyawush in Khotan Today." 

This special session will be held on Wednesday, March 7th in Room 201 
of the Semitic Museum, 6 Divinity Avenue.  Lectures will run from 
5:30­6:30 pm, and there will be a reception prior to the lectures.

This session is free and open to all.

Abstracts:

David Brophy will give an account of the families who came to power in 
Xinjiang, or Eastern Turkistan, in the course of the Qing conquest of 
the region in the eighteenth century. He will provide an overview of 
China's relations with Muslim leaders in this region in the late Ming 
and early Qing periods, but will focus on a few specific individuals, 
analyzing their political and sectarian affiliations, and their role 
in securing Qing control of the oasis towns. Brophy will conclude with 
a discussion of Islamic governance in Xinjiang in the new colonial 
context, and the fate of the dynasties which these individuals founded.

Rian Thum will present a tale about Siyawush from contemporary Khotan 
and a description of the shrine of "Siyawush Waliullah," with which 
the tale is associated. He will explore possible continuities with 
both the Shahnama and earlier versions of the Siyawush tradition. 
Through comparison with other shrines, Thum will also show how the 
Siyawush tale fits into more recent local approaches to "history," and 
explore the significance of connections between texts and shrines.
 

EVENT- Nauruz Celebration, March 21, 2007

From: Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus <centasiafas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 28 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


EVENT- Nauruz Celebration, March 21, 2007


Please join us for our first-ever Nauruz celebration for food and a 
cultural program!

Nauruz is the new year celebration marked across a large part of 
Eurasia, notably in Central/Inner Asia, the Caucasus, and the greater 
Iranian and Turkic cultural spheres of influence.  We'll be holding 
this Nauruz event as an occasion for scholars and students of Central 
Eurasian studies to meet each other and learn about the "Nauruz area" 
and the various departments and centers at Harvard which focus on this region.

The Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus at Harvard is organizing 
this event:

Wednesday, March 21, 2007
5:00-7:00 p.m.

CGIS South Building
Concourse Level
1730 Cambridge Street

Please kindly RSVP by March 12, 2007, to centasiafas.harvard.edu, or 
call (617) 496-2643.  For more information, visit: 
http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu/hpce_special_activities_nauruz.html

Co-Hosts of the Event:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies
Asia Center
Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures

We look forward to meeting with you!

Sincerely,

John Schoeberlein

Dr. John Schoeberlein, Director
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center, Harvard University
1730 Cambridge St., Room S-327 \ Cambridge, MA 02138 \ USA
tel.: +1/617-495-4338  asst.: +1/617-496-2643  fax: +1/617-495-8319
Central Asia Program website: http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
 

FILM- Igla (The Needle), Davis Center Student Film Series, February 28, 2007

From: Hillary Colter <hcolterfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 26 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


FILM- Igla (The Needle), Davis Center Student Film Series, February 28, 2007


The Davis Center Student Film Series Continues with the film Igla (The Needle).

Wednesday, February 28, 5 pm 

CGIS North, Room N-031 (concourse level)

CGIS North is located at 1737 Cambridge Street, just one short block 
east of Memorial Hall. 

Snacks will be provided

Igla (Russia/Kazakhstan).  1988.  81 mintutes.  Directed by Rashid Nugmanov.  

In Russian with English subtitles.
Synopsis: The late, great Victor Tsoy stars as Moro, who returns to 
Alma Ata to collect money owed to him. While waiting out an unexpected 
delay, he visits his former girlfriend Dina, and discovers she has 
become a morphine addict. He decides to help her kick the habit and to 
fight the local drug mafia responsible for her condition. But Moro 
finds a deadly opponent in "the Doctor," the mafia kingpin who is 
exploiting Dina.

The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies is sponsoring a 
spring semester film series for students and affiliates with an 
interest in Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. This semester we 
are focusing on Central Asia and Russia.  The series is free of 
charge, and showcases lesser-known films from the region (in the 
original languages with English subtitles). 

The film series webpage, with complete schedule, is located at:

http://www.daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/news_events/sp07_filmseries.html

Feel free to contact Hillary Colter (hcolterfas, 5-4038), Susan Sypko 
(sypkofas, 6-2643), or George Soroka (sorokafas) with any questions.
 

CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- REMINDER: Turkmenistan after Turkmenbashi, Feb. 27

From: John Schoeberlein <centasiafas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 23 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- REMINDER: Turkmenistan after 
Turkmenbashi, Feb. 27


Note the addition to the panel of Dr. Irina Liczek, a political 
scientist focusing on gender politics, democratization, and other 
issues, with extensive on-the-ground experience in Turkmenistan.  She 
will be leading a United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on 
Human Rights mission to Turkmenistan this spring.

Please note also that at the end of the message, we append some web 
links to recent reports on the situation in Turkmenistan (kindly 
provided by Erika Dailey's office) for those who would like to do some 
background reading before the seminar.

We will be holding a special roundtable in the wake of the recent 
passing of Turkmenistan's President, Saparmurat Niyazov, and the recent
presidential election on February 11.  The agenda will be to 
make some assessment of the unfolding situation in Turkmenistan and 
its implications for the other former Soviet republics.

The roundtable panelists will offer brief introductory remarks, 
followed by discussion and questions moderated by the chair.

The panel:

Erika Dailey, Director of Open Society Institute's Turkmenistan Project

Irina Liczek, Assistant Professor of Political Science, College of 
Arts and Sciences, Niagara University

John Schoeberlein, Director of Program on Central Asia & the Caucasus
at Harvard University

Thomas Simons, Jr., Visiting Scholar, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian
Studies; Lecturer, Harvard University Government Department

Tuesday, February 27, 4:15 - 6:00 pm
Seminar Room S354
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA

We expect this to be a very interesting discussion.  Please bring your 
questions and your own perspective on the prospects for democracy in 
the region!

John Schoeberlein
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center

International Crisis Group
Turkmenistan After Niazov
http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4659&l=1

London school of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Human Rights and Health in Turkmenistan
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/ecohost/projects/health-turkmen.htm

Turkmenistan Initiative for Human Rights
Education in Turkmenistan
http://www.chrono-tm.org/?0252042716000000000000011000000 (takes a 
while to load)

Global Witness
It's a Gas. Funny Business in the Turkmen-Ukraine Gas Trade

http://www.globalwitness.org/media_library_detail.php/479/en/its_a_gas
._funny_business_in_the_turkmen_ukraine_g

University of Minnesota
International Women's Rights Action Watch
Shadow Report to CEDAW
http://iwraw.igc.org/publications/countries/turkmenistan.htm

Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights
Alternative Report: On Compliance by the Republic of Turkmenistan with 
the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
http://www.eurasianet.org/turkmenistan.project/files2/060524Turk_report.pdf
 

LECTURE- Dr. Paula Newberg on Afghanistan, February 28, 2007

From: Inner Asian and Altaic Studies <iaasfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 22 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Dr. Paula Newberg on Afghanistan, February 28, 2007


February 28, 2007

"The Clash between Ideology and Geography: Revisiting the Borders of 
Afghanistan's Wars" 

Dr. Paula Newberg, International Consultant and Former Special Advisor 
to the United Nations

12:30 p.m., Tsai Auditorium, Concourse Level, 1730 Cambridge Street

(sponsored by the Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies)
 

FILM- Davis Center Student Film Series Continues with the film Schizo

From: Hillary Colter <hcolterfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 21 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


FILM- Davis Center Student Film Series Continues with the film Schizo


Wednesday, February 21, 5 pm
GIS North, Room N-031 (concourse level)
CGIS North is located at 1737 Cambridge Street, just one short block 
east of Memorial Hall. 

Snacks will be provided

Schizo (Kazakhstan/France/Russia).  2004.  86 mintutes.  

Synopsis: The film concerns Mustafa, or "Schizo," a boy not quite 15 
years old, who becomes caught up in sordid adult dealings, and must 
struggle to maintain his sense of beauty and right as he develops the 
expertise and thick skin of a true player. Growing up in the destitute 
early '90s Kazakhstan, and nicknamed "Schizo" for his eccentric 
behavior in school (for which he also earns a drug regimen and the 
ominous prospect of other treatments), the young man lives an 
unrewarding home life in early-'90s Kazakhstan with his single mother 
and her boyfriend Sakura (a small-time hood.) Austere direction, stark 
imagery and magnificent performances (especially by a remarkable 
Olzhas Nusuppaev in the title role) combine in a memorable portrait of 
a vulnerable and humane young man, blossoming in the toxic soil of a 
devastated country.

Directed by Gulshat Omarova. In Russian with English subtitles.

The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies  is sponsoring a 
spring semester film series for students and affiliates with an 
interest in Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. This semester we 
are focusing on Central Asia and Russia.  The series is free of 
charge, and showcases lesser known films from the region (in the 
original languages with English subtitles). 

The film series webpage, with complete schedule, is located at:
http://www.daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/news_events/sp07_filmseries.html

Feel free to contact Hillary Colter (hcolterfas, 5-4038), Susan Sypko 
(sypkofas, 6-2643), or George Soroka (sorokafas) with any questions.
 

EVENT- "Screamers," Genocide Documentary, This Week Only

From: Armenian Library & Museum <armenianlmayahoo.com>
Posted: 16 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


EVENT- "Screamers," Genocide Documentary, This Week Only


Please make sure to see SCREAMERS at Fresh Pond Mall Theatre this 
week. Friday might be your last chance, since the movie theatre might 
stop the screening of the movie due to low attendance. 
 
ALMA has collaborated with the "Screamers" Director Carla Garabedian, 
when she used ALMA's archives in 2005 to acquire some of the photos of 
the Armenian Genocide victims, which were later used in the 
documentary. To learn more about the movie and find out about 
screenings in your area, please visit the website 
http://www.screamersmovie.com/.   The  synopsis of the documentary is 
included below. 
 
Fresh Pond Mall 10
168 Alewife Brook Pkwy
Cambridge, MA  02138
617-661-6994
Screening times: 1:45 pm, 4:20 pm, 7:00 pm, and 9:35 pm. 
 
MOVIE SYNOPSIS

Documentary feature examining why genocides keep occurring -- from the 
Armenian genocide in 1915, to the Holocaust, Bosnia, Rwanda and now 
Darfur -- through the eyes and music of the Grammy award-winning rock 
band System of a Down, based in Los Angeles, whose members are all 
grandchildren of genocide survivors. As the band tours the world and 
touches on the locations and stories of genocide in the last century, 
the film follows the personal story of the lead singers grandfather, a 
96-year old survivor of the Armenian genocide, one of the few 
remaining survivors from his village in Turkey. With the arguments of 
Harvard Professor Samantha Power, the personal stories of survivors 
from Armenia, Rwanda and Darfur, policy critics and whistleblowers the 
screamers the film targets the problem of genocide denial, with 
specific reference to the Turkish governments current campaign to stop 
its citizens from discussing the genocide. When the band arrives back 
in the United States, they confront the hypocrisy of U.S. foreign 
policy in the debate on genocide recognition, with Speaker of the 
House, Dennis Hastert, actively blocking a vote in Congress. Through 
the bands efforts to get Dennis to Do the Right Thing and Powers 
thesis that Americas interest has always been to stay neutral, no 
matter how wide-scale the carnage, the film shows how successive 
Presidents and corporate interests have conspired to turn a blind eye 
to genocides as they are happening whether it be Iraqi Kurds in the 
80s, Rwanda in the 90s or Darfur today. After the Holocaust, we may 
say never again -- but we don't mean it.
 
Also showing at:
Showcase Cinema Worcester North 18
135 Brooks Street
Worcester, MA01606
508-853-4000
 
See Feb. 4th Boston Globe Interview with Director Carla Garapedian
http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2007/02/04/documentarian_band
s_with_rockers_to_target_genocide/?page=1

Armenian Library and Museum of America, Inc. 
65 Main Street
Watertown MA 02472 
 
Tel: 617 926 2562
Fax: 617 926 0175
www.almainc.org

LECTURE- Alex Minier on Turkmenistan, 2/21 

 From: Davis Center <daviscenterfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 14 Feb 2007

A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Alex Minier on Turkmenistan, 2/21

Wednesday, February 21
Davis Center Comparative Economics Seminar

Cheap Gas, Black Market Cash, and Love for the
Motherland: A Look at Turkmenistan's Golden Century
Alex Minier, Director, Ford Hall Forum

1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor, Room S354
12:30­2:00 p.m.

LECTURE- Elena Campbell, Muslim Question in Late Imperial Russia, 2/20 

From: Davis Center <daviscenterfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 14 Feb 2007

A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Elena Campbell, Muslim Question in Late Imperial Russia, 2/20

Tuesday, February 20
Modern Russian History Search

"The Muslim Question in Late Imperial Russia"

Elena Campbell, Ph.D. in History, 1999, Russian Academy of Sciences; 
Lecturer on History, Harvard University

35 Quincy Street, Robinson Hall, First Floor Library
4:15­5:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact Janet Hatch (administrator, 
History Department) at (617) 496-4057.

CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Date Change: Turkmenistan after Turkmenbashi, Feb. 27

From: John Schoeberlein <centasiafas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 9 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Turkmenistan after Turkmenbashi, Feb. 27


Please note that the date of this seminar has changed to February 27.

We will be holding a special roundtable in the wake of the recent
passing of Turkmenistan's President, Saparmurat Niyazov, and the
upcoming presidential election on February 11.  The agenda will be to
make some assessment of the unfolding situation in Turkmenistan and
its implications for the other former Soviet republics.

The roundtable panelists will offer brief introductory remarks, followed by
discussion and questions moderated by the chair.

The panel:

Erika Dailey, Director of Open Society Institute's Turkmenistan Project

John Schoeberlein, Director of Program on Central Asia & the Caucasus
at Harvard University

Tom Simons, Visiting Scholar, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian
Studies; Lecturer, Harvard University Government Department

Tuesday, February 27, 4:15 - 6:00 pm
Seminar Room S354
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA

We expect this to be a very interesting discussion.  Please bring your
questions and your own perspective on the prospects for democracy in the
region!

John Schoeberlein
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center
 

WORKSHOP- Islamic Salam Contract Workshop, February 21, Harvard Law School

From: Islamic Legal Studies Program <ilsplaw.harvard.edu>
Posted: 7 Feb 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


WORKSHOP- Islamic Salam Contract Workshop, February 21, Harvard Law School


The Islamic Legal 
Studies Program,
Harvard Law School,
presents
 
The Islamic Salam Contract Workshop
 
The salam is a forward contract that has been used as a major tool for 
capital investment in unequal exchange. It has also played an 
important role in the transition of some Near Eastern economies to 
modern capitalist forms.
 
The workshop will focus on the analysis of the function assigned to 
this contract in the diffusion of the textile industry in the Muslim 
world from the 8th to the 12th centuries, as well as in the transition 
to a capitalist agriculture in 19th-century Egypt and to a 
concentration of capital and political power in the hands of 
Palestinian entrepreneurs in the 19th-20th centuries. The workshop 
features presentations by Baber Johansen (Harvard Divinity and Law 
Schools), Kenneth Cuno (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), 
and Beshara Doumani (University of California, Berkeley).

Wednesday, February 21
9:30 am­5:30 pm
Pound 332
Harvard Law School
 
SPACE IS LIMITED; if you are interested in attending, please send an 
email by February 13 to ilsplaw.harvard.edu with your academic affiliation.
 

CONCERT- Armenian Jazz Night Friday, Watertown, Feb 9

From: Armenian Library & Museum <armenianlmayahoo.com>
Posted: 7 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CONCERT- Armenian Jazz Night Friday, Watertown, Feb 9


Armenian Jazz Concert at ALMA

The Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) is announcing the 
commencement of the Jazz concert series JAZZ NIGHTS AT ALMA. In the 
spirit of supporting cultural events and local artists, ALMA's program 
features Armenian musicians performing and composing uniquely diverse 
Jazz arrangements. Each group has a unique repertoire. All concerts 
will take place at ALMA's art gallery in an intimate setting to take 
advantage of the ambiance of ethnic art exhibits surrounding the stage 
and the audience. 
 
The inaugural concert will take place at 8 pm on Friday, February 9 
and will feature folk Jazz group LUSIN. The word "Lusin" in Armenian 
means "The Moon". Through its original arrangements of Armenian folk 
music with elements of Jazz and improvised music, Lusin pushes the 
boundaries of folk-Jazz improvisation. Led by the collaboration of 
Jazz pianist Vardan Ovsepian and composer Ara Sarkissian, this 
"celestial" group features local talents Karen Kocharian (drums), 
Arvin Zarookian (bass) and Martin Haroutunian (folk instruments).
 
Come and enjoy beautiful music and a glass of wine in an intimate 
candle-lit atmosphere and help us support Armenian musicians. The 
concerts take place at ALMA's Art Gallery (65 Main Street, Watertown 
MA). Tickets will be available at the door or contact ALMA for advance 
reservations 617.926.2562 or infoalmainc.org. Wine will be available 
to ticket holders (limit one glass per person). For more information 
about the musicians and upcoming concerts, please visit our website 
www.almainc.org . JAZZ NIGHTS AT ALMA series is sponsored in part by 
Wainwright Bank & Trust Company. 

Armenian Library and Museum of America, Inc. 
65 Main Street
Watertown MA 02472 
 
Tel: 617 926 2562
Fax: 617 926 0175
www.almainc.org
 

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION- Nomads of Boston

From: Regina Iakupova <rerobu.edu>
Posted: 6 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CALL FOR PARTICIPATION- Nomads of Boston


Nomads of Boston are a small community of mostly students and 
immigrants from various regions of Central Asia as well as the Asiatic 
side of the Russian Federation and the Near East.  We view ourselves 
as a networking resource for the Turkic people from different walks of 
life who reside, study or visit Boston and the New England states. As 
some of us who have lived here for quite a while, we got to meet and 
become friends with people of different Turkic heritage--Turkish, 
Kazakh, Tatar, Bashkir, Nogai, Uzbek, and Kyrghyz.  We gather for a 
great dialogue and social get-togethers such as skiing, salsa/tango 
dancing, movies, celebration of some ethnic holidays like Navrooz, as 
well as plov and manti parties to indulge in Central 
Asian/Turkic/Russian cuisine.  Mostly, we reach out to students from 
Central Asia and/or Russia and other Turkic countries who are new to 
the area and would like to participate in some cultural events.  

We are associated with Tatars of New York, Tatars of Montreal, 
American-Kazakhstan Scientific & Cultural Association as well as 
receive updates/news and participate in cultural events from Kyrgyz 
Embassy in Washington, DC, Kazakh Consulate in NY.  

If you're interested in this and would like to join us, please email 
Regina Iakupova, the Nomads' contact, at rerobu.edu.  Please include 
your name, your school (if applicable) and contact information.
 

LECTURE- Security in Afghanistan, February 7, Tufts University

From: Sarah A. Newton <Sarah_A.Newtontufts.edu>
Posted: 6 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Security in Afghanistan, February 7, Tufts University


Lecture

"Security In Afghanistan: An Examination Of Current Dilemmas To 
Securing Peace And Stability In Afghanistan"

Wednesday, February 7, 2007, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Barnum Hall 008, Tufts 
University

Lieutenant General (Ret.) David Barno is the Director of the Near East 
South Asia Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense 
University.  He spent 19 months starting in October 2003 commanding 
over 20,000 US and Coalition Forces in Combined Forces Command - 
Afghanistan.  He was responsible to CENTCOM for regional efforts in 
Afghanistan, most of Pakistan and southern parts of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Minister Ali A. Jalali, the former Interior Minister of Afghanistan 
(2003-2005), is currently serving as both a Distinguished Professor 
for the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies and as a 
researcher for the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the 
National Defense University. As Interior Minister he created a trained 
force of 50,000 Afghan National Police and 12,000 Border Police to 
work effectively in counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, and criminal 
investigation.

Sponsored by the Alliance Linking Leaders in Education and the 
Services (ALLIES) and the Institute for Global Leadership (IGL)
 

CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Turkmenistan after Turkmenbashi, Feb. 20

Posted: 2 Feb 2007
From: John Schoeberlein <centasiafas.harvard.edu>



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Turkmenistan after Turkmenbashi, Feb. 20


We will be holding a special roundtable in the wake of the recent
passing of Turkmenistan's President, Saparmurat Niyazov, and the
upcoming presidential election on February 11.  The agenda will be to
make some assessment of the unfolding situation in Turkmenistan and
its implications for the other former Soviet republics.

The roundtable panelists will offer brief introductory remarks, followed by
discussion and questions moderated by the chair.

The panel:

Erika Dailey, Director of Open Society Institute's Turkmenistan Project

John Schoeberlein, Director of Program on Central Asia & the Caucasus
at Harvard University

Tom Simons, Visiting Scholar, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian
Studies; Lecturer, Harvard University Government Department

Additional Speaker: TBD

Tuesday, February 20, 4:15 - 6:00 pm
Seminar Room S354
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA

We expect this to be a very interesting discussion.  Please bring your
questions and your own perspective on the prospects for democracy in the
region!

John Schoeberlein
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center
 

CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP, Spring Organizational Meeting, Tues., Feb. 6

Posted: 2 Feb 2007
From: John Schoeberlein <centasiafas.harvard.edu>



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP, Spring Organizational Meeting, Feb. 6


The first meeting this semester of the

Central Asia & Caucasus Working Group

will be held on:

Tuesday, February 6, 4:15-6:00 pm

in CGIS Room S-354 at 1730 Cambridge St., 3rd Floor,
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies

We will begin with an introduction to the Working Group for new
participants and with a chance for all to introduce themselves and
mention their particular interests and projects.  All interested
people are encouraged to join.

The Working Group is, first and foremost, and opportunity for us to
get (and give) useful feedback on the projects-in-progress that we are
pursuing -- theses, course papers, articles, conference papers, etc.
The group is a stable, sympathetic group who are generally generous
with their comments.  Please come prepared to talk a bit about any
project that you might be considering for presentation this semester.

If you need to be added to the Working Group e-mail mailing list
(i.e., if you don't get this message directly from me) or if you know
of someone who would be interested in receiving information about the
Working Group, just send me the name/e-mail address and I'll add it to
the list.

If you would potentially be interested in making a presentation to the
Working Group in the early part of the semester, please let me know as soon
as possible.

Most of you have been on the Working Group list for some time, but I
provide the information about the group below for those to whom it is of
interest:


About the Working Group

The Working Group on "Society, Politics and Culture in Central Asia and the
Caucasus" forum that meets roughly every other week for discussion of projects
on Central Asia.  The Working Group is aimed at providing a context
for focused
discussion on Central Asian and Caucasus-related topics among Harvard
graduate students, faculty, and other interested scholars in the Cambridge
and Boston area.  Central Asia, for these purposes, is understood to include
the states of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and
Tajikistan, as well as closely related areas: the Caucasus, the Volga Basin,
Southwestern Siberia, Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, etc.  Each week is
devoted to a presentation of some work-in-progress (a thesis prospectus,
chapter, or paper) by one of the Working Group participants, accompanied by
helpful discussion by the group as a whole.

The Working Group is chaired by John Schoeberlein, Director of the Harvard
Program on Central Asia & the Caucasus.  The Working Group is an activity of
the Harvard Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus at the Davis Center for
Russian and Eurasian Studies.  The group has been meeting since 1994.  Guest
speakers are also sometimes invited.

In the organizational meeting, we will discuss the schedule for future
meetings, which will be on Tuesdays, alternating with the meetings of the
Central Asia and Caucasus Seminar (public seminar series).

Please also consider the possibility of presenting a project at some
point in the course of the semester or the year, and come to the first
meeting with ideas.  Note that the project can be something rather
"raw", though ideally you should have a (draft) paper that can be
distributed in advance of your presentation.

Please contact me with any questions or suggestions you might have.  For
general information/questions and directions to our new office at 1730
Cambridge St., please call my assistant, Sue Sypko, at (617)496-2643, or
write to <centasiafas.harvard.edu>.

I look forward to your participation!

John Schoeberlein


Dr. John Schoeberlein \ Director
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center \ Harvard University
1730 Cambridge St., Room S-327 \ Cambridge, MA 02138 \ USA
tel.: +1/617-495-4338  asst.: +1/617-496-2643  fax: +1/617-495-8319
schoeberfas.harvard.edu
Central Asia Program website: http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
<Central Eurasian Studies World Wide>: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu
<Central-Eurasia-L> Editorial Addr: Central-Eurasia-Llists.fas.harvard.edu
<CE-L> Archive: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/CESWW_Central-Eurasia-L.html
 

FILM SERIES- Davis Center Spring 2007 Film Series, Starts February 7

From: Hillary Colter <hcolterfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 31 Jan 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


FILM SERIES- Davis Center Spring 2007 Film Series, Starts February 7


The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies is sponsoring a 
spring semester film series for students and affiliates with an 
interest in Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. This semester we 
are focusing on Central Asia and Russia.  The series is free of 
charge, and showcases lesser known films from the region (in the 
original languages with English subtitles). 

Wednesdays, 5 pm
CGIS North, Room N-031 (concourse level)
CGIS North is located at 1737 Cambridge Street, just one short block 
east of Memorial Hall.  Snacks will be provided.

The film series webpage, with complete schedule, is located at:
http://www.daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/news_events/sp07_filmseries.html

On February 7, the first film of the series, Killer (Kazakhstan), will show.
Synopsis: Marat works as a personal driver in Almaty, Kazakhstan.  
When the young man hits a rich local's Mercedes, the nightmare begins. 
The loan he accepts to pay for the damages puts him at the mercy of a 
Mafia boss.  Marat becomes the victim of violence, daily humiliation 
and events out of his control.  He is forced to consider a "contract"; 
the release of his debts in exchange for the murder of a bothersome journalist.
1998. 81 minutes. Directed by Darezhan Omirbaev. In Russian with 
English subtitles.

We look forward to your participation in this exciting series!

Feel free to contact Hillary Colter (hcolterfas, 5-4038), Susan Sypko 
(sypkofas, 6-2643), or George Soroka (sorokafas) with any questions.
	  
	   

CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Date Change: Turkmenistan after Turkmenbashi, Feb. 27

From: John Schoeberlein <centasiafas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 9 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Turkmenistan after Turkmenbashi, Feb. 27


Please note that the date of this seminar has changed to February 27.

We will be holding a special roundtable in the wake of the recent
passing of Turkmenistan's President, Saparmurat Niyazov, and the
upcoming presidential election on February 11.  The agenda will be to
make some assessment of the unfolding situation in Turkmenistan and
its implications for the other former Soviet republics.

The roundtable panelists will offer brief introductory remarks, followed by
discussion and questions moderated by the chair.

The panel:

Erika Dailey, Director of Open Society Institute's Turkmenistan Project

John Schoeberlein, Director of Program on Central Asia & the Caucasus
at Harvard University

Tom Simons, Visiting Scholar, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian
Studies; Lecturer, Harvard University Government Department

Tuesday, February 27, 4:15 - 6:00 pm
Seminar Room S354
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA

We expect this to be a very interesting discussion.  Please bring your
questions and your own perspective on the prospects for democracy in the
region!

John Schoeberlein
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center
 

WORKSHOP- Islamic Salam Contract Workshop, February 21, Harvard Law School

From: Islamic Legal Studies Program <ilsplaw.harvard.edu>
Posted: 7 Feb 2007


A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


WORKSHOP- Islamic Salam Contract Workshop, February 21, Harvard Law School


The Islamic Legal 
Studies Program,
Harvard Law School,
presents
 
The Islamic Salam Contract Workshop
 
The salam is a forward contract that has been used as a major tool for 
capital investment in unequal exchange. It has also played an 
important role in the transition of some Near Eastern economies to 
modern capitalist forms.
 
The workshop will focus on the analysis of the function assigned to 
this contract in the diffusion of the textile industry in the Muslim 
world from the 8th to the 12th centuries, as well as in the transition 
to a capitalist agriculture in 19th-century Egypt and to a 
concentration of capital and political power in the hands of 
Palestinian entrepreneurs in the 19th-20th centuries. The workshop 
features presentations by Baber Johansen (Harvard Divinity and Law 
Schools), Kenneth Cuno (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), 
and Beshara Doumani (University of California, Berkeley).

Wednesday, February 21
9:30 am­5:30 pm
Pound 332
Harvard Law School
 
SPACE IS LIMITED; if you are interested in attending, please send an 
email by February 13 to ilsplaw.harvard.edu with your academic affiliation.
 

CONCERT- Armenian Jazz Night Friday, Watertown, Feb 9

From: Armenian Library & Museum <armenianlmayahoo.com>
Posted: 7 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CONCERT- Armenian Jazz Night Friday, Watertown, Feb 9


Armenian Jazz Concert at ALMA

The Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) is announcing the 
commencement of the Jazz concert series JAZZ NIGHTS AT ALMA. In the 
spirit of supporting cultural events and local artists, ALMA's program 
features Armenian musicians performing and composing uniquely diverse 
Jazz arrangements. Each group has a unique repertoire. All concerts 
will take place at ALMA's art gallery in an intimate setting to take 
advantage of the ambiance of ethnic art exhibits surrounding the stage 
and the audience. 
 
The inaugural concert will take place at 8 pm on Friday, February 9 
and will feature folk Jazz group LUSIN. The word "Lusin" in Armenian 
means "The Moon". Through its original arrangements of Armenian folk 
music with elements of Jazz and improvised music, Lusin pushes the 
boundaries of folk-Jazz improvisation. Led by the collaboration of 
Jazz pianist Vardan Ovsepian and composer Ara Sarkissian, this 
"celestial" group features local talents Karen Kocharian (drums), 
Arvin Zarookian (bass) and Martin Haroutunian (folk instruments).
 
Come and enjoy beautiful music and a glass of wine in an intimate 
candle-lit atmosphere and help us support Armenian musicians. The 
concerts take place at ALMA's Art Gallery (65 Main Street, Watertown 
MA). Tickets will be available at the door or contact ALMA for advance 
reservations 617.926.2562 or infoalmainc.org. Wine will be available 
to ticket holders (limit one glass per person). For more information 
about the musicians and upcoming concerts, please visit our website 
www.almainc.org . JAZZ NIGHTS AT ALMA series is sponsored in part by 
Wainwright Bank & Trust Company. 

Armenian Library and Museum of America, Inc. 
65 Main Street
Watertown MA 02472 
 
Tel: 617 926 2562
Fax: 617 926 0175
www.almainc.org
 

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION- Nomads of Boston

From: Regina Iakupova <rerobu.edu>
Posted: 6 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CALL FOR PARTICIPATION- Nomads of Boston


Nomads of Boston are a small community of mostly students and 
immigrants from various regions of Central Asia as well as the Asiatic 
side of the Russian Federation and the Near East.  We view ourselves 
as a networking resource for the Turkic people from different walks of 
life who reside, study or visit Boston and the New England states. As 
some of us who have lived here for quite a while, we got to meet and 
become friends with people of different Turkic heritage--Turkish, 
Kazakh, Tatar, Bashkir, Nogai, Uzbek, and Kyrghyz.  We gather for a 
great dialogue and social get-togethers such as skiing, salsa/tango 
dancing, movies, celebration of some ethnic holidays like Navrooz, as 
well as plov and manti parties to indulge in Central 
Asian/Turkic/Russian cuisine.  Mostly, we reach out to students from 
Central Asia and/or Russia and other Turkic countries who are new to 
the area and would like to participate in some cultural events.  

We are associated with Tatars of New York, Tatars of Montreal, 
American-Kazakhstan Scientific & Cultural Association as well as 
receive updates/news and participate in cultural events from Kyrgyz 
Embassy in Washington, DC, Kazakh Consulate in NY.  

If you're interested in this and would like to join us, please email 
Regina Iakupova, the Nomads' contact, at rerobu.edu.  Please include 
your name, your school (if applicable) and contact information.
 

LECTURE- Security in Afghanistan, February 7, Tufts University

From: Sarah A. Newton <Sarah_A.Newtontufts.edu>
Posted: 6 Feb 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


LECTURE- Security in Afghanistan, February 7, Tufts University


Lecture

"Security In Afghanistan: An Examination Of Current Dilemmas To 
Securing Peace And Stability In Afghanistan"

Wednesday, February 7, 2007, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Barnum Hall 008, Tufts 
University

Lieutenant General (Ret.) David Barno is the Director of the Near East 
South Asia Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense 
University.  He spent 19 months starting in October 2003 commanding 
over 20,000 US and Coalition Forces in Combined Forces Command - 
Afghanistan.  He was responsible to CENTCOM for regional efforts in 
Afghanistan, most of Pakistan and southern parts of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Minister Ali A. Jalali, the former Interior Minister of Afghanistan 
(2003-2005), is currently serving as both a Distinguished Professor 
for the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies and as a 
researcher for the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the 
National Defense University. As Interior Minister he created a trained 
force of 50,000 Afghan National Police and 12,000 Border Police to 
work effectively in counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, and criminal 
investigation.

Sponsored by the Alliance Linking Leaders in Education and the 
Services (ALLIES) and the Institute for Global Leadership (IGL)
 

CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Turkmenistan after Turkmenbashi, Feb. 20

Posted: 2 Feb 2007
From: John Schoeberlein <centasiafas.harvard.edu>



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Turkmenistan after Turkmenbashi, Feb. 20


We will be holding a special roundtable in the wake of the recent
passing of Turkmenistan's President, Saparmurat Niyazov, and the
upcoming presidential election on February 11.  The agenda will be to
make some assessment of the unfolding situation in Turkmenistan and
its implications for the other former Soviet republics.

The roundtable panelists will offer brief introductory remarks, followed by
discussion and questions moderated by the chair.

The panel:

Erika Dailey, Director of Open Society Institute's Turkmenistan Project

John Schoeberlein, Director of Program on Central Asia & the Caucasus
at Harvard University

Tom Simons, Visiting Scholar, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian
Studies; Lecturer, Harvard University Government Department

Additional Speaker: TBD

Tuesday, February 20, 4:15 - 6:00 pm
Seminar Room S354
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA

We expect this to be a very interesting discussion.  Please bring your
questions and your own perspective on the prospects for democracy in the
region!

John Schoeberlein
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center
 

CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP, Spring Organizational Meeting, Tues., Feb. 6

Posted: 2 Feb 2007
From: John Schoeberlein <centasiafas.harvard.edu>



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP, Spring Organizational Meeting, Feb. 6


The first meeting this semester of the

Central Asia & Caucasus Working Group

will be held on:

Tuesday, February 6, 4:15-6:00 pm

in CGIS Room S-354 at 1730 Cambridge St., 3rd Floor,
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies

We will begin with an introduction to the Working Group for new
participants and with a chance for all to introduce themselves and
mention their particular interests and projects.  All interested
people are encouraged to join.

The Working Group is, first and foremost, and opportunity for us to
get (and give) useful feedback on the projects-in-progress that we are
pursuing -- theses, course papers, articles, conference papers, etc.
The group is a stable, sympathetic group who are generally generous
with their comments.  Please come prepared to talk a bit about any
project that you might be considering for presentation this semester.

If you need to be added to the Working Group e-mail mailing list
(i.e., if you don't get this message directly from me) or if you know
of someone who would be interested in receiving information about the
Working Group, just send me the name/e-mail address and I'll add it to
the list.

If you would potentially be interested in making a presentation to the
Working Group in the early part of the semester, please let me know as soon
as possible.

Most of you have been on the Working Group list for some time, but I
provide the information about the group below for those to whom it is of
interest:


About the Working Group

The Working Group on "Society, Politics and Culture in Central Asia and the
Caucasus" forum that meets roughly every other week for discussion of projects
on Central Asia.  The Working Group is aimed at providing a context
for focused
discussion on Central Asian and Caucasus-related topics among Harvard
graduate students, faculty, and other interested scholars in the Cambridge
and Boston area.  Central Asia, for these purposes, is understood to include
the states of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and
Tajikistan, as well as closely related areas: the Caucasus, the Volga Basin,
Southwestern Siberia, Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, etc.  Each week is
devoted to a presentation of some work-in-progress (a thesis prospectus,
chapter, or paper) by one of the Working Group participants, accompanied by
helpful discussion by the group as a whole.

The Working Group is chaired by John Schoeberlein, Director of the Harvard
Program on Central Asia & the Caucasus.  The Working Group is an activity of
the Harvard Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus at the Davis Center for
Russian and Eurasian Studies.  The group has been meeting since 1994.  Guest
speakers are also sometimes invited.

In the organizational meeting, we will discuss the schedule for future
meetings, which will be on Tuesdays, alternating with the meetings of the
Central Asia and Caucasus Seminar (public seminar series).

Please also consider the possibility of presenting a project at some
point in the course of the semester or the year, and come to the first
meeting with ideas.  Note that the project can be something rather
"raw", though ideally you should have a (draft) paper that can be
distributed in advance of your presentation.

Please contact me with any questions or suggestions you might have.  For
general information/questions and directions to our new office at 1730
Cambridge St., please call my assistant, Sue Sypko, at (617)496-2643, or
write to <centasiafas.harvard.edu>.

I look forward to your participation!

John Schoeberlein


Dr. John Schoeberlein \ Director
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center \ Harvard University
1730 Cambridge St., Room S-327 \ Cambridge, MA 02138 \ USA
tel.: +1/617-495-4338  asst.: +1/617-496-2643  fax: +1/617-495-8319
schoeberfas.harvard.edu
Central Asia Program website: http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
<Central Eurasian Studies World Wide>: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu
<Central-Eurasia-L> Editorial Addr: Central-Eurasia-Llists.fas.harvard.edu
<CE-L> Archive: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/CESWW_Central-Eurasia-L.html
 

FILM SERIES- Davis Center Spring 2007 Film Series, Starts February 7

From: Hillary Colter <hcolterfas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 31 Jan 2007



A distribution of:  Central-Asia-Harvard-List.  The Announcement List for
          Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University


FILM SERIES- Davis Center Spring 2007 Film Series, Starts February 7


The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies is sponsoring a 
spring semester film series for students and affiliates with an 
interest in Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. This semester we 
are focusing on Central Asia and Russia.  The series is free of 
charge, and showcases lesser known films from the region (in the 
original languages with English subtitles). 

Wednesdays, 5 pm
CGIS North, Room N-031 (concourse level)
CGIS North is located at 1737 Cambridge Street, just one short block 
east of Memorial Hall.  Snacks will be provided.

The film series webpage, with complete schedule, is located at:
http://www.daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/news_events/sp07_filmseries.html

On February 7, the first film of the series, Killer (Kazakhstan), will show.
Synopsis: Marat works as a personal driver in Almaty, Kazakhstan.  
When the young man hits a rich local's Mercedes, the nightmare begins. 
The loan he accepts to pay for the damages puts him at the mercy of a 
Mafia boss.  Marat becomes the victim of violence, daily humiliation 
and events out of his control.  He is forced to consider a "contract"; 
the release of his debts in exchange for the murder of a bothersome journalist.
1