Oriental Courier
Journal Data
| Type | JOURNAL |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 2686-8431 |
| Wikidata | Q96722718 |
| OpenAlex | S4210235988 |
| MAG | 4210235988 |
| Website | https://vk.jes.su/ |
| Total publications | 330 |
| Coverage period | 2019 - 2025 |
| Country | RU |
| Language | EN |
| Access | Open Access |
| Impact factor | 0.023 |
The "Oriental Courier" focuses on Oriental studies, which is an area studies field. Such journals frequently publish work with ethnographic, cultural, or social content, making it a closely cognate venue
Ancient Egypt and Archaeology · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Archaeological Research and Protection · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Arctic and Russian Policy Studies · Central Asia Education and Culture · Chinese history and philosophy · Discourse Analysis and Cultural Communication · Economic Sanctions and International Relations · Eurasian Exchange Networks
Ramakrishna Movement. Pt. I. Swami Vivekananda’s Spiritual Development and His First Voyage to the West
The first part of the paper covers the topic of the interaction of Ramakrishna’s disciples with their teacher, how their worldview changed under the influence of his ideas, which influenced their decision to unite into a monastic order. Based on authoritative sources, the character traits of Ramakrishna’s favorite disciple, Narendranath Datta, known in monasticism as Swami Vivekananda, are revealed. His leadership qualities allowed him to lead th…
"Special Relationship" between Israel and Germany in the Context of IDF Operation "the Swords of Iron"
This paper attempts to determine the nature of the impact of the latest escalation of the Middle East conflict, which began in October 2023 after the attack of the Palestinian group Hamas on the southern regions of Israel, on the stability of Germany-Israeli relations, as well as their ability to continue to meet the definition of special. The research provides a brief description of the concept of Special Relationship, consistently examines the …
Comprehension of Colonial Experience in the Works of Contemporary French Artists Part II
The memory of the colonial past plays a key role in Franco-Algerian relations. For decades, France kept silence about the history of those events, but they were often reflected in the art, including cinema, literature and fine arts. In the 20s of the 21st century, the descendants of Franco-Algerians leave their vivid statements in culture, turning to the memory of their ancestors. However, the memory of the past events fits into the general disco…
Escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict and the Approaches of Russia, China and the USA to Its Resolution
The paper examines the processes that took place in the Middle East in the limited by the beginning of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in October 2023 and the adoption of the first UN Secretary Council resolution on a ceasefire on March 25, 2024. Interactions between state and non-state actors are analyzed from the perspective of a systematic approach. The question is raised about the impact of the escalation of the Palestinian…
Ptolemaic Temple at Gebel el-Nour in the Light of New Data
The paper is a continuation of the analysis of the Ptolemaic temple near the settlement of Gebel el-Nour (Egypt), the construction of which dates back to the reign of the Egyptian king Ptolemy II Philadelphus (ruled: 284–246 BC). During archaeological excavations in the season of 2024, conducted to the west of the temple, in two pits, gates (first and second) and many architectural details (cornices, fragments of walls, bases, plinths, etc.) were…
Where Did Rome Go, or Cum Eramus Romani
The paper provides a critical analysis of some theories (out of more than two hundred available) of the fall of the Roman Empire. The author takes a particularly close look at the ambiguous situation with the barbarian tribes and their leaders, who acted both on the side of the weakening Rome and on the side of the “nomadic periphery,” arguing that the Dark Ages — an outdated term for the early Middle Ages — came to the lands of the Roman Empire …
Economic Cooperation between Iran and Russia in the Context of Sanctions and Global Transformations in 2022–2024
The paper examines Russo-Iranian economic and technical cooperation in several priority areas, including the creation of a new transport and logistics infrastructure, the development of the fuel and energy complex, achieving food security, cooperation in mechanical engineering, and military-technical cooperation. The dynamics of bilateral Russo-Iranian relations in 2022–2024, as well as the prospects for further cooperation, are traced. It is con…
Treasure of the Celestial Empire in Cardboard Folders
The Central Academic Library of the Union of Theatrical Personae of the Russian Federation holds the archive of the artist and collector Nikolai B. Glinsky, which contains thousands of pieces of illustrative material, including those related to the Asian regions, among which China is particularly highlighted [Archive of N. B. Glinsky]. The “Far Eastern” part of the collection includes drawings, photographs, newspaper and magazine clippings, book …
The Cult of Basket among the Tribes of Maharashtra and the Problem of Religious Paradigm Shift in Ancient India
The paper focuses on the study of ritual practice among the Gondi-speaking tribal groups from Maharashtra, that has little to do with the Rig-Veda rituals. However, comparative studies reveal many similarities with ancient Buddhist and Jain rituals. The morphological, structural and functional similarity or identity of ritual artifacts has been revealed. Many similarities have been found in Jain and Buddhist texts of mythological and hagiographic…
An Innisian Assessment of Russo-Iranian Economic Cooperation Under Sanctions
This paper analyzes Russo-Iranian economic cooperation under sanctions using Harold Innis’s theories of political economy. While official narratives describe growing ties, in actuality structural vulnerabilities and reliance on staple exports, like oil and gas, limit deeper integration between Iran and Russia. State-driven efforts dominate economic cooperation, and there are significant barriers to entry and trade including centralized control, m…
On Knowledge, Perception and Understanding Reality in Japanese Culture
The review examines the monographic studies of E. L. Skvortsova and A. L. Lutsky “Worlds of Japanese Culture”, which reveal the features of the ideal of knowledge and cognitive attitude to reality in Japanese culture. The ideal of knowledge underlies the worldview, world perception and worldview of an inhabitant of the Land of the Rising Sun throughout his life. The originality and universal features of the historical picture of the world of Japa…
Japanese Islamic Policy in Southeast Asia in the First Half of 20th Century. Theory and Reality
After the Meiji Restoration, Japan began to pursue a proactive foreign policy and became interested in the Islamic world for the first time. In 1890, in response to a Japanese official visit to the Ottoman Empire, frigate Ertugrul was sent from Constantinople to Japan, but was wrecked and sank off the coast of Japan while returning from the embassy. This was the first full-fledged contact between Japan as a young, dynamically developing power and…
Elena L. Katasonova: My Way to Mysterious East (An Interview). Part 2
The second part of the interview [Part 1 Romanova, Golovachyov, 2024] with the famous Japanologist, head of the Center for Japanese Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Elena L. Katasonova, was prepared as part of the project “Russian Oriental Studies — Oral History” of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, supervised by Dr. V. Ts. Golovachyov, who publishes the autho…
The Specificity of the Qing Dynasty’s Military-Political ideology in the 17th–18th Centuries
The paper considers the key features of the military-political ideology in Qing dynasty of China in the 17th–18th centuries based on official documents and historical works of this period. As a foreign dynasty, the Qing dynasty had to pay close attention to ideological matters and rely on Confucianism to prove its legitimacy before the Chinese people. By the second half of the 17th century Qing emperors and the Manchu elite had largely assimilate…
A Unique “Verdict” to the Turkish Opposition: 80 Years ince the Tan Newspaper Incident
On December 4, 1945, events unfolded in Istanbul that left a profound mark on Turkey’s political history and led to significant changes in the country’s social life. What began as a “protest against communism” quickly escalated into an organized act of violence: a group of students and radicals, with tacit support from the authorities, stormed and destroyed the printing house of Tan newspaper, owned by renowned journalists Zekeriya and Sabiha Ser…
Training of Educational Personnel in the PRC during the Period of Reforms
Currently, the People’s Republic of China ranks among the world’s leading powers due to its dynamically developing economy. Amid increasing demands for professional qualifications and competencies among the population, China is compelled to reform its education system to maintain and strengthen its global position. This involves training new specialists, which is impossible without cultivating highly qualified teaching professionals. Today, China…
“Once Again I Visited…” In the Homeland of Legendary al-Kahina after Twelve Years. Part I
At the beginning of December 2024, the author of this paper was granted an opportunity of visiting once again, after twelve years, one of Algeria’s provinces, Khenchela. This region possesses ancient history and interesting local culture. The author did not only participate in the Second Session of the Academic conference “The Algerian Literature Translated into the Languages of the World” (organized by the local ‘Abbas Laghrur University), but t…
Syria After Al-Assad: Domestic Challenges and Regional Perspectives
The paper examines the way the overthrow of Al-Assad’s regime affected political dynamics in Syria and international politics in the Middle East. It studies main stages of military uprising against Al-Assad in view of key actors’ battle activities. The author examines the specifics of transitional state system and interim government measures aimed at the resolving of political and economic tasks in Syria. Main attention is paid to security proble…
Victor Yu. Smirnov’s Book “On the Normalization of Soviet-Israeli Relations 1986–1991. Unknown Documents from the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation”
The subject of the paper is the assessments and conclusions in the monograph by Victor Yu. Smirnov “Normalization of Soviet-Israeli Relations 1986–1991. Unknown Documents from the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation”, published in 2024 by the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Based on a new source base, the author analyzes materials related to the normalization of diplomatic relations between the So…
Сāṇakya’s Staff
Brahmin Chanakya is a famous character of Indian legends. He allegedly enthroned Chandragupta, the founder of the largest Mauryan empire. The image of Chanakya belongs to the category of wrathful Brahmins, widely represented in Indian folklore. An important attribute of a Brahmin is his staff. Just as in the culture of other ancient peoples, it indicates the sacredness of the person, his connection with otherworldly powers. The curved staff is li…
Law as Instrument for Modernizing Eastern Societies: Examples of Japan and South Korea
In order to convincingly analyze laws beyond the European legal tradition, it is important first to critically reconsider the substantial features of law as a specific social regulator. Without this step, the research risks becoming superficial or biased. Because only by defining the concept of law with scientific certainty can one come closer to a more complete understanding and draw meaningful conclusions about the important properties of legis…
The Bird that Brought the Drink of Soma
The most important Vedic rituals were accompanied with drinking of soma, that gave strength to gods and humans. According to the myth of Rigveda, the plant from which soma was made was carried in the claws of the celestial śyena bird, clearly a mythological image. However, in the hymns one can also find contexts in which śyena means a bird species. Modern translators tend to interpret the word as a falcon. When describing the ritual of squeezing …
Bos primigenius on the Late-Glacial Nile: To the Origins of Pastoralism in Egypt
The problem of the origins of pastoralism in Egypt has not a general solution yet. The issue of domesticated sheep and goats is apparently solved: in the absence of wild ancestors in Africa, they were brought to Egypt from Southwest Asia in the late 7th – early 6th millennium BC. Cattle in this respect remains a subject of keen discussion. It is argued to have originated from the wild aurochs Bos primigenius that lived in Northern Africa back in …
Parallel War, or From the Border “Incidents” to the Capitulation of Japan in China
The paper provides a generalized critical analysis of the causes, course and some circumstances of the [Second] Sino-Japanese War of 1937–1945, which to this day remains a kind of “unknown war” that took place on the territory of mainland China parallel to the famous battles of World War II in Europe and on the territory of the USSR. The author sets the task of showing how Republican China, torn apart by internal contradictions and the need to re…
The Chronotope of Jōmon Culture: Reconsidering Archaeological Data and Visual Interpretations
This paper explores the evolution of archaeological research on the Jōmon culture from the 19th century to the present. This article examines the evolution of archaeological research and the shifting chronology shaped by radiocarbon analysis. Particular attention is given to ceramics — from flame-style vessels to dogū figurines — as carriers of visual codes and aesthetic meaning, which have influenced contemporary interpretations of Jōmon culture…
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Osman Hamdi Bey (1842–1910): The First Turkish Orientalist
The article seeks to answer a central question about the legacy of Osman Hamdi Bey, the first artist in Ottoman Empire to borrow Western European artistic techniques—namely, whether his oeuvre, as that of some of his contemporaries and teachers, is a part of the movement of Orientalism, or if it deserves to be classed as a separate phenomenon in Turkish, Western European, and perhaps worldwide art. The author gives historiographic analysis of exi…
Biblia Natalis in Russia and in the East: The One-Book Exhibition in the Central Andrey Rublev Museum of Ancient Russian Culture and Art
The Oriental Vernissage opens with a coverage of an exhibition dedicated to a unique item that is interestingly relevant to several research directions reflected in this pilot edition of the OC. Jérôme Nadal’s illustrated Gospel, the rare extant copy of which in Russia is kept in the collection of the Central Andrei Rublev Museum in Moscow, was used by Jesuit missionaries to preach Christianity in China, India and Mexico; and in Russia, his engra…
The Importance of Architectural Monuments and Historical Buildings in Adaptation to the Modern World (the Case of Restoration of the Watermill Iraq Al-Amir)
Architectural preservation of historical buildings is an increasingly important civilizational aspect, and dynamic environmental shaping is key to sustaining the integrity and vital functions of architectural monuments. The article looks at the revitalisation method, which, true to its literal meaning (breathing new life into something), envisages a way of sustaining the value of historical buildings by not merely restoring them but also imbuing …
“In the university we are making that 'Turn to the East'”
In this first instalment of the Oriental Tea Party, a section dedicated to interviews with Orientalists and major promoters of science and education, OC happily presents one of the members of its editorial board—deputy Dean of the Oriental Faculty of the State University of Academic Sciences (SUAS), Evgenia V. Kuznetsova. Marrying the established traditions of Russian sciences to the latest learning trends unfolding in higher school, Dr Kuznetsov…
Japanese System of Ikuji Personality Forming: How to Raise a New Generation
The article analyses the main tenets of Japan’s central child-rearing and upbringing system, ikuji (育児) — essentially a set of guidelines and recommendations on how to shape a personality that would be valued by both the society and the state. The authors give a summary of parenting principles applicable to different ages—before five, between five and fifteen, and after fifteen years of age. Drawing parallels between Japanese and Western parentin…
Under Oman’s Sky
Courier begins its journey of scientific discovery in one of the oldest states of the Arab world. Strategically positioned in the southeast of the Arabian peninsula and having survived a sequence of devastating wars and conflicts, by mid-twentieth century Oman was a country stuck in feudal void. Up until 1970s Oman remained one of the most closed countries in the region with scarcely any schools, hospitals, roads or radio. Now, almost 50 years la…
Interdisciplinarity in Oriental Studies: The Results of the XIII Scholarly-Practical Conference of Young Researchers “Meliksetov Readings” (April 4, 2019, Moscow)
The article published here gives a review of the main results of the 13th practical conference for young scientists, called Meliksetov Readings, that took place in Moscow on April 4th 2019. This conference has been held annually since 2007 and was named after a famous Russian Sinologist, Arlen V. Meliksetov (1930–2006). Over the past decade, Meliksetov Readings have evolved into a traditional venue for young Orientalists from various scientific a…
Western Iconography’s Impact on Ethiopian Painting: European Hell in Ethiopian Churches
While the Ethiopian Christian iconography relies on two major artistic traditions—Byzantine and Western European, the iconography of infernal demons was inspired specifically by Western European art. The Ethiopian tradition has developed four basic iconographic types of demons, each going back to different artistic schools, both in terms of place of origin and timing. Unexpected though evocative parallels between Ethiopian and Mozarabic depiction…
Matteo Ripa and His Travel to China: Extracts from the Logbook
Matteo Ripa (1682–1746) was an Italian priest and a Catholic missionary who, obeying the decision of the Holy See, together with other missionaries from the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of Faith travelled to China, where he bore witness to events that gave birth to the so-called Chinese Rites controversy. While Matteo Ripa’s memoir, Giornale, is an important source on the history of China, no less interesting are excerpts from the logb…
“We are in demand today, we are needed”. The Role of Russia in the World and the “Eastern Factor” in International Politics
In December 2018, Vitaly Naumkin, Academic Director of the Oriental Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences and a distinguished Islamologist and political scientist, met with students and faculty of the Kazan Federal University (KFU) for an open discussion. The Q&A session took place shortly after Academician Naumkin was awarded the Order of Friendship, Duslık, for “his substantial input in the implementation of joint educational, scientific…
Lang Shining’s Paradigm, and the Castiglioneschi from the State Museum of Oriental Art (Vladimir S. Kalabushkin’s Collection)
The article looks at a small group of scrolls signed by Lang Shining (Giuseppe Castiglione) from the collection of the State Museum of Oriental Art (hereafter SMOA). The author tries to clarify the reasons for the time-honoured yet mistaken attribution of one such scroll to Castiglione and traces the influence and transformation of the style, motifs, and specific characteristics of his paintings against the SMOA scrolls, which date from the end o…
A Word of Welcome to the OC Journal from Academician of Russian Academy of Sciences Vitaly V. Naumkin
China`s Environmental Policy in the 21st c: Ecological Problems and International Cooperation
The article looks at the most pressing environmental problems in China and at China’s role in the global environmental cooperation. The author outlines key environmental concerns, defines fundamental principles of China’s environmental policy, and analyses the drawbacks of the country’s eco-diplomacy. Building on the PRC’s overall environmental standing in the 21st century, the author concludes that it does not appear feasible for China to succes…
A Word of Welcome to the OC Journal from the Rector of the State Academic University for the Humanities Denis V. Fomin-Nilov
Arabs and Byzantines in the Arab-Muslim Dynasty Chronicles: Principles of The Alien’s Perception
The article analyses the stories, dedicated to the relations between the Arab Muslims and the Byzantines in the 7th–8th centuries, when numerous wars and clashes were taking place between the two sides. The stories under analysis are derived from the chronicles of the two 10th century historians Eutyhious of Alexandria (Sa‘id b. al-Batrik, a Christian) and al-Mutahhar al-Makdisi, a Muslim. It is peculiar, that the Christian Arab historian conside…
The Many Faces of Chinese Dragon: An Insider’s Guide to Chinese Tourism
The article presents a retrospective analysis of how Chinese tourism toRussia develops in recent years. It highlights the main problems and challenges that arise as the tourist flow grows, suggests possible solutions and draws further prospects. In addition, an attempt is made to have a clear picture of Chinese tourists who come to Russia, to understand their distinctive character and expectations. Among other sources of information, the article …
Sakip Sabancı Museum: One of the Most Influential Private Museums in Turkey, Its History and Collection
This article presents a brief albeit insightful overview of the collection and history of Sakıp Sabancı Museum, one of the biggest private museums in Turkey. The author reviews the museum’s collection of ottoman calligraphy arts and paintings, as well as attempts to analyze the place of Sakıp Sabancı Museum in cultural and political context of Turkish Republic development in 20th and 21st century
Modernization in the East in the 20th Century: Problems and Solutions
The article examines the concept of crisis as a driving force and a kind of product of the colonial activity of the countries of the West, which largely determined the process of modernization in the countries of the East.The author considers the features of the formation and civilization development of some countries of the East by the end of the 20 th century, dwelling separately on the examples of Turkey, China and Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Singap…
Great Punishments of Heaven and Earthly Calamities through the Eyes of a Loyal Emperor’s Servant in Early Medieval Japan (the Case of Fujiwara Atsumitsu’s Report of 1135)
This article presents politic work Fujiwara Atsumitsu (1063–1144) on the situation in the state and the risks of its destruction. A report to the emperor (or ex-emperor) that contains a detailed account of an issue as well as outputs and suggestions of the reporter was considered as one of major politics instruments when the courtier expostulates on any possible defects in the state management system. A report, though it should have been made in …
Online Conference of Young Scholars “Understanding the East”, 2020
The article provides an overview of the main results of the 2nd Online Conference of Young Scholars “Understanding the East” held in Zoom on April 23–24, 2020. Conducted since 2019, academic and practical Conferences of young scholars try to form a new tradition of multidisciplinary meetings of young researchers of the East. This was the first on-line conference of such scope, held jointly by the Institute of Oriental Studies, RAS (IOS RAS), and …
Watching the Phoenix. To the Anniversary of the Academician Vitalyi V. Naumkin
The publication honors the 75th anniversary of the prominent Russian researcher, diplomat, and orientalist Vitaly V. Naumkin, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The article presents a digest from different publications about the hero of the day as well as from his own statements about the Middle East, world politics, the Arab world, academic diplomacy, Russia's role in the situation in the Middle East and other pressing issues of the…
George de Roerich and Tocharian Problem
In Sankt-Petersburg in the Hermitage one can see the legacy of the remote past of Chinese Turkestan. There are fragments of wall paintings and some sculptures. It was established that they belonged to the ancient Buddhist culture in Central Asia, which disappeared in X–XI century.A library was also discovered there with the ancient manuscripts in Chinese, Sanskrit, Pali, Thangutian, Sogdian and in one then unknown language. This unknown language …
“I Want Our Institute to Be a Generator of Ideas for the East”
The present “Eastern Tea Party” of the Oriental Courier Staff, this time organized with the help of Zoom, targeted the recently elected Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences — Alikber K. Alikberov and was held by our correspondent Marina Starodubtseva and Editor-in-chief Dinara Dubrovskaya. In a difficult 2020, Alikber Alikberov presented his doctoral dissertation, won the election of the Director of the…
En Route to Sibsagar: The Three Capitals of the Ahom Kingdom
The article (see the first installment in [Stolyarov, Gazieva, 2019]) describes a travel to Sivasagar and its environments including visits to historical places in which some of the capitals of Ahom kingdom were established in different periods of Ahom history. Among these capitals Charaideo maidams is the earliest, then Garhgaon is described with Kareng-ghar palace, and also Rangpur which is the latest one with many monuments of the 17th and 18t…
Space Ruled by Style: Review of the VI International Academic Conference Geography of Art
The international academic conference Geography of Art traditionally examines the interaction of art and space in its various manifestations. The conference has a long history: The first was held in 2009, and in the current 2020, the 6th conference was organized online for the first time. As always, participants discussed the geo-biographies of artists and authors, travelogues, cartographic, artistic, literary images of the world, fantasy spaces,…