Mi, 15.05.2019 – 17.05.2019

The Mongols and Religions

International Conference

Organisers:
Francesca Fiaschetti (University of Vienna): francesca.fiaschetti(at)univie.ac.at
Bruno De Nicola (Goldsmiths College, University of London/Austrian Academy of Sciences): bruno.denicola(at)oeaw.ac.at

The event is co-organised and co-sponsored by the Department of History (University of Vienna - https://ifg.univie.ac.at/), the Institute for Austrian Historical Research (University of Vienna - https://geschichtsforschung.univie.ac.at/en/)and the Institute of Iranian Studies (OeAW - https://www.oeaw.ac.at/iran/).

The establishment of the Mongol empire changed the religious map of Eurasia. During their expansion across Eurasia, the Mongols came in contact with all major religions (Buddhism, Islam, Christianity) and philosophical schools (Confucianism, Daoism), affecting their development as they incorporated vast territories into their domains. Simultaneously the Mongols themselves were largely influenced by the different religions they found during the conquest. In addition, religious communities played a decisive role in pre-modern societies both as pillars (i.e. supporters) of the state and as monopolists of knowledge (literacy, wisdom, etc.). They had enormous capital and were key agents in economic, cultural and political life of the empire.

This conference aims to offer a platform for scholars in the field to discuss different aspects of religions and religious life in the Mongol empire. Papers will discuss different aspects to this relationship including the allegedly tolerant attitude of the Mongols towards the different religions vis-a-vis their Realpolitik approach to religious communities; how religious personalities were agents of the intercultural exchange and communications (e.g. Christian and Buddhist monks, Sufi shaykhs, etc) or aspects of religious proselytism among members of the Mongol elite.

By using a broad topic, this event offers a framework for comparative research in the Mongol empire. This workshop brings together specialists on different parts of the empire and on different religions in an attempt to create platform to advance in our understanding of religion in 13th and 14th century Eurasia.

Informationen

 

May 15, 2019
Mongol Empire Spring Series
M.E.S.S. 2019 Workshop

C3 – Centrum für Internationale Entwicklung
Sensengasse 3, 1090 Vienna
Alois Wagner Saal

please register until May 3, with karin.jirik(at)univie.ac.at

 

May 16-17, 2019
The Mongols and Religions

Austrian Academy of Sciences
Hollandstraße 11-13, 1020 Vienna
Seminar room 49, 1st floor