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PANEL- Pakistan's Tribal North West: Front Line against Terror, Tufts U., Nov. 18

Posted by: Ctr for South Asian & Indian Ocean Studies <csaios(a)elist.tufts.edu>
Posted: 16 Nov 2008


PANEL- Pakistan's Tribal North West: Front Line against Terror, Tufts, Nov. 18

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Please join us for the following panel discussion presented by the 
Tufts Center for South Asian and Indian Ocean Studies.

Pakistan's Tribal North West (FATA): America's New Front Line against Terror.

Panelists: Najmuddin Shaikh and Imtiaz Ali Moderator: Ayesha Jalal 
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Cabot 206
5.30- 7:30 pm

Imtiaz Ali is an eminent Pakistani journalist. He is currently a Yale 
World Fellow and a special correspondent for the Washington Post. He 
has also worked for the BBC Pashto Service and with Pakistan's premier 
English daily publications The News and Dawn. Since 9/11, he has 
reported extensively on the Taliban-led militancy in the border 
regions and Pakistan's military operations against al-Qaeda and their 
local supporters in the tribal areas of Pakistan. Mr. Ali was a Knight 
Journalism Fellow at the John S. Knight Fellowships Program at 
Stanford during 2006-2007.

Najmuddin Shaikh is Pakistan's former ambassador to the United States. 
A graduate of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (1962), he has 
held various diplomatic assignments and has served as ambassador to 
Canada (1987-89), ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany 
(1989-90), and as ambassador of Pakistan to Iran (1992-94). He has 
also served as Pakistan's special envoy to Yemen, Sudan, Kenya and 
Bahrain (February '05). Mr. Shaikh is currently a member of the Board 
of Governors of the Institute of Strategic Studies and Senior Vice 
President of the Karachi Council of Foreign Relations. He writes a 
weekly column on foreign affairs for the Dawn.

Co-sponsor: Tufts History Department
Directions: http://fletcher.tufts.edu/directions/Default.asp
Contact: Shahla Hussain, Shahla.Hussain(a)tufts.edu 617.627.3558 
http://ase.tufts.edu/southasian/events.asp

 

LECTURE- Islamism in the Shadow of al-Qaeda, F. Burgat, Tufts U., Fares Center, Nov. 19

Posted by: Fares Center <fares-center(a)tufts.edu>
Posted: 16 Nov 2008


LECTURE- Islamism in the Shadow of al-Qaeda, Tufts U., Fares Ctr. Nov. 19

The Fares Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies

Presents
 
"Islamism in the Shadow of al-Qaeda"

By

Dr. François Burgat
Director, Institut Français du Proche-Orient (IFPO)
 
Open to the Public

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Cabot Intercultural Center 702, Tufts University
160 Packard Avenue, Medford MA 02155
For more information contact: Omar A. Dauhajre - 617.627.6560
http://farescenter.tufts.edu 
fares-center(a)tufts.edu

 

INFO SESSION- Internships in Russia, East-Central Europe & Central Asia, Nov. 18

Posted by: Donna Griesenbeck <griesenb(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 14 Nov 2008


INFO SESSION- Internships in Russia, East-Central Europe & Central Asia, Nov 18

Do you want to spend next summer as an intern in Russia, Eastern or 
Central Europe, or Central Asia?

The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies offers planning 
assistance and financial support for a wide range of opportunities in 
the region. Goldman Internship Grants may be used to offset the costs 
involved in an independently-arranged internship or toward internship 
program fees. Details are available on the web at 
http://
daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/student_programs/undergrad_intern_grants.html

Last year, interns tapped into Davis Center support to travel to 
Belarus, Moldova, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Russia, and Slovakia, for 
internships in archaeology, medicine, environmental education, 
economic analysis, real estate development, executive recruiting, 
publishing, human rights law, and consulting.

To learn more, please come to a brief information session at the Davis 
Center on Tuesday, November 18, from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. in CGIS South, 
Room S354.

You will hear firsthand from students who received Goldman Internship 
Grants in summer 2008:

 * Patrick Behrer '09 (Economics and Government), who interned at the 
   World Wildlife Foundation in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 

 * Dimitry Doohovskoy '09 (Slavic Languages and Literatures and 
   Economics), who interned at the Jensen Group, a real estate investment 
   company in St. Petersburg, Russia.

 * Peyton Greenside '11 (Undeclared), who interned at the Hospital for 
   Mother and Child and other hospitals in Chisinau, Moldova.

 * Cathy Sun '11 (Social Studies), who interned at MCS Global 
   Strategies in Moscow, Russia.


Information Session:

Internships in Russia, Eastern Europe, 
Central Asia, & the Caucasus

Goldman Internship Grants


Tuesday, November 18, 2008
6:00-6:45 p.m.

CGIS South, Room S354
1730 Cambridge Street

Refreshments will be served!

If you have questions or want to RSVP (optional but much appreciated), 
please email Donna Griesenbeck at griesenb(a)fas.harvard.edu or phone 
her at 617-495-1194. 

Please forward this email to anyone else you know who might be interested.

Thank you!! And I hope to see you on Tuesday!


Donna Griesenbeck
Student Programs Officer
Davis Center for Russian & Eurasian Studies
Harvard University

617-495-1194 (tel)
617-495-8319 (fax)
http://www.daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu

 

LECTURE- Ukraine's National Security and Its International Ramifications, Nov. 13

Posted by: Lubomyr Hajda <hajda(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 13 Nov 2008


LECTURE- Ukraine's National Security & Its International Ramifications, Nov. 13

NOTE: This lecture will be of relevance to those interested in the 
issues that were raised by Russia's conflict with Georgia.


The Zenovia Sochor Parry Memorial Lecture

"Ukraine's National Security and Its International Ramifications:
The Domestic and External Factors"

Anatoliy Grytsenko

Mr. Grytsenko is Member of Parliament of Ukraine and Chairman of the 
Parliamentary Committee on National Defense and Security.  He was 
Ukraine's Minister of Defense from February 2005 to December 2007.

Sponsors:

Ukrainian Research Institute and Fellows Program
Weatherhead Center for International Affairs

Location:

Tsai Auditorium, Room S-010
CGIS South Building
Center for Government and International Studies
1730 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA

Time: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

The general public is welcome to attend and the lecture is free of  
charge.

 

FILM/DISCUSSION- Kite Runner / Human Rights in Central Asia, Nov. 13

Posted by: Shiho Okino <sho943(a)mail.harvard.edu>
Posted: 13 Nov 2008


FILM/DISCUSSION- Kite Runner / Human Rights in Central Asia, Nov. 13

Harvard Graduate School of Education
International Film Series

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the approval of the Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights

Film Screening:

The Kite Runner

Thursday, November 13th at 7:00pm (a) Larsen G08

Join us for a discussion followed by a screening of the movie.
Light Refreshments will be served.

Hosted by the Office of Student Affairs and EMENA (Education in the 
Middle East and North Africa)

 

IAAS LECTURE- William Fierman, Language Policy in Central Asia and Azerbaijan, Nov. 5

Posted by: Inner Asian and Altaic Studies <iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 31 Oct 2008


IAAS LECTURE- William Fierman, Language Policy in
Central Asia and Azerbaijan, Nov. 5

The Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies
invites you to a Lunchtime Lecture

William Fierman
Indiana University, Bloomington

will speak on

Language Policy in Central Asia and Azerbaijan
in the Post-Soviet Era

at

The CGIS South Building, 1730 Cambridge Street
On the Second Floor, in Seminar Room S250

on

Wednesday, November 5, 2008
from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

You may bring your own lunch to the Seminar Room.
Snacks will be provided.
Room opens at 12:30, Presentation begins at 1 p.m.

If you have any questions you may contact us at 
iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu or 617-495-3777

 

CENTRAL ASIA SEMINAR- Illegal Labor Migration from Central Asia to the US, Oct. 29

Posted by: Laura Adams <lladams2(a)earthlink.net>
Posted: 27 Oct 2008


CENTRAL ASIA SEMINAR- Illegal Migration from Central Asia to the US, Oct. 29

Central Asia and Caucasus Seminar

"Illegal Labor Migration from Central Asia to the United States"

Saltanat Liebert
Assistant Professor of Government & Public Affairs, Virginia Commonwealth Univ.

Tuesday, October 29, 4:15-6:00 pm
CGIS South Room S-354
1730 Cambridge St., 3rd Floor, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies

With questions, contact:

John Schoeberlein <schoeber(a)fas.harvard.edu> or
Laura Adams <lladams2(a)earthlink.net>

 

LECTURE- Aiding Afghanistan: Why It Matters - Mary Kate MacIsaac, Oct. 21

Posted by: Jacqueline Bhabha <humanrights(a)harvard.edu>
Posted: 20 Oct 2008


LECTURE- Aiding Afghanistan: Why It Matters - Mary Kate MacIsaac, Oct. 21

Mary Kate MacIsaac, Documentary photographer, World Vision International
 
A presentation of photographic images and a narrative discussion by a 
10-year veteran of relief and development work in different parts of 
the Middle East region.  Mary Kate MacIsaac has worked in 
Israel-Palestine, the Balkans and Afghanistan documenting the 
provision of humanitarian aid and development assistance.  The images 
she will present on Afghanistan are her latest discussion on the role 
donor aid has on crisis and conflict situations.

Tuesday, October 21 
4:00-5:30 PM
Center for Middle Eastern Studies - Harvard University
38 Kirkland Street, Room 102, Cambridge

Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Middle East Initiative 
at Harvard Kennedy School, the Outreach Center at the Center for 
Middle Eastern Studies and the Outreach Program at the Davis Center 
for Russian and Eurasian Studies

 

PANEL/PERFORMANCE- Sufism after Rumi - The Mevlevi Sufi Order, Oct. 28

Posted by: Ben Williams <bwilliams(a)hds.harvard.edu>
Posted: 19 Oct 2008


PANEL/PERFORMANCE- Sufism after Rumi - The Mevlevi Sufi Order, Oct. 28

The Islam in the West Lecture Series is Proud to Present:

Sufism after Rumi: Past and Present in Turkey and the U.S.

Tuesday, October 28th

5:30-8:30 PM

The Mevlevi Sufi order played an important role for many centuries in 
advocating for Islam in the West, where their poetry, music, and 
whirling ceremony have always been a source of fascination. 
Considering the fact that Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi is one of the best 
selling poets in the U.S. and different groups of Mevlevis frequently 
tour all around the world today, Mevlevism's influence continues to be 
preeminent in the West. A panel of scholars discussing the current 
role of Mevlevism begins the program, followed by a concert of Mevlevi 
music by D.U.N.Y.A.

Location:

Theatre Room, The Harvard Faculty Club
20 Quincy Street, Cambridge MA

S. Luella Strattner
Islam in the West Program Assistant
Center for Middle Eastern Studies
38 Kirkland Street
Cambridge MA, 02138
Office: 1-617-384-7606
Fax: (617) 496-8584

Islam in the West Online:
http://cmes.hmdc.harvard.edu/research/iw

 

PANEL- Georgia on My Mind: Can the European Union Cope? - BU Inst. for Human Sciences, Oct. 20

Posted by: Institute for Human Sciences <ihs(a)bu.edu>
Posted: 18 Oct 2008


PANEL- Georgia on My Mind: Can the European Union Cope?, BU - IHS, Oct. 20

The Institute for Human Sciences at Boston University cordially 
invites you to the following event:

Monday, October 20, 2008

Georgia on My Mind: Can the European Union Cope?

Jolyon Howorth
Visiting Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at 
Yale University and Jean Monnet Professor of European Politics at the 
University of Bath (UK) 

Jacques Rupnik
Directeur de recherche at the Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches 
Internationales (CERI), Paris, and Visiting Professor at the Collège 
d'Europe, Brügge

6:30 PM
Photonics Center Colloquium Room
Boston University
8 St. Mary's Street, 9th Floor

Free and open to the public | Reception to follow

More Information: 617-358-2778 or ihs(a)bu.edu


Elizabeth D. Amrien
Institute for Human Sciences
Boston University
745 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215

Tel: 617-358-2778
Fax: 617-358-3584

eamrien(a)bu.edu
http://www.bu.edu/ihs
 
 
 

PROG. INFO.- Resources for Harvard Students on Russia ... Central Asia

Posted by: Donna Griesenbeck <griesenb(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 10 Oct 2008


PROG. INFO.- Resources for Harvard Students on Russia ... Central Asia

Please note the following resources available to Harvard students 
interested in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia:

1) Secondary Field in Regional Studies: REECA

2) Goldman Research Travel Grants -- up to $5,000 for independent 
research in the region, typically for a senior thesis

3) Sakharov Human Rights Internships -- up to $5,000 for internships 
in the region that contribute to the field of human rights, broadly defined

4) Goldman Internship Grants -- up to $3,000 (typically partial 
support) for internships in the region in any professional field

*The deadline to apply for all our grants and funded opportunities is 
Friday, February 27, 2009*

All of our funding opportunities are listed in Harvard's Funding 
Sources Database (online at http://funding.fas.harvard.edu) and use 
the Common Application for Research and Travel or CARAT (online at 
https://asperin.fas.harvard.edu/carat/).


Note the following relevant meetings:

Davis Center for Russian & Eurasian Studies
Resources and Key Dates for Undergraduates
2008-2009

Info Session: Overview of Davis Center Undergraduate Resources 
(Secondary Field, Research Grants, Internships)
Tuesday, October 14, 6:00-6:45, CGIS South, S354

Info Session: Sakharov Human Rights Internships
Tuesday, November 4, 6:00-6:45, CGIS South, S354

Info Session: Goldman Internship Grants
Tuesday, November 18, 6:00-6:45, CGIS South, S354

Info Session: Writing a Successful Grant Proposal
Tuesday, February 10, 6:00-7:00, CGIS South, S354

Undergraduate Colloquium on Russian & Eurasian Studies
Friday, April 24, 2:00-6:00, CGIS South, Concourse Level

Questions? Contact Donna Griesenbeck, griesenb(a)fas, 617-495-1194.


Donna Griesenbeck
Student Programs Officer
Davis Center for Russian & Eurasian Studies
Harvard University

617-495-1194 (tel)
617-495-8319 (fax)
http://www.daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu

 

EVENT- Tibet and China: Dialogue at a Crossroads, KSG, Wed., Oct. 8

Posted by: Inner Asian and Altaic Studies <iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 8 Oct 2008


EVENT- Tibet and China: Dialogue at a Crossroads, KSG, Wed., Oct. 8

Please join the Institute of Politics
for a
special event

Tibet and China: Dialogue at a Crossroads

A conversation with
Lodi G. Gyari
Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Kennedy School of Government
Malkin Penthouse
12:30 pm

RSVP to cathey_park(a)harvard.edu

Cookies and soda will be served.

Co-sponsored by: Harvard University Asia Center, The Belfer Center for 
Science and International Affairs, The Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies

 

LECTURES- Ahmed Rashid on Afghanistan, the Taliban, etc. at Tufts and Harvard, Oct. 13-14

Posted by: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 7 Oct 2008


LECTURES- Ahmed Rashid on Afghanistan etc. at Tufts & Harvard, Oct. 13-14

Lecture at Fletcher School presented by the Tufts Center for South 
Asian and Indian Ocean Studies:

Ahmed Rashid, "Descent into Chaos: The American Challenge in Pakistan,
Afghanistan and Central Asia"
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
Tufts University
Monday, October 13, 2008
Cabot 206
5:30-7:30 PM

Ahmed Rashid is an eminent Pakistani journalist and writer. He is the author of
several popularly acclaimed books. His book Taliban (2000) was on The New York
Times best seller list for five weeks. It was translated into 22 languages and
has sold 1.5 million copies since 9/11. The recipient of the Nisar Osmani award
for courage in journalism, Ahmed Rashid serves as the Pakistan, Afghanistan and
Central Asia correspondent for Far Eastern Economic Review and the Daily
Telegraph. He also writes for the Wall Street Journal and The Nation. He is a
fellow at the Pacific Council of International Policy. His latest book is
Descent into Chaos: The American Challenge in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central
Asia.

Co-sponsors: Tufts History Department
   Fares Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies
Directions: http://fletcher.tufts.edu/directions/Default.asp
Contact: Shahla Hussain, Shahla.Hussain(a)tufts.edu 617.627.3558
http://ase.tufts.edu/southasian/events.asp ;


Lecture at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government:

The Return of the Taliban and the Future of Afghanistan
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM 

Speaker: Ahmed Rashid 

Moderated by Richard Parker 

Location:  Harvard Kennedy School, Taubman Building Nye Room AB  

Co-sponsored by the Initiative on Contemporary State and Society in 
the Islamic World, Harvard Center for Middle Eastern Studies, the Carr 
Center for Human Rights Policy, and the University Committee on Human Rights. 

 

CENTRAL ASIA AND CAUCASUS MEETINGS for the Month of October

Posted by: Laura Adams <lladams2(a)earthlink.net>
Posted: 4 Oct 2008


CENTRAL ASIA AND CAUCASUS MEETINGS for the Month of October

The following upcoming meetings of the Working Group and Seminar  
series will be on Tuesdays from 4:15-6:00 pm, in CGIS South Room  
S-354 at 1730 Cambridge St., 3rd Floor, Davis Center for Russian and  
Eurasian Studies.  There will be refreshments.


October 7th: Kyle Marquardt, M.A. student in CERES at Harvard,  
"Political Framing of Language and Language Policy in Post-Soviet  
Azerbaijan." This paper will be distributed on October 3.

October 14th: Frederick Sjoberg, visiting fellow at the Davis Center,  
"Explaining Electoral Competitiveness in Kyrgyzstan: moving beyond  
the "clan" hypothesis."

October 21: Gulnora Aminova, Ph.D. candidate in NELC, "The Tale of a  
Stone Doll: the "sleeping prince" motif revisited in the Islamic  
context of female power and authority."

October 29: Central Asia and the Caucasus Seminar featuring Saltanat  
Liebert, Assistant Professor of Government & Public Affairs, Virginia  
Commonwealth University, "Illegal Labor Migration from Central
Asia to the United States." 


Note that the meetings on October 7, 14, and 21 are in the Working
Group series, which is an informal discussion of projects in progress
by members of the group who attend mainly on a regular basis.  New
members of the group are welcome.  Refreshments are served.  The
papers are distributed in advance to allow a closer discussion of the
material and presentation.  If you are interested in participating,
send a note about that to John Schoeberlein <schoeber(a)fas.harvard.edu>.

The October 29 event is in the public seminar series with a wider
group of attendees -- all are welcome!

With questions, contact:

John Schoeberlein <schoeber(a)fas.harvard.edu> or
Laura Adams <lladams2(a)earthlink.net>

 

INNER ASIAN LECTURE- Aleksandr Naymark, Varakhsha during the First Centuries of Islam, Oct. 1

Posted by: Inner Asian and Altaic Studies <iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 30 Sep 2008


INNER ASIAN LECTURE- Aleksandr Naymark, Varakhsha during Early Islam, Oct. 1

The Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies
invites you to a Lunchtime Lecture

Aleksandr Naymark
Hofstra University

will speak on

The Palace of Varakhsha during the First Centuries of Islam:
Texts, Coins, Art and Architecture

at

The CGIS South Building, 1730 Cambridge Street
On the Concourse Level, in Seminar Room S050

on

Wednesday, October 1, 2008
from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

You may bring your own lunch to the Seminar Room.  Snacks will be 
provided.  Room opens at 12:30, Presentation begins at 1 p.m.

If you have any questions you may contact us at 
iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu or 617-495-3777

 

EVENT- Open House with Dr. Jack Kevorkian, ALMA, Watertown, Oct. 5

Posted by: Christie Hardiman <christie(a)almainc.org>
Posted: 30 Sep 2008


EVENT- Open House with Dr. Jack Kevorkian, ALMA, Watertown, Oct. 5

Event Announcement: OPEN HOUSE WITH DR. JACK KEVORKIAN - Kevorkian 
Talks about his Art and Campaign for U.S. Congress at Armenian Library 
and Museum of America Sunday, October 5, 2008

WHO:  Dr. Jack Kevorkian
WHAT:  OPEN HOUSE WITH DR. JACK KEVORKIAN
WHEN:  Sunday, October 5, 2008 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE:  Armenian Library and Museum of America, 65 Main Street, 
Watertown, Mass. 02472

Posted By:
Christie Hardiman
PR & Membership Outreach Coordinator
Armenian Library & Museum of America, Inc.
Phone: 617.926.2562 x 4
Fax: 617.926.0175
Website:  www.almainc.org

Watertown, MA-While Jack Kevorkian may be best known for his 
controversial position on death with dignity practices, the former 
pathologist is also a musician, composer and artist whose paintings, 
unsurprisingly, explore some of the darker aspects of human nature.  
Following his recent release from prison, Dr. Kevorkian will visit the 
Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) in Watertown, Mass. from 
3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 5 to mark the opening of "The Doctor Is 
Out: The Art of Dr. Jack Kevorkian." The exhibit, which features 16 of 
Kevorkian's dramatic creations, will also give the artist and social 
activist a stage to discuss the inspiration behind his paintings and 
his independent campaign for U.S. Congress.

Born in 1928 in Pontiac, Michigan to survivors of the Armenian 
Genocide, Kevorkian moved to California in 1976, where he worked as a 
pathologist and found time to explore his keen interest in art.  His 
finished paintings, among other personal possessions, were eventually 
stolen from the California storage facility that he placed them in. 
Discouraged, but not one to give up, Kevorkian began painting again in 
1993.  He successfully recreated some of the 18 pieces of his stolen 
art, which he later donated to ALMA prior to his incarceration.

As author Michael Betzold describes in his book, Appointment with 
Doctor Death, "Kevorkian's art is as bold and strident, as critical 
and unforgiving, as pointed and dramatic as Kevorkian's own fighting 
words."  He continues that Kevorkian's works "are strikingly 
well-executed, stark and surreal --and frightening, demented and/or 
hilarious, depending on one's point of view."

Kevorkian refers to his paintings as "pictorial philosophy" social, 
political and medical commentaries that should provoke thought and 
discussion on aspects of life that may be disagreeable but are 
universal.  "It is not for art's sake, so do not criticize me for the 
art," says Kevorkian.  "The paintings are often political 
commentaries.  I use bright colors to get people's attention and to 
try to make them think."

OPEN HOUSE WITH DOCTOR JACK KEVORKIAN will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. 
on Sunday, October 5 at ALMA's Bedoukian Hall. (Regular admission 
applies.) The exhibit will be on display through December 5, 2008. 
This is the second exhibit of Kevorkian's paintings at ALMA. The first 
one was held in 1999, following the donation of the art to the museum. 
At the time, Kevorkian did not attend the exhibit since he was 
awaiting trial in Michigan.

For more information about ALMA and for the schedule of events and 
exhibits please visit, www.almainc.org or call (617) 926-2562.

 

LECTURE- Mark Krikorian - The New Case Against Immigration, ALMA, Oct. 8

Posted by: Christie Hardiman <christie(a)almainc.org>
Posted: 30 Sep 2008


LECTURE- Mark Krikorian - The New Case Against Immigration, ALMA, Oct. 8

Immigration Expert Mark Krikorian Presents His Controversial Book at 
the Armenian Library and Museum of America 10/8/08
 
WHO:  Mark Krikorian, author and executive director of the Center for 
Immigration Studies in Washington D.C. 
WHAT:  Book presentation on The New Case Against Immigration, Both 
Legal and Illegal
WHEN:  Wednesday, October 8, 2008
WHERE:  Armenian Library and Museum of America, 65 Main, Street, 
Watertown, Mass. 02472

Posted By:
Christie Hardiman
PR & Membership Outreach Coordinator
Armenian Library & Museum of America, Inc.
Phone: 617.926.2562 x 4
Fax: 617.926.0175
Website:  www.almainc.org

 
For decades immigration policy has been one of the most heavily 
debated issues in the United States, and Mark Krikorian one of the 
most frequently quoted immigration experts offers a very  
controversial solution: stop immigration entirely, both legal and illegal. 
 
Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies in 
Washington D.C., will present his first book The New Case Against 
Immigration, Both Legal and Illegal (released by Sentinel, June 2008) 
at the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) in Watertown, 
Mass. on Wednesday, October 8, 2008.  The book talk and signing will 
take place at 7 p.m. in ALMAs Contemporary Art Gallery.  The program 
is sponsored by the Armenian Library of America, a subsidiary of ALMA.  
 
In his book Krikorian argues that America must permanently reduce 
immigration or face enormous problems in the near future.  According 
to Krikorian, immigration threatens to destroy the common national 
identity, limit opportunities for upward mobility, strain resources 
for social programs, and disrupt middle class norms of behavior in America.
 
Krikorian believes todays immigrants, while similar to those who 
arrived a century ago, are coming to a very different America one 
where changes in the economy, society and government create 
fundamentally different incentives for newcomers. Before the upheavals 
of the 1960s, the U.S. expected immigrants from around the world to 
earn a living, learn English, and become patriotic Americans. But 
since the rise of identity politics, political correctness, and Great 
Society programs, Krikorian says we no longer make these demands.  
 
So as the politicians debate various kinds of amnesty for illegal 
aliens, Krikorian argues they are missing the bigger picture: the 
impact of large-scale settlement of all kinds of immigrants, whether 
legal or illegal, skilled or unskilled, European or Latin or Asian or 
African.  

The community is invited to Krikorian's book presentation, which will 
be followed by a reception.  ALMA requests that attendance is 
confirmed by October 6, 2008.  To do so, please contact ALMA offices 
by calling (617) 926-2562 or e-mailing info(a)almainc.org.  For more 
information about the event please visit www.almainc.org
 

About ALMA

Founded in 1971, ALMA's mission is to present and preserve the 
culture, history, art and contributions of the Armenian people to 
Americans and Armenians alike.  Since its inception, ALMAs collection 
has grown to over 27,000 books and 20,000 artifacts, making it perhaps 
the largest and most diverse holding of Armenian cultural artifacts 
outside of Armenia.  As a repository for heirlooms, the collection now 
represents a major resource not only for Armenian studies research, 
but as well as for preservation and illustration of the Armenian 
heritage.  In 1988, ALMA acquired a 30,000 square foot facility in 
Watertown, MA one of North Americas oldest and most active Armenian 
communities. The facility includes exhibition galleries, Library, 
administrative offices, function hall, climate-controlled vaults and 
conservation lab.  

Armenian Museum of America (subdivision of ALMA) is the only 
independent Armenian Museum in the Diaspora funded solely through 
contributions of individual supporters. An active Board of Trustees 
and volunteer base augments the museums staff.  The Museum and Gallery 
maintains an active schedule of changing exhibits.  In addition, the 
Museum sponsors lecture and presentation program on Armenian-related 
topics.  The Mesrop Boyajian Library (subdivision of ALMA) is used 
primarily by researchers and interested general public seeking 
research materials on Armenians.   
Museum & Gallery Hours: Friday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Library Hours:  Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Admission: Free admission for ALMA members; $5 for non-members; $2 for 
students; children 12 and under are free. 

Driving Directions: Take route 95 to 128 to 90 (Mass Pike East) 
towards Watertown.  Take exit 17-Watertown/Newton.  Go North 1 mile 
towards Watertown Square.  As you cross the small bridge, get into the 
2 left lanes.  Turn left onto Main Street.  Turn right onto Church 
Street, and then turn right into the municipal parking lot. 

MBTA Buses:  71, 70/70A, 57, 52, 59, 502, 504. Please visit 
www.mbta.com for schedules and maps.  

 
 

JOBS- Research Fellow for the Islamopedia Initiative at Harvard

Posted by: Jocelyne Cesari <jcesari(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 15 Sep 2008


JOBS- Research Fellow for the Islamopedia Initiative at Harvard

Research Fellows: Islamopedia Initiative

Under the auspices of Harvard's Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Islamic Studies
Program, the Islam in the West Program is creating a website that captures the
depth and breadth of Islamic thinking on a substantial number of Islamic
pronouncements and debates on contemporary issues: Gender, Radicalism,
Democracy, Human Rights, etc. The website will involve students in text-based
research and create a network including scholars of Islam beyond our borders.

We are looking for two Research Fellows:
 - One Persian-language researcher and one English-language researcher
 - College Degree in Islamic Studies or related field
 - Time commitment: 10 hrs/week

Rate: $15-20/hr based on education and experience

Starting time: ASAP

Please contact: Jocelyne Cesari, jcesari(a)fas.harvard.edu, tel 617-495-8787

 

LECTURE- Hakob Sanasaryan, Development and Environment in Armenia, TONIGHT

Posted by: Christie Hardiman <christie(a)almainc.org>
Posted: 15 Sep 2008


LECTURE- Hakob Sanasaryan, Development and Environment in Armenia, TONIGHT

Reminder: Hakob Sanasaryan, Greens Union of Armenia, talks at Armenian 
Library and Museum of America TONIGHT
 
WHO:  Hakob Sanasaryan, Chairman of Greens' Union of Armenia
WHAT:  Environmental Presentation - "At the Crossroads of Development: 
   Armenia's Current Situation"
WHEN:  Monday, September 15, 2008
WHERE:  Armenian Library and Museum of America, 65 Main, Street, 
Watertown, Mass. 02472
 
POSTED BY:
Christie Hardiman
PR & Membership Outreach Coordinator
Armenian Library & Museum of America, Inc.
Phone: 617.926.2562 x 4
Fax: 617.926.0175
Website:  www.almainc.org
 
 
Tonight at 7 p.m. Hakob Sanasaryan will present "At the Crossroads of 
Development - the Present Situation of the Armenian Environment," 
which will focus on issues of land, water and forest destruction in 
Armenia.  As someone who campaigned to include appropriate mitigation 
measures and prevent adverse environmental impacts from the proposed 
copper and molybdenum open mine in the village of Teghut in Lori 
region and from a proposed gold factory near the Gegharkunik mine in 
Sotk, Sanasaryan will talk about the destruction caused by Armenia's 
mining industry.  He will also share his views on issues associated 
with Lake Sevan, and the disagreements between the declared management 
policy for the lake and the actual activities pertaining to the lake.
 
Sanasaryan's presentation is held in conjunction with "A Photographic 
Journey of Armenia's Natural Treasures," a joint exhibition presented 
by ALMA and Armenia Tree Project (ATP).  The exhibition features a 
series of photographs, ranging from majestic nature scenes to images 
that document a number of Armenia's environmental problems, in order 
to show Armenia's stunning sights while raising awareness about the 
serious threats to the country's ecological heritage.
 
The event is free and open to the public.  The program will take place 
in ALMA's Contemporary Art Gallery amidst "A Photographic Journey of 
Armenia's Natural Treasures."  
 
 
More about the presenting organizations:
 
About ALMA

Founded in 1971, ALMA's mission is to present and preserve the 
culture, history, art and contributions of the Armenian people to 
Americans and Armenians alike.  Since its inception, ALMA's collection 
has grown to over 27,000 books and 20,000 artifacts, making it perhaps 
the largest and most diverse holding of Armenian cultural artifacts 
outside of Armenia.  As a repository for heirlooms, the collection now 
represents a major resource not only for Armenian studies research, 
but as well as for preservation and illustration of the Armenian 
heritage.  In 1988, ALMA acquired a 30,000 square foot facility in 
Watertown, MA - one of North America's oldest and most active Armenian 
communities. The facility includes exhibition galleries, Library, 
administrative offices, function hall, climate-controlled vaults and 
conservation lab.  

Armenian Museum of America (subdivision of ALMA) is the only 
independent Armenian Museum in the Diaspora funded solely through 
contributions of individual supporters. An active Board of Trustees 
and volunteer base augments the museum's staff.  The Museum and 
Gallery maintains an active schedule of changing exhibits.  In 
addition, the Museum sponsors lecture and presentation program on 
Armenian-related topics.  The Mesrop Boyajian Library (subdivision of 
ALMA) is used primarily by researchers and interested general public 
seeking research materials on Armenians.   
Museum & Gallery Hours: Friday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Library Hours:  Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Admission: Free admission for ALMA members; $5 for non-members; $2 for 
students; children 12 and under are free. 

Driving Directions: Take route 95 to 128 to 90 (Mass Pike East) 
towards Watertown.  Take exit 17-Watertown/Newton.  Go North 1 mile 
towards Watertown Square.  As you cross the small bridge, get into the 
2 left lanes.  Turn left onto Main Street.  Turn right onto Church 
Street, and then turn right into the municipal parking lot. 

MBTA Buses:  71, 70/70A, 57, 52, 59, 502, 504. Please visit 
www.mbta.com for schedules and maps.  


About ATP

Armenia Tree Project (ATP), a Diaspora-supported non-profit 
organization (NGO) based in Watertown and Yerevan, conducts vitally 
important environmental projects in Armenia's impoverished and 
deforested zones and seeks support in advancing its reforestation 
mission. Since 1994, ATP has made enormous strides in combating 
desertification in the biologically diverse but threatened Caucasus 
region. Over 2,000,000 trees have been planted and restored, and 
hundreds of jobs have been created for Armenians in seasonal 
tree-regeneration programs.

ATP works to further Armenia's economic and social development by 
mobilizing resources to fund reforestation. These vital new trees 
provide food, wood, environmental benefits, and opportunities for 
economic growth. Our goal is to assist the Armenian people in using 
trees to improve their standard of living and protect the global 
environment. In so doing, we are guided by the need to promote 
self-sufficiency, aid those with the fewest resources first, and 
conserve the indigenous ecosystem.

ATP works on three major program initiatives:

1) Planting Trees at Urban and Rural Sites
2) Environmental Education and Advocacy
3) Community Socioeconomic Development and Poverty Reduction

ATP has a full-time staff of 82, of whom 76 are employed in Armenia. 
The Yerevan branch manages two state-of-the-art tree nurseries and a 
large-scale reforestation nursery, partners with villagers to create 
tree-based micro-enterprise opportunities, creates urban green belts 
for public use, restores degraded forest lands, and employs hundreds 
of part-time workers to restore forests from stumps.
 
 
 
 

CENTRAL ASIA/CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP, Fall Org. Meeting + Elmira Kochumkulova, Tues., Sept. 23

Posted by: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 15 Sep 2008


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP, Fall Organizational Meeting, and
     Elmira Kochumkulova on Kazakh and Kyrgyz Memorial Feasts, Tues., Sept. 23


The first meeting this semester of the

Central Asia & Caucasus Working Group

will be held on:

Tuesday, September 23, 4:15-6:00 pm

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

All interested people are encouraged to join us.

During this meeting, we will also hear a presentation from a special 
guest speaker:

Elmira Kochumkulova (University of Central Asia and 
   American University of Central Asia)

"The Kazakh and Kyrgyz Tradition of Offering a Memorial Feast (Ash, As) 
   within a Year of a Person's Death"


For those who are new to the Working Group...

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.

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).

We will begin with an introduction to the Working Group and then have 
a introductions by participants and with a chance for all to introduce 
themselves and mention their particular interests and projects.  
Please come prepared to talk a bit about any project that you might be 
considering for presentation this semester or this year.

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.  Typical projects for presentation include thesis 
chapters, term paper projects, and papers you are preparing for 
conference presentation and/or publication.  Note that the 
presentation can be something rather "raw", though ideally you should 
have a (draft) paper that can be distributed in advance of your 
presentation.


More About the Working Group

Co-chairs:  Laura Adams and John Schoeberlein

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 meeting 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.  In most cases, a text is distributed in advance so that the 
presentation of its content can be brief and we can devote our time to 
feedback and discussion.  Guest speakers are also sometimes invited.

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.

Refreshments are served!

Please contact me with any questions or suggestions you might have.

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-320 \ Cambridge, MA 02138 \ USA
tel.: +1/617-495-4338  program tel.: +1/617-496-2643  fax: +1/617-495-8319
schoeber(a)fas.harvard.edu
Central Asia Program website: http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
<Central Eurasian Studies World Wide>: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu
Central-Eurasia-L: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/CESWW_Central-Eurasia-L.html

 

COURSE OFFERING- Sociology 134: Theories of Power and Postcommunist Societies

Posted by: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 15 Sep 2008


COURSE OFFERING- Sociology 134: Theories of Power and Postcommunist Societies


FALL TERM Course

Sociology 134: Theories of Power and Postcommunist Societies
Tu/Th 1:00-2:30, WJH 105
Dr. Laura Adams, ladams(a)fas.harvard.edu

This is an introductory course in contemporary social theory that has 
a thematic focus on the concept of power (broadly defined), and an 
empirical focus on socialist and post-socialist societies. Socialist 
societies pose a challenge for contemporary theories by challenging 
their underlying assumptions about capitalism and modernity. By 
exploring theories of power and examining how sociologists and other 
social scientists apply these theories to cases ranging from Cuba to 
Tajikistan, we will enrich our understanding of both theory and these 
societies. Each week will pair readings from a particular school or 
theorist (such as Pierre Bourdieu, Judith Butler, Michel Foucault, 
Antonio Gramsci, Edward Said, and James C. Scott) with readings that 
employ that theoretical perspective in their empirical investigations. 
Students will be evaluated on their class participation and several 
short papers. Graduate students will be asked to complete a research 
paper that explicitly employs one or more theoretical approaches.


Note: In SPRING TERM, Dr. Adams will teach:

Sociology 174. Contemporary Central Asian Societies (Spring Term)

Contact:

Laura Adams
email: ladams(a)fas.harvard.edu

 

COURSES- Armenian Language Classes for Adults, Watertown, Mass.

Posted by: Annie Chekijian <anniechekijian(a)msn.com>
Posted: 9 Sep 2008


COURSES- Armenian Language Classes for Adults, Watertown, Mass.


This is to inform you that we have a program at St. James Armenian
Church in Watertown where the Armenian language is taught at
different levels.  The nights that we meet are Monday or Wednesday.
If you have any questions, please call me at 617-489-5984.
 
Thank you,

Annie Chekijian

 

CENTRAL ASIA SEMINAR- REMINDER - TODAY!: The Conflict between Georgia and Russia, Wed., Aug. 27

Posted by: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 27 Aug 2008


CENTRAL ASIA SEMINAR- REMINDER: The Conflict in Georgia, Wed., Aug. 27


Central Asia and Caucasus Seminar

Roundtable on the Current Conflict between Georgia and Russia

Date: Wed., Aug. 27, 2008
Time: 4:15-6:00.

Roundtable Panelists:

Monica Duffey Toft (Associate Professor of Public Policy, Kennedy 
   School of Government, Harvard U.)
Julie George (Queens College, City University of New York)
Timothy Colton (Director, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian 
   Studies, Harvard U.)
Peter Rutland (Professor of Government, Wesleyan University)
Thomas W. Simons, Jr. (Visiting Scholar, Davis Center, Harvard U.)

Moderator: John Schoeberlein (Director of the Program on Central Asia 
   and the Caucasus, Davis Center, Harvard U.)


CGIS South, Room S-354
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor
Harvard University
Cambridge, Mass.

The roundtable discussion will consider the current conflict between 
Georgia and Russia from the perspectives of Georgian and Russian 
politics, and the politics of relations within the region and with the West.

Open to the public.

Sponsored by:

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

For further information, contact:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Tel: 617-496-2643
Email: centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu
http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu/


John Schoeberlein


Dr. John Schoeberlein \ Director
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center \ Harvard University
1730 Cambridge St., Room S-320 \ Cambridge, MA 02138 \ USA
tel.: +1/617-495-4338  program: +1/617-496-2643  fax: +1/617-495-8319
Central Asia Program website: http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
Central Eurasian Studies World Wide: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu
Central-Eurasia-L: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/CESWW_Central-Eurasia-L.html

 

CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS SEMINAR- Roundtable on the Current Conflict between Georgia and Russia, Wed., Aug. 27

Posted by: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 21 Aug 2008


CENTRAL ASIA SEMINAR- Roundtable on the Conflict in Georgia, Wed., Aug. 27


Central Asia and Caucasus Seminar

Roundtable on the Current Conflict between Georgia and Russia

Date: Wed., Aug. 27, 2008
Time: 4:15-6:00.

Roundtable Panelists:

Timothy Colton (Director, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian
Studies, Harvard U.)
Julie George (Queens College, City University of New York)
Thomas W. Simons, Jr. (Visiting Scholar, Davis Center, Harvard U.)
Monica Duffey Toft (Associate Professor of Public Policy, Kennedy
School of Government, Harvard U.)
John Schoeberlein (Director of the Program on Central Asia and the
Caucasus, Davis Center, Harvard U.)


CGIS South, Room S-354
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor
Harvard University
Cambridge, Mass.

The roundtable discussion will consider the current conflict between
Georgia and Russia from the perspectives of Georgian and Russian
politics, and the politics of relations within the region and with the West.

Open to the public.

Sponsored by:

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

For further information, contact:

Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Tel: 617-496-2643
Email: centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu
http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu/


John Schoeberlein


Dr. John Schoeberlein \ Director
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center \ Harvard University
1730 Cambridge St., Room S-320 \ Cambridge, MA 02138 \ USA
tel.: +1/617-495-4338  program: +1/617-496-2643  fax: +1/617-495-8319
schoeber(a)fas.harvard.edu
Central Asia Program website: http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
Central Eurasian Studies World Wide: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu
Central-Eurasia-L: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/CESWW_Central-Eurasia-L.html

 

JOB- Research Assistant, Project on Islam in Eurasia, Harvard Univ.

Posted by: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 21 Aug 2008


JOB- Research Assistant, Project on Islam in Eurasia, Harvard U.

Title: Part-Time Research Assistant (II)
Requisition Number: 34519
School / Unit: Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department: Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
Location: Cambridge, Mass.
Part-Time

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Project on "Islam in Eurasia" is a research and
public information project seeking to develop a clear analysis of the
changing role of Islam and the region and its implications for the
region's political future, as well as to disseminate understanding of
this to policy-makers, opinion-leaders and the general public. The
project involves research in the field, library research, preparation
and dissemination of publications, and engagement with the target
audience through the conferences, the internet and other means.

The Research Assistant provides assistance to the project director in
administrative and research tasks. Specific responsibilities include,
but are not limited to: Research for the project: gathering of
materials from library, internet and other sources, review and
analysis of research materials, management of databases, contribution
to write-up of research analysis; Preparation of publications in print
and web formats: editing and formatting of materials for publication
(originating from conference presenters and research project team
members), translation or correction of translation of materials for
publication, layout and preparation of print publications, web-editing
of web publications; Administrative work for conference and meeting
planning and preparation: handling logistical arrangements such as
travel, visa arrangements, meeting rooms, hotel accommodations, meals,
and conference materials, publicity of conferences, including
preparation of publicity materials, handling its distribution,
correspondence with conference presenters and attendees;
Administration of project's finances: processing of charges and
payments for project expenditures, administration of project's
budgetary procedures, preparation of materials for project's financial
reporting; Project office and administration tasks: support to the
project director in administration of pragmatics of work in the
project team, including correspondence, administrative arrangements
such as establishing contracts, coordinating the research agenda,
collecting research materials, and sharing research results,
maintenance of contact database, producing mailings, handling
correspondence and queries, general management and distribution of
project's informational outputs. The research assistant will travel to
the region at least once during the term of the project to support a
project meeting; additional travel to the region to support research
is dependent upon the skills and abilities of the person filling the
position. The position will start out at 17.5 hours per week with a
strong potential for an increase in hours over time.

Required Education, Experience and Skills:

Knowledge of Russian or other languages of the former Soviet Muslim
world (Azerbaijan, Daghestan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tatarstan,
Uzbekistan), knowledge of and interest in Islam and former Soviet
Union, strong computer skills (MS Office, database experience,
internet based applications), one to two years research experience,
ability to learn quickly and write well. Post-bachelor's degree
education preferred.

Please note that this position is available only to a candidate who is
located in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area or is willing/able to
relocate to here on her/his own, and who is eligible to work in the US.

To Apply:

Visit http://jobs.harvard.edu/jobs/search_req and search for
requisition no. 34519.

 

LECTURE- Ethnic Identities of Contemporary Iranians, S. Amanolahi, MIT, July 24

Posted by: Iranian Studies Group <isg-mit(a)mit.edu>
Posted: 20 Jul 2008


LECTURE- Ethnic Identities of Contemporary Iranians, S. Amanolahi, MIT, July 24

Iranian Studies Group at MIT has the pleasure to present:

Prof. S. Amanolahi

The Ethnic Identities of Contemporary Iranians

Thursday, July 24th, 2008
6:30 - 8:00 PM
MIT Room 4-237
 - In English
 - Free and Open to Public

http://whereis.mit.edu/bin/map?locate=bldg_4

Historical evidences indicate that divers ethnic groups have lived in
Iran contemporaneously during the past five thousand years.
Furthermore, the ethnic combination in Iran has fluctuated during the
long history of that country. In particular, through conquest or the
cultural influences of an ethnic group, the ethnic identities of other
groups have been gradually changed. In order to understand the ethnic
identities of the contemporary Iranians we need to examine three basic
questions: 1) What are the factors contributing to the formation of an
ethnic group? 2) How and why the ethnic composition has fluctuated
throughout the history of Iran? 3) What is the nature of the
contemporary ethnic composition in Iran?

Prof. Sekandar Amanolahi is a visiting professor at Harvard Divinity School.

Please direct any questions to:  isg-mit(a)mit.edu

 

ISP BROWN BAG SEMINAR- Sarah Krepsz, "Cooperation under Unipolarity", KSG, May 22

Posted by: Susan Lynch <susan_lynch(a)harvard.edu>
Posted: 17 May 2008


ISP BROWN BAG SEMINAR- Sarah Krepsz "Cooperation under Unipolarity, KSG, May 22


Belfer Center's International Security Program 

"Cooperation under Unipolarity: 
Alliance Behavior in Post-Cold War U.S. Military Interventions"

a brown bag seminar with
Sarah Kreps
Research Fellow
International Security Program

Date: Thursday, May 22
Time: 12:15 - 2:00 P.M. (Coffee and Tea Provided)
Place: Belfer Center Library, Littauer 369 at HKS

Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come - first 
served basis. We hope that you can join us. 

For more information, email susan_lynch(a)ksg.harvard.edu 

or visit our website:
http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/events/3683/cooperation_under_unip
olarity.html 

To receive the latest research on international security issues, 
please sign up via our website: 
http://www.belfercenter.org/subscribe.html. Check the box marked 
"international security."

LECTURE- Engin Sezer, Secret History in the Turkic Orhon Inscriptions, May 6

From: Center for Middle Eastern Studies <mideast(a)lists.fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 2 May 2008


LECTURE- Engin Sezer, Secret History in the Turkic Orhon Inscriptions, May 6

The Secret History in the Turkic Orhon Inscriptions

Lecture by Engin Sezer
Ph.D. in Linguistics, Harvard University
Professor of Turkish Language and Literature, Bilkent University

Wednesday, 6 May, 4-6 pm
Location: CGIS  N354

 

ISP BROWN BAG SEMINAR- Ondrej Ditrych, Securing the State in Post-Soviet Eurasia, May 8

From: Susan Lynch <susan_lynch(a)harvard.edu>
Posted: 2 May 2008


ISP BROWN BAG SEMINAR- Securing the State in Post-Soviet Eurasia, May 8

Belfer Center's International Security Program 

"Securing the State in Post-Soviet Eurasia:
Power, Discourses of Danger, & Non-State Entities"

a brown bag seminar with

Ondrej Ditrych
Research Fellow
International Security Program

Date:  Thursday, May 8
Time:  12:15 - 2:00 P.M. (Coffee and Tea Provided)
Place: Belfer Center Library, Littauer 369 at HKS
Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come - first 
served basis. We hope that you can join us. 

For more information, email susan_lynch(a)ksg.harvard.edu 

or visit our website:
http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/events/3670/securing_the_state_in_
postsoviet_eurasia.html 

To receive the latest research on international security issues, 
please sign up via our website: 
http://www.belfercenter.org/subscribe.html. Check the box marked 
"international security."

 

IAAS LECTURES- Mariko Walter, April 30; Gray Tuttle, May 2; Warner Belanger and Gulnora Aminova, May 7

From: Inner Asian and Altaic Studies <iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 28 Apr 2008


IAAS LECTURES- Mariko Walter, April 30; Gray Tuttle, May 2; Warner Belanger 
   and Gulnora Aminova, May 7

The Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies invites you to the 
following three lectures:

Dr. Mariko Namba Walter, Harvard University
will give an illustrated talk based on her recent trip entitled
"Afghan Buddhism: From the Yuezhi (Kushans) and Xuanzang to the Taliban"
CGIS South Building, 1730 Cambridge Street, Room S153
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Please note: time differs from the usual
Room opens at 4:00. Presentation begins at 4:30 p.m.


Gray Tuttle, Columbia University
"Learning from Local History: Seeing the Big Picture from the Details in 
   Amdo Tibet"
CGIS South Building, 1730 Cambridge Street, Room S050
Friday, May 2, 2008 from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Please note: day and time differ from the usual
Room opens at 4:00. Presentation begins at 4:30 p.m.


Presentations by IAAS Doctoral Candidates:

Warner Belanger
   "Anxiety about the Absence of the Buddha: The Redaction of the 
   Caityapradaksina Gatha"
Gulnora Aminova
   "Biography of a Bukharan Saint and the Art of Concealment"
CGIS South Building, 1730 Cambridge Street, Room S050
Wednesday, May 7, 2008 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Room opens at 12 p.m. Presentations begin promptly at 12:30 p.m.
Lunch will be provided for all!

 

SAKHAROV SEMINAR- TODAY: Eliza Musaeva, War on Terror and Human Rights in the North Caucasus, April 28

From: Tatiana Yankelevich <yankelev(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 28 Apr 2008


SAKHAROV SEMINAR- TODAY: Eliza Musaeva, War on Terror and Human Rights in the 
    North Caucasus, April 28

Monday, April 28
Sakharov Seminar on Human Rights
"War on Terror and Human Rights in the North Caucasus"
Eliza Musaeva, Sakharov Fellow, Davis Center; Human Rights Researcher, 
   Memorial, Ingushetia and Chechnya
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
Harvard University
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor, Room S354
4:15-6:00 p.m.

Eliza Musaeva is a human rights researcher at Memorial in Ingushetia 
and Chechnya, and an expert of the International Helsinki Federation 
for Human Rights in Vienna. In her comparative analysis of the "War on 
Terror" in the Russian Federation and other countries, she studies 
preventive counterterrorism measures outside the Russian Federation, 
the mechanism of human rights observance by a state, and domestic and 
international standards. 

 

JOB- Summer Jobs at AKPIA Documentation Center, Harvard

From: Jeff Spurr <spurr(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 28 Apr 2008


JOB- Summer Jobs at AKPIA Documentation Center, Harvard

Student Jobs Available

Summer 2008

Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture (Fine Arts Library)

The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture's Documentation Center 
at Harvard's Fine Arts Library is seeking student assistants, graduate 
or undergraduate, for half time to full time work in summer 2008

Duties will include various collection management activities in 
relation to collections of historical photographs of the Middle East 
and adjacent regions (Balkans, Afghanistan, India-Pakistan, Central 
Asia, Sudan included), along with special projects.  Some of the 
duties are routine tasks, which require attention to detail, but which 
involve interesting materials.

Knowledge of Islamic visual culture and of Middle Eastern history and 
culture is desirable.  Undergraduates with a strong interest in the 
visual arts and the visual world but with limited knowledge are 
welcome to apply.  It is also useful to know some combination of 
German, French, Spanish, Arabic, Persian and Turkish, although it is 
not required to know a Middle Eastern language.  French happens to be 
the most useful language for our immediate purposes.
 
The Fine Arts Library is located at the back of the Fogg Art Museum.

For more information, please contact:
Jeff Spurr, Islamic and Middle East Specialist
(617) 495-3372
spurr(a)fas.harvard.edu


Jeffrey B. Spurr
Islamic and Middle East Specialist
Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture
Fine Arts Library, Harvard University
Fogg Art Museum
32 Quincy St.
Cambridge, MA 02138-3802
Phone:  (617) 495-3372
Fax:      (617) 496-4889
http://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/finearts/collections/agakhan.html
http://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/finearts/islamicclass/index.html
http://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/finearts/collections/semitic.html
http://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/finearts/collections/semitic_access.html
http://archnet.org/lobby.tcl
http://archnet.org/library/documents/one-document.tcl?document_id=6041
http://archnet.org/library/documents/one-document.tcl?document_id=6042

 

CENTRAL ASIA/CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP- Tues., Apr. 15, Film Presentation: "Crying Sun," Introduced and Followed by a Discussion Led by Eliza Musaeva

From: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 10 Apr 2008


CENTRAL ASIA WORKING GROUP- Apr. 15, Film Presentation: "Crying Sun,"
   Introduced and Followed by a Discussion Led by Eliza Musaeva


The next meeting of the Working Group, on April 15, will feature 
a film presentation of the documentary:

"Crying Sun"

Chechnya has been deeply scarred by years of fighting between separatists and
Russian federal forces. In the Chechen Mountains the conflict has forced
families from their homes and is gradually destroying the unique culture of
these communities. Thousands of people across Chechnya have disappeared, been
imprisoned or tortured.

"Crying Sun" is the story of Zumsoy, a village torn apart by war. It gives a
voice to the people who are struggling to preserve their identity amidst such
violence and suffering. The film calls on local and federal authorities to
investigate human rights abuses and help villagers return to their ancestral
homes and rebuild their lives.

"Crying Sun" was co-produced by Memorial Human Rights Center and WITNESS.

Eliza Musaeva will introduce the film and lead a discussion of it 
afterwards.  Eliza Musaeva is at the Davis Center this year as as 
Sakharov fellow.  She has worked extensively on human rights issues 
related to Chechnya as well as other parts of the former Soviet Union.

The upcoming meeting will be on Tuesday, April 15, 4:15-6:00 pm, in 
CGIS South Room S-354 at 1730 Cambridge St., 3rd Floor, Davis Center 
for Russian and Eurasian Studies.  There will be food and drink as 
usual.  All are welcome.

I look forward to seeing you there.

John Schoeberlein


___________________________________________________________________________
Dr. John Schoeberlein
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center \ Harvard University
1730 Cambridge St., Room S-320 \ Cambridge, MA 02138 \ USA
tel.: +1/617-495-4338  program: +1/617-496-2643  fax: +1/617-495-8319
schoeber(a)fas.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-L(a)lists.fas.harvard.edu
<CE-L> Archive: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/CESWW_Central-Eurasia-L.html
___________________________________________________________________________


 
 

IAAS LECTURE- Gray Tuttle, Learning from Local History in Tibet, May 2

From: Inner Asian and Altaic Studies <iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 10 Apr 2008


IAAS LECTURE- Gray Tuttle, Learning from Local History in Tibet, May 2

Friday, May 2, 2008, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

The Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies

"Learning from Local History: Seeing the Big Picture from the Details
in Amdo Tibet"
Gray Tuttle, Columbia University

CGIS South Building, Seminar Room S050, 1730 Cambridge Street
Room opens at 4:00 p.m., Presentation begins at 4:30 p.m.
Questions? iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu, 617-495-3777

 

EVENT- Kazakh Aul of the US's Fourth Annual Nauryz Festival, Arlington, Apr. 13

From: Susan Saxon <ssaxon(a)kazakh-aul-us.org>
Posted: 8 Apr 2008


EVENT- Kazakh Aul's Fourth Annual Nauryz Festival, Arlington, Apr. 13

Kazakh Aul of the US's Fourth Annual Nauryz Festival
Sunday, April 13, 2008
1:30 p.m.
Gibbes School Gym
41 Foster Street
Arlington, MA

For those of you in the Boston/New England area, Please save the date! 
Sunday afternoon, April 13th, the Kazakh Aul of the US will hold its 
fourth annual Kazakh new year festival in Arlington, MA. Please come 
help us celebrate Nauryz! Once again, our event will take place in the 
gym at the Gibbes School, and we will transform the gym into a 'yurt' 
with our special Shanyrak decorations and rugs.

On the program:
 * Presentations and art show by Daniyar Baidaralin
 * Kobyz performance by Aizhan Tuleubayeva who will be coming all the way from
 * New York City to perform for us (The Kobyz is a traditional Kazakh stringed
 * instrument, and Aizhan is musician who used to play with a folk orchestra in
 * Kazakhstan)
 * Traditional Kazakh dance performance by American students of dance 
   teacher and former ballerina from Almaty, Vera Kurmasheva
 * games
 * Coloring activity
 * Kazakh disco
 * Raffle for Kazakh style jewelry handmade by artisan Kathy Tackabury

Important Please RSVP to Help Us Plan

Heather O'Toole is organizing the annual pot-luck. If you will be 
coming and want to eat, please contact her directly asap at 
heatherotoole(a)charter.net.

Admission fees will be payable at the door:

Aul members:
 - adults: $18
 - children: $12
Non-members:
 - adults: $20
 - children: $15

All proceeds generated via this event will be used to cover the costs 
of facility rental, cultural programming, equipment, transportation, 
insurance, etc. Should there be any additional proceeds generated they 
will go towards the support of the Kazakh Aul of the US, a nonprofit 
501(c)3 organization dedicated to Kazakh culture, cultural education, 
and cross-cultural understanding.


Susan Saxon
Volunteer Administrative Executive Director
Kazakh Aul of the U.S.
www.kazakh-aul-us.org
ssaxon(a)kazakh-aul-us.org

 

EVENT- Forum on Armenian Genocide, Jewish Holocaust & Rwandan Genocide, Apr. 13

From: Armenian Library & Museum <armenianlma(a)yahoo.com>
Posted: 8 Apr 2008


EVENT- Forum on Armenian Genocide, Jewish Holocaust & Rwandan Genocide, Apr. 13

"Genocide Committed, Genocide Denied, Genocide Repeated"
A Public Forum on the Armenian Genocide, the Jewish Holocaust and the 
Rwandan Genocide
  
Watertown, Mass. &#8211; March 24, 2008 &#8211; From 1915 to 1922, the Ottoman 
Turks led a brutal campaign that killed more than 1 million Armenian 
people, in the first genocide of the 20th century.  Though the 
Armenian Genocide was the initial model of premeditated and systematic 
ethnic cleansing, it certainly has not been the last.  Among other 
genocides, more than 11 million lives were lost during the Holocaust 
and more than 1 million lives lost during the Rwandan Genocide.  
Sadly, genocidal campaigns have continued into the 21st century, 
claiming the lives of more than 50 million people from a number of 
regions throughout the world.  

On Sunday, April 13, 2008 the Armenian Library and Museum of America 
(ALMA) will host "Genocide Committed, Genocide Denied, Genocide 
Repeated:  A Public Forum in Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, 
the Jewish Holocaust and the Rwandan Genocide" in conjunction with 
Armenian National Committee of America, the Massachusetts Coalition to 
Save Darfur, Facing History and Ourselves (Brookline), The Armenian 
Assembly of America, The Strassler Family Center for Genocide and 
Holocaust Studies at Clark University, Orphans of Rwanda and the 
Survivors Fund.

The public is cordially invited to attend this event that aims to 
raise awareness about past genocides and the necessity to prevent such 
future atrocities.  The forum will begin at 2 p.m. in ALMA's 
Contemporary Art Gallery with WBZ talk radio host Jordan Rich serving 
as the moderator.

Survivors of the Armenian Genocide, the Jewish Holocaust and the 
Rwandan Genocide will be on hand to answer questions from the audience 
and convey their personal experiences and opinions.  Professors Roger 
Smith and Henry Theriault will also be available to provide their 
expertise and knowledge, as will photojournalist and author Lane Montgomery.

Genocide scholar Dr. Roger Smith is a professor emeritus of government 
at the College of William and Mary.  He has written widely on the 
nature, history and prevention of genocide.  He is a co-founder and 
past president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars.  
Professor Smith is director of the Zoryan Institute's Genocide and 
Human Rights University Program and chair of the Institute's Academic 
Advisory Board.

Dr. Henry Theriault is a professor at Worcester State College.  His 
research interests include genocide, nationalism and the philosophy of 
history.  He has presented papers on the Armenian Genocide around the 
world including the University of Tokyo; University of California, Los 
Angeles; and Haigazian University in Beirut.

Lane Montgomery recently released Never Again, Again, Again...Genocide:  
Armenia, The Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 
Darfur (Rudder Finn Press;  February, 2008; $45), a sobering book that 
chronicles six major genocides of the 20th and 21st century through 
photographs and text.
The event is free and open to the public and will include Rwandan, 
Jewish and Armenian musical interludes.  A light reception will follow.
 

ALMA
Founded in 1971, ALMA's mission is to present and preserve the 
culture, history, art and contributions of the Armenian people to 
Americans and Armenians alike.  Since its inception, ALMA's collection 
has grown to over 26,000 books and 20,000 artifacts, making it perhaps 
the largest and most diverse holding of Armenian cultural artifacts 
outside of Armenia.  As a repository for heirlooms, the collection now 
represents a major resource not only for Armenian studies research, 
but as well as for preservation and illustration of the Armenian 
heritage.  In 1988, ALMA acquired a 30,000 square-foot facility in 
Watertown, MA &#8211; one of North America's oldest and most active Armenian 
communities. The facility includes exhibition galleries, ALMA's Mesrop 
Boyajian Library, administrative offices, function halls, 
climate-controlled vaults and conservation lab.  
Armenian Museum of America, subdivision of ALMA, is the only 
independent Armenian Museum in the Diaspora funded solely through 
contributions of individual supporters. An active Board of Trustees 
and volunteer base augments the Museum's staff.  The Museum maintains 
an active schedule of changing exhibits.  In addition, the Museum 
sponsors lecture and presentation programs on related topics.   The 
Library is used primarily by researchers and interested general public.  

Hours: Friday and Sunday 1:00 to 5 :00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 
2:00 p.m., and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Admission: 
Free admission for ALMA Members; $2 for students; $5 for non-members; 
Children 12 and under are free.  Driving Directions: Take route 95 to 
128 to 90 (Mass Pike East) towards Watertown.  Take exit 
17-Watertown/Newton.  Go North 1 mile towards Watertown Square.  As 
you cross the small bridge, get into the 2 left lanes.  Turn left onto 
Main Street.  Turn right onto Church Street, and then turn right into 
the municipal parking lot. MBTA Buses:  71, 70/70A, 57, 52, 59, 502, 
504. Please visit www.mbta.com for schedules and maps.  


Armenian Library and Museum of America, Inc. 
65 Main Street
Watertown MA 02472 

Tel: 617 926 2562
Fax: 617 926 0175
www.almainc.org

 

CENTRAL ASIA WORKING GROUP- Jane Buchanan, Central Asia's Migrant Workers: Exported and Exposed, Apr. 8

From: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 4 Apr 2008


CENTRAL ASIA WORKING GROUP- J. Buchanan, Central Asia's Migrant Workers, Apr. 8


Next week, on April 8, there will be a special meeting of the Working 
Group which will feature a presentation by a guest speaker, Jane Buchanan on:

"Central Asia's Migrant Workers: Exported and Exposed"

Jane Buchanan is a researcher in the Europe and Central Asia Division 
of Human Rights Watch.  Her current research projects include labor 
migration in the former Soviet Union, accountability for crimes in the 
North Caucasus, and political violence in Georgia and Armenia.

The upcoming meeting will be on Tuesday, April 8, 4:15-6:00 pm, in 
CGIS South Room S-354 at 1730 Cambridge St., 3rd Floor, Davis Center 
for Russian and Eurasian Studies.  There will be food and drinks as 
usual.  The event is open to all.

I look forward to seeing you there.

John Schoeberlein


___________________________________________________________________________
Dr. John Schoeberlein
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center \ Harvard University
1730 Cambridge St., Room S-320 \ Cambridge, MA 02138 \ USA
tel.: +1/617-495-4338  program: +1/617-496-2643  fax: +1/617-495-8319
schoeber(a)fas.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-L(a)lists.fas.harvard.edu
<CE-L> Archive: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/CESWW_Central-Eurasia-L.html
___________________________________________________________________________


 
 

DISCUSSION- Devin DeWeese, The Legacy of Sovietological Islamology, TOMORROW, Apr. 3

From: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 2 Apr 2008


DISCUSSION- Devin DeWeese, The Legacy of Sovietological Islamology, TOMORROW

There will be a special (and last minute-organized) meeting of the
Central Asia and Caucasus Seminar 

TOMORROW

by Devin DeWeese (Indiana University)

A discussion of:

The Legacy of Sovietological Islamology

in CGIS S-250

4:15-5:45

April 3

 

IAAS LECTURE- Devin DeWeese, Political Islam in 16th-Century Central Asia, Apr. 2

From: Inner Asian and Altaic Studies <iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 31 Mar 2008


IAAS LECTURE- Devin DeWeese, Political Islam in 16th-c. Central Asia, Apr. 2

The Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies
invites you to a Lunchtime Lecture

Devin DeWeese, Indiana University Bloomington
will speak on
 
"Political Islam" in 16th-Century Central Asia

CGIS South Building, 1730 Cambridge Street 
On the First Floor, in Seminar Room S153

Wednesday, April 2, 2008 from 1:00 &#8211; 2:00 p.m.

You may bring your own lunch to the Seminar Room.
Snacks will be provided.
Room opens at 12:30, Presentation begins at 1 p.m.

Questions? 617-495-3777, iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu

 

FILM- Koreans in Central Asia, Film Screening: "Koryo Saram", April 11

From: Davis Center for Russian & Eurasian Stds <daviscrs(a)fas.harvard.edu>

Posted: 19 Mar 2008


FILM- Koreans in Central Asia, Film Screening: "Koryo Saram", April 11

Friday, April 11 - Film Screening - Co-sponsored by the Korea 
Institute and the Davis Center for Russian & Eurasian Studies
"Koryo Saram"  Co-directed by Y. David Chung and Matt Dibble
Y. David Chung,  Film Co-director, in person
Tsai Auditorium, CGIS South Building, 1730 Cambridge St., 6:30pm, Free 
and open to the public
For more information on "Koryo Saram" please go to: http://koryosaram.net/

Film synopsis:

In 1937, Stalin began a campaign of massive ethnic cleansing and 
forcibly deported everyone of Korean origin living in the coastal 
provinces of the Far East Russia near the border of North Korea to the 
unsettled steppe country of Central Asia 3700 miles away.  This story 
of 180,000 Koreans who became political pawns during the Great Terror 
is the central focus of this film. With political scientist and 
executive producer Meredith Jung-En Woo and cameraman and co-director 
Matt Dibble, Chung traveled to film the survivors of the deportation 
and their descendants who still live in Kazakhstan today.

Koryo Saram (the Soviet Korean phrase for Korean person) tells the 
harrowing saga of survival in the open steppe country and the sweep of 
Soviet history through the eyes of these deported Koreans, who were 
designated by Stalin as an "unreliable people" and enemies of the 
state. Through recently uncovered archival footage and new interviews, 
the film follows the deportees' history of integrating into the Soviet 
system while working under punishing conditions in Kazakhstan, a 
country which became a concentration camp of exiled people from 
throughout the Soviet Union.

Today, in the context of Kazakhstan's recent emergence as a rapidly 
modernizing, independent state, the story of the Kazakhstani-Koreans 
situated within this ethnically diverse country has resonance with the 
experience of many Americans and how they have assimilated to form new 
cultures in our world of increasingly displaced people.


Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
Harvard University
1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 301
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617.495.4037
Fax: 617.495.8319
http://www.daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu

 

EVENT- Nowruz Celebration, March 18, CGIS South, 4:30-6:30

From: Program on Central Asia & the Caucasus <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 13 Mar 2008


EVENT- Nowruz Celebration, March 18, CGIS South, 4:30-6:30

Celebrate Nowruz

Come celebrate the Persian New Year and the beginning of Spring with 
traditional food, drink and a cultural program...

March 18, 2008
4:30&#8212;6:30 pm

CGIS South Concourse
1730 Cambridge Street

This March, the Outreach Program, along with several other Harvard 
organizations, will host a celebration of Nowruz.  The Persian words 
"now" and "ruz" literally mean "new day," and the celebration marks 
the start of the new year for many people living in Eurasia.  Nowruz 
falls on the vernal equinox, a fine time for starting fresh, spring 
cleaning, and of course, celebrating with dancing, singing, and 
eating!  We invite you to join us March 18 from 4:30-6:30 pm on the 
CGIS South Concourse, 1730 Cambridge St, Cambridge.  The celebration 
will include an introduction to the holiday, perspectives on how it is 
celebrated in different countries, a cultural program, and a delicious 
selection of food.

Program Co-Sponsored by:

Outreach Program of the Davis Center for Russian & Eurasian Studies, 
Outreach Center at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, the Prince 
Alwaleed bin Talal Islamic Studies Program, the Middle East Initiative 
(HKS), Harvard Persian Society, and the Harvard Iranian Student 
Association

For more information, write to cmesoc(a)fas.harvard.edu or call the 
Outreach Center at 617-495-4078.

 

LECTURE- Intergenerational Transmission of Mass Trauma: Genocide of Armenians, March 14

From: Armenian Library & Museum <armenianlma(a)yahoo.com>
Posted: 13 Mar 2008


LECTURE- Intergenerational Transmission of Mass Trauma: Genocide of Armenians

The Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) is inviting the 
public to attend a lecture by Dr. Ani Kalayjian of Fordham University.
 
WHAT: Lecture, "Intergenerational Transmission of Mass Trauma:  The 
Post-Ottoman Turkish Genocide of the Armenians."
WHEN: March 14 | 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: ALMA&#8217;s Contemporary Art Gallery (65 Main Street, Watertown MA 02472)
 
Dr. Kalayjian will give a lecture on the &#8220;Intergenerational 
Transmission of Mass Trauma:  The Post-Ottoman Turkish Genocide of the 
Armenians.&#8221; According to Dr. Kalayjian, the attempted destruction of 
the Armenian people by the Ottoman Turkish Government from 1895-1915 
not only cost one-and-a-half million Armenian lives, but also created 
massive trauma for many of those who survived.  Her lecture will 
explore the after effects of Genocide and the therapeutic modalities 
she utilized to work with this form of generational transmission of 
mass trauma. Kalayjian is also a UN NGO Human Rights Committee board 
member. The lecture is free and open to public. For more information, 
or for directions please visit www.almainc.org. 
 
 
ABOUT ALMA
 
Founded in 1971, ALMA's mission is to present and preserve the 
culture, history, art and contributions of the Armenian people to 
Americans and Armenians alike.  Since its inception, ALMA's collection 
has grown to over 26,000 books and 20,000 artifacts, making it perhaps 
the largest and most diverse holding of Armenian cultural artifacts 
outside of Armenia.  As a repository for heirlooms, the collection now 
represents a major resource not only for Armenian studies research, 
but as well as for preservation and illustration of the Armenian 
heritage.  In 1988, ALMA acquired a 30,000 square foot facility in 
Watertown, MA &#8211; one of North America&#8217;s oldest and most active Armenian 
communities. The facility includes exhibition galleries, Library, 
administrative offices, function hall, climate-controlled vaults and 
conservation lab.  
 
ALMA is the only independent Armenian Museum in the Diaspora funded 
solely through contributions of individual supporters. An active Board 
of Trustees and volunteer base augments the museum&#8217;s staff.  Museum&#8217;s 
active schedule of changing exhibits includes the use of the library 
primarily by researchers and interested general public seeking 
research materials on Armenians.   In addition, the museum sponsors 
lecture and presentation program on related topics. 

Hours: Friday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 
and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
 
Admission: Free admission for ALMA Members; $2 for students; $5 for 
non-members; Children 12 and under are free. 
 
Driving Directions: Take route 95 to 128 to 90 (Mass Pike East) 
towards Watertown.  Take exit 17-Watertown/Newton.  Go North 1 mile 
towards Watertown Square.  As you cross the small bridge, get into the 
2 left lanes.  Turn left onto Main Street.  Turn right onto Church 
Street, and then turn right into the municipal parking lot. 
 
MBTA Buses:  71, 70/70A, 57, 52, 59, 502, 504. Please visit 
www.mbta.com for schedules and maps.  


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

 

CONF.- Harvard Conference on Reassessing Post-Soviet Energy Politics, March 7-8

From: Margarita Balmaceda <balmaced(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 3 Mar 2008


CONF.- Harvard Conference on Reassessing Post-Soviet Energy Politics, March 7-8

Please note that in the following conference, about 30% of the content 
concerns Central Asia.

"Reassessing Post-Soviet Energy Politics: Ukraine, Russia, and the 
Battle for Gas from Central Asia to the European Union"
CGIS, March 7-8, 2008

The immediate purpose of this conference is to untangle the latest 
crisis in Russian-Ukrainian gas relations (about debt and whether a 
corrupt intermediary company will be allowed to continue monopolizing 
that highly profitable trade);  in order to do this, we look not only 
at Russia and Ukraine, but at other important actors, especially the 
Central.Asian gas producers, and at the  EU as both a recipient of 
Russian gas transited through Ukraine and as a  creator of open energy 
trade norms  it is seeking to implement in the  larger Eurasian area. 
The larger question is: are we really seeing --as claimed by Russia-- 
the end of politicized energy relations between Russia  and the former 
Soviet states and the beginning of purely commercial, transparent 
relations?

The highlights of the conference are three presentations on the 
intermediary gas companies that have so much been in the headlines in 
the past two years but about which we know little, and the 
participation of Alla Yeremenko, Ukraine's most prominent energy and 
corruption journalist.  This conference is also the first, to my 
knowledge, to systematically look at the pieces of the 
Ukrainian-Russian energy puzzle, including the domestic Russian 
factor, Central Asia, and the EU. We will have participants from the 
US, Ukraine, Russia, France, Belgium, Germany, Finland and Japan.  An 
electronic version of the program is available.

Registration is free, at http://www.huri.harvard.edu/gas_conf_reg.html


Margarita Balmaceda

Dr.  Margarita M. Balmaceda
Associate Professor
John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ O7079 USA
Tel. 1-973-313-6202 (no voice-mail)
Fax. 1-973-275-2519
Seton Hall e-mail: balmacma(a)shu.edu

Associate
Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute
Harvard University
34 Kirkland St.
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Tel. +1-617-623-1954 (+ voice mail)
Fax. +1-617-495-8319

 

KSG/ISP Seminar- Kristin Bakke, Preserving Peace? Chechnya, Punjab... Feb. 28

From: Susan Lynch <susan_lynch(a)harvard.edu>
Posted: 25 Feb 2008


KSG/ISP Seminar- Kristin Bakke, Preserving Peace? Chechnya, Punjab... Feb. 28

Belfer Center's International Security Program 

"Preserving Peace? 
Decentralization and Separatist Struggles"
Cases: Chechnya, Punjab, & Quebec

a brown bag seminar with

Kristin Bakke
Research Fellow 
International Security Program/Intrastate Conflict Program

Date: Thursday, February 28
Time: 12:15 &#8211; 2:00 pm (Coffee and Tea Provided)
Place: Belfer Center Library, Littauer 369 at HKS
Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come - first 
served basis. We hope that you can join us. 

For more information, email susan_lynch(a)ksg.harvard.edu 

or visit our website:
http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/events/3622/preserving_peace_decen
tralization_and_separatist_struggles.html 

 

FILM SCREENING- "Beyond Belief" at MFA Boston (about Terrorism and Afghanistan)

From: Beth Murphy <bmurphy(a)principlepictures.com>
Posted: 14 Feb 2008


FILM SCREENING- "Beyond Belief" at MFA Boston (about Terrorism and Afghanistan)

I thought you would be interested to know about the upcoming premiere 
of "Beyond Belief," an award-winning documentary film that tells the 
story of two Boston-area women who lost their husbands to terrorism 
and decided to break the cycle of violence by helping war widows in 
Afghanistan. It is a rare story of hope and reconciliation at a time 
when the world seems increasingly divided by politics and religion.  
Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid 
Suns, calls it "a moving and beautiful film."  You can watch the 
trailer here:  www.principlepictures.com/beyondbelief

I hope you will consider joining us for the theatrical premiere in 
Boston at the Museum of Fine Arts.  A special screening with reception 
and Q&A will be held Friday, February 16th.  Additional screenings 
will be held beginning March 1st.  Tickets can be purchased on the MFA 
website.  

I look forward to seeing you at one of the screenings, and hope you 
will consider sharing this information with your students, family and friends.

Beth Murphy
Director, Beyond Belief


Boston Screening Schedule at the Museum of Fine Arts:

Saturday  February 16, 7:00pm - pre-release screening with reception 
and Filmmaker Q&A
Saturday, March 1, 12:00pm  - Filmmaker Q&A
Sunday, March 2, 10:30am    - Filmmaker Q&A
Thursday, March 6, 12:00pm  - Filmmaker Q&A
Friday, March 7, 8:00pm     - co-presented by CARE International
Saturday, March 8, 12:30pm  - Filmmaker Q&A
Sunday, March 9, 11:00am    - Filmmaker Q&A
Sunday, March 16, 5:00pm    - co-presented by CARE International
Wednesday, March 19, 5:30pm - co-presented by Beyond the 11th
Saturday, March 22, 10:30am - Filmmaker Q&A
Sunday, March 23, 11:00am   - co-presented by Beyond the 11th
Wednesday, March 26, 5:30pm - co-presented by CARE International
Thursday, March 27, 3:30pm  - Filmmaker Q&A
Saturday, March 29, 10:30am - co-presented by Beyond the 11th
Thursday, April 17, 3:15pm  - co-presented by Beyond the 11th

Principle Pictures, Inc.
www.principlepictures.com
508.746.6700 (phone)
775.255.5320 (fax)

 

SEMINAR- Radicalism and Militancy in Pakistan-Afghanistan, WCFIA, Feb. 21

From: CMES <mideast(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 14 Feb 2008


SEMINAR- Radicalism and Militancy in Pakistan-Afghanistan, WCFIA, Feb. 21

WCFIA/CMES
Middle East Seminar
Lenore G. Martin, Sara Roy, and Herbert C. Kelman, Co-chairs

Presents

Husain Haqqani
Director, Center for International Relations, and Associate Professor 
of International Relations, Boston University.

On

Radicalism and Militancy in Pakistan-Afghanistan and their Impact on 
the Arab World

Thursday, February 21, 2008
4:00&#8211;6:00 pm


The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
1737 Cambridge Street
Bowie-Vernon Room (N262)

Jointly sponsored by the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs 
and the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Harvard University

The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs is located at 1737 
Cambridge Street, 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138. For more information 
about this event, please contact Elizabeth Lawler at 617-495-3816 or 
elawler(a)wcfia.harvard.edu

Information on upcoming sessions is available on our website: 
http://www.wcfia.harvard.edu/seminars/07_middle_east/schedule

 

REMINDER: CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP, Spring Organizational Meeting, Tues., Feb. 12

From: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 12 Feb 2008


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP, Spring Organizational Meeting,
Tues., Feb. 12

The first meeting this semester of the

Central Asia & Caucasus Working Group

will be held on:

Tuesday, February 12, 4:15-6:00 pm

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

All interested people are encouraged to join us.

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.

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).

We will begin with an introduction to the Working Group and then have 
a introductions by participants and with a chance for all to introduce 
themselves and mention their particular interests and projects.  
Please come prepared to talk a bit about any project that you might be 
considering for presentation this semester or this year.

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.  Typical projects for presentation include thesis 
chapters, term paper projects, and papers you are preparing for 
conference presentation and/or publication.  Note that the 
presentation can be something rather "raw", though ideally you should 
have a (draft) paper that can be distributed in advance of your 
presentation.

Here is more info about the Working Group...


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 meeting 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.  In most cases, a text is distributed in advance so that the 
presentation of its content can be brief and we can devote our time to 
feedback and discussion.  Guest speakers are also sometimes invited.

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.

Refreshments are served!

Please contact me with any questions or suggestions you might have.

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-320 \ Cambridge, MA 02138 \ USA
tel.: +1/617-495-4338  program tel.: +1/617-496-2643  fax: +1/617-495-8319
schoeber(a)fas.harvard.edu
Central Asia Program website: http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
<Central Eurasian Studies World Wide>: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu
Central-Eurasia-L: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/CESWW_Central-Eurasia-L.html

 

CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP, Spring Organizational Meeting, Tues., Feb. 12

From: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 6 Feb 2008


CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP, Spring Organizational Meeting,
Tues., Feb. 12

The first meeting this semester of the

Central Asia & Caucasus Working Group

will be held on:

Tuesday, February 12, 4:15-6:00 pm

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

All interested people are encouraged to join us.

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.

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).

We will begin with an introduction to the Working Group and then have 
a introductions by participants and with a chance for all to introduce 
themselves and mention their particular interests and projects.  
Please come prepared to talk a bit about any project that you might be 
considering for presentation this semester or this year.

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.  Typical projects for presentation include thesis 
chapters, term paper projects, and papers you are preparing for 
conference presentation and/or publication.  Note that the 
presentation can be something rather "raw", though ideally you should 
have a (draft) paper that can be distributed in advance of your 
presentation.

Here is more info about the Working Group...


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 meeting 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.  In most cases, a text is distributed in advance so that the 
presentation of its content can be brief and we can devote our time to 
feedback and discussion.  Guest speakers are also sometimes invited.

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.

Refreshments are served!

Please contact me with any questions or suggestions you might have.

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-320 \ Cambridge, MA 02138 \ USA
tel.: +1/617-495-4338  program tel.: +1/617-496-2643  fax: +1/617-495-8319
schoeber(a)fas.harvard.edu
Central Asia Program website: http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu
<Central Eurasian Studies World Wide>: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu
Central-Eurasia-L: http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/CESWW_Central-Eurasia-L.html

 

EVENT- Walking the Gobi Event, Globe Corner Bookstore, Harvard Square, Jan. 31

From: Maya Peterson <mayaworld(a)gmail.com>
Posted: 31 Jan 2008


EVENT- Walking the Gobi Event, Globe Corner Bookstore, Harvard Square, Jan. 31


The Globe Corner Bookstores
Adventure Travel Lecture Series

Event Summary:

Thursday, January 31st

Helen Thayer - "Walking the Gobi"

Helen Thayer will read from "Walking the Gobi".  Thayer has been named 
"One of the Great Explorers of the 20th Century"  by National Geographic.

Information for the Above Event:

Location: First Parish Church, Mass. Ave at Church Street, Harvard Square
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
Time: 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Reservations: 617-649-5700 x21 or events(a)gcb.com
Addit. Info: www.globecorner.com


Detailed Event Description:

Helen Thayer will read from "Walking the Gobi:"  She'll talk about her 
and her husband Bill's adventures as the first man and woman to walk 
the entire length (almost 1,500 miles), east to west, of the Mongolian 
Gobi Desert.  They persevered as they faced Siberian winds, 
accompanying sand storms, heat reaching 126 degrees, scarcity of water 
and plenty of scorpions.  The Thayers' time spent with the Gobi 
Desert's nomads is one of many remarkable experiences described in her book.

Named "One of the Great Explorers of the 20th Century" by National 
Geographic, Thayer noted that she"first heard of the Gobi as a 13 year 
old growing up in New Zealand. Then the Gobi was as far away as the 
moon; now at 63 the dream has come full circle."

Her previous feats are impressive. In 1988, she became the first woman 
to walk and ski to either pole when she trekked solo to the Magnetic 
North Pole without dog sled or snowmobile. She was the first woman and 
first American to circumnavigate the Magnetic North Pole. Her amazing 
adventure with her beloved companion Charlie (her Canadian Eskimo 
Husky) was the basis for her first book,  "Polar  Dreams."

For further information, please email/call me or access our web Events 
page at: 
http://www.globecorner.com/events/events.html. 


Harriet Carrier
The Globe Corner Bookstores
www.globecorner.com
hcarrier(a)gcb.com, 617-649-5700 x27t

 
 

SPRING COURSE- Contemporary Central Asian Societies

From: Laura Adams <ladams(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008


SPRING COURSE- Contemporary Central Asian Societies


Spring Term Course:

Contemporary Central Asian Societies
Sociology 174
Laura Adams

Spring term, Tuesday/Thursday, 11:30-1:00 (first meeting is Thursday  
the 31st)
Room: CGIS N-108

Course summary:

This course provides an introduction to Central Asia, focusing on  
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan,  
though some discussion will be devoted to nearby Muslim societies  
such as Afghanistan and Xinjiang in Western China. Tuesday classes  
will usually be lectures and Thursday meetings will be devoted to  
discussion of the readings.

The goal of the course is to provide students with a broad base of  
knowledge that will allow them to interpret current events in the  
region through a sociological lens and to set their own agendas for  
further exploration of the region. In the first week, we will cover  
the political and cultural history of the region and in the second  
week we will survey the history of the Soviet period as it applies to  
contemporary Central Asia. Throughout the rest of the semester, we  
will explore contemporary topics through empirical readings on  
religion, politics, civil society, globalization, gender, demography,  
migration, and culture. The readings in this course will also draw on  
the work of prominent sociologists, anthropologists and political  
scientists (such as Rogers Brubaker, David Laitin, Juan Linz, John  
Meyer, Joel Migdal, Hilary Pilkington, and Katherine Verdery) to help  
us theorize about Central Asian societies.

Course requirements include class participation (including leading a  
discussion), a mid-term exam, participating in a current events blog,  
a brief presentation, and a research paper. Some background in Soviet  
studies or the Muslim world would be helpful for this course, but it  
is open to both undergraduates and graduate students. 

 

COURSE- Post-Communist Islam

From: Thomas W. Simons <tsimons(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008


COURSE- Post-Communist Islam


Spring Term Course:

Post-Communist Islam
Government 1209
Thomas W. Simons, Jr.

Spring Term, Tuesdays, 2:00 - 4:00 (First meeting: Tu, Feb. 5)
Room: CGIS South S-354
Section (Maya Peterson): Mondays, 12:00 - 1:00 (First meeting: Mo, Feb. 11)

The course examines the evolving situations of Muslims in the successor 
states of the Soviet Union and in Eastern Europe since the fall of 
Communism.  It begins with preparatory sessions on Islam as a relilgion 
and its history as a world civilization in the pre-modern period; on the 
experience of Muslims in the European East and Russian Empire to 1917; 
and on their subsequent histories of repression and survival.   After 
considering contemporary Islamism worldwide, it will then focus on 
post-Soviet developments in the four main Eurasian areas where Muslims 
live: independent Central Asia, where Muslims form strong majorities in 
four of the region's five new states; Russia's Middle Volga region, 
where they are minorities, and North Caucasus, where they are again 
majorities; and the independent states of the South Caucasus, with its 
mixed populations.  There will also be a session on Muslims in the 
post-Communist Balkans (Bosnia, Albania, Bulgaria).  Today's Middle East 
and other neighbors will serve as points of comparison and contrast, and 
the interplay of socio-economic development, religion, and politics will 
be the main theme.

Please pass this information on to others who you think might be 
interested in joining the course.

 

SPRING COURSE- The Meanings of Islam in Central Asia

From: John Schoeberlein <centasia(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 29 Jan 2008


SPRING COURSE- The Meanings of Islam in Central Asia


Spring Term Course:

The Meanings of Islam in Central Asia
Islamic Civilizations 160
John Schoeberlein

Spring term, Wednesdays, 2:00 - 4:00 (First meeting: Wed., Jan. 30)
Room: CGIS South S-354

The course examines the changing role of Islam in Central Asia through 
history from a multidisciplinary perspective.   It considers the 
diversity and multi-dimensionality of Islam as it influences social, 
cultural, political and religious life.  Themes include: Islam and 
social order; Islam under Russian and Communist rule; Sufism, 
modernist Islam, "fundamentalism" and other forms of belief and 
practice; and the dynamic new role of Islam in the region following 
independence in 1991.

The following are some of the major topics to be addressed:

1) The historical development and diversity of Islamic civilization in 
   Central Asia.
2) Islam under the rule of the Russian empire, the Soviet Union, and 
   independent states.
3) Islam and its relations to other traditions: Issues of conversion, 
   syncretism, and confrontation with other religious traditions and 
   belief systems.
4) Islam as religion and belief system: Central Asia's role in the 
   broader traditions, schools, orders and reform movements.
5) Islamic principles of social order: Hereditary roles, teachers, 
   judges, healers, Islamic principles of authority, of community, of 
   family relations, and of government and participation.
6) Islam as way of life: Ritual practice, other Muslim cultural 
   practices, principles of daily behavior, and the mixture of Muslim 
   ways of being with Soviet and post-Soviet ways.
7) Islam as a principle and structure of political mobilization: 
   Islamic opposition, state legitimacy, reform, and "fundamentalism"; 
   Roles of Islamic movements in relation to secular, non-Islamic, or 
   anti-Islamic regimes.

The realm of Islam in Central Asia is currently undergoing tremendous 
change with far-reaching implications for the future of the region and 
beyond -- making it a fascinating topic to explore.

Please pass this information on to other who you think might be 
interested in joining the course.

For more information, contact:

Dr. John Schoeberlein \ Director
Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center \ Harvard University
1730 Cambridge St., Room S-320 \ Cambridge, MA 02138 \ USA
tel.: +1/617-495-4338
schoeber(a)fas.harvard.edu
Central Asia Program website: http://centasia.fas.harvard.edu

 

IAAS LECTURE- Yuri Bregel, The Sarts, Wed., Feb. 6 at 1:00 pm

From: Inner Asian and Altaic Studies <iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu>
Posted: 28 Jan 2008


IAAS LECTURE- Yuri Bregel, The Sarts, Wed., Feb. 6 at 1:00 pm


The Committee on Inner Asian and Altaic Studies
invites you to a Lunchtime Lecture

Yuri Bregel
Indiana University, Bloomington

will speak on

"The Sarts - Encore, and Again Encore"

The CGIS South Building, 1730 Cambridge Street
On the Concourse Level, in Seminar Room S050

Wednesday, February 6, 2008
from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

You may bring your own lunch to the Seminar Room.
Snacks will be provided.
Room opens at 12:30, Presentation begins at 1 pm


If you have any questions, you may contact us at
iaas(a)fas.harvard.edu or 617-495-3777

 

2008-2009 Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Islamic Architecture

From: Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture <akpiarch(a)mit.edu>
Posted: 23 Jan 2008


2008-2009 Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Islamic Architecture


The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at MIT (AKPIA(a)MIT) is 
pleased to announce its postdoctoral fellowship program for the 
academic year 2008-2009. The fellowship program is intended for 
scholars with Ph.D. in any field related to architecture - including 
architectural, art, and urban history, design, technology, 
computation, urban planning, anthropology, and archeology - who are 
engaged in research on an Islamic topic. One to three fellowships will 
be granted. The fellowship duration can range from two months to a 
maximum of two semesters, or nine months, of residency, that will have 
to fall within the academic year. Fellows are expected to pursue their 
own research, give at least one public lecture, and participate in the 
program's scholarly and academic activities during their stay at MIT. 
The fellowship award consists of monthly stipend not to exceed the 
amount of $3,000 (before taxes) per month and one roundtrip ticket for 
the fellow from his/her place of residence. Fellows will be 
responsible to find their own housing and health insurance during 
their fellowship period. AKPIA will provide library cards and email 
accounts at MIT.

Deadline for application is March 1, 2008. Results will be announced 
by April 20, 2008. Applicants should send a C.V., a research proposal 
specifying the desired period of stay and other sources of funding if 
available, one substantial writing sample or a portfolio, and two 
letters of recommendation. No electronic applications will be 
accepted. Applicants are encouraged to seek other sources of funding 
to supplement the fellowship award. Scholars with their own financial 
resources or who are on sabbatical and wish to apply to AKPIA 
fellowships are also welcome. AKPIA reserves the right to prorate its 
fellowship when combined with another grant or fellowship.

Please send all application material to:

Prof. Nasser Rabbat
2008-2009 Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture
MIT, Room 10-390
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-258-8172
For further information please send email to <akpiarch(a)mit.edu>, or 
call 617- 253-1400, or visit the web at 
http://web.mit.edu/akpia/www/fellowshipsreq.htm


Jose Luis Arguello
Administrative Assistant
Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture
	
MIT, 10-390
77 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA  02139  USA

Phone: 617-253-1400
Fax: 617-258-8172

Aga Khan Program Web Site: http://web.mit.edu/akpia/www/

 

CONCERTS- Alash Ensemble, Tuvan Throat Singers, Cambridge and Boston

From: Johanna Kovitz <joko(a)pangolyn.com>
Posted: 13 Jan 2008


CONCERTS- Alash Ensemble, Tuvan Throat Singers, Cambridge and Boston


ALASH, throat singers from the Central Asian Republic of Tuva, will 
present a triple offering to Bostonians in January: a concert at Lily 
Pad, a free lecture/performance at New England Conservatory, and for 
the first time a workshop at the HeARTbeat Collective, where would-be 
throat singers will have a rare opportunity to study with the masters.

Friday, January 18
Alash Concert
Lily Pad
1353 Cambridge St.
(Inman Square)
Cambridge MA 02139
8:00 p.m.
$15

Monday, January 21
Workshop in Throat Singing, taught by members of Alash
HeARTbeat Collective
35 Wyman St.
Jamaica Plain MA 02130
12:00-2:30 pm for beginners
3:30-6:00 pm for those with some experience
$30 one session, $50 two sessions
Enrollment limited; advance registration required:
email zenmassage(a)gmail.com

Wednesday, January 23
Alash, Music from Tuva
New England Conservatory
(performance-lecture sponsored by NEC Intercultural Institute)
Williams Hall
290 Huntington Ave.
Boston MA 02115
4:00-5:30 p.m.
Free & open to the public

Information about Alash, Tuvan throat singing, and Alash events 
outside of Boston can be found at http://www.alashensemble.com


Johanna Kovitz
Boston organizer for Alash
617-782-5536
joko(a)pangolyn.com
www.alashensemble.com

 

EVENT- Joint Holocaust-Armenian Genocide Exhibit on Sunday, Jan. 20, ALMA, Watertown

From:  Armenian Library and Museum <armenianlma(a)yahoo.com>
Posted: 10 Jan 2008


EVENT- Joint Holocaust-Armenian Genocide Exhibit on Sunday, Jan. 20, ALMA


The Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) will be hosting a 
joint Holocaust - Armenian Genocide exhibit on Sunday, January 20, 
2008 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ALMA is located in the heart of the Watertown 
Square (65 Main Street, Watertown MA.) The goal of the event is to 
further enhance the bond between two peoples who have each suffered 
horrific crimes against humanity, as they continue to recognize common 
ground and share a hope for a better future.
 
The Holocaust exhibit will include photos, video, and valuables 
formerly belonging to inmates at Auschwitz that have been recently 
unveiled by 92-year-old Holocaust survivor and Brighton resident Meyer 
Hack. As a laundry worker, Hack retrieved these pieces from inmates' 
clothing when the latter were removed from them. Miraculously, he hid 
them from the Nazis throughout his years in the camps. These artifacts 
have not been publicly displayed yet, and after this event, they will 
be installed at the Holocaust Museum Yad Vashem in Jerusalem in a 
special ceremony. 
 
The Armenian Genocide exhibit, "In Memoriam" the only permanent 
exhibit on Armenian Genocide in the United States, is a memorial to 
the most tragic of all events in Armenia's 3,000 year-old history. The 
exhibit pays tribute to more than 1.5 million victims of the first 
Genocide of the 20th century. ALMA's exhibit is intended to help the 
visitor "feel" the Genocide as well as "learn" about it by conveying 
the horror of those deaths along with statistics and other accounts in 
text and photographs. The Armenian Genocide exhibit will be 
accompanied by additional photographs from Project SAVE Armenian 
Photograph Archives. Among these will be photographs of concentration 
camps taken by an Armenian WWII photographer from Belmont.
 
Mr. Meyer Hack, Holocaust survivor and resident of Brighton and Mr. 
Kevork Norian, an Armenian Genocide survivor and resident of 
Arlington, will be the keynote speakers of the event. Introductions 
will be done by WBZ radio talk host Jordan Rich. In addition to the 
exhibit and Mr. Hack's and Mr. Norian's personal stories, the event 
will include ethnic music by Armenian and Jewish performers Martin 
Haroutunian, Ara Sarkissian, Cantor Robbie Solomon, Glenn Dickson and 
Grant Smith, poetry recitals, as well as religious invocations by 
Armenian clergy and Rabbi Moshe Waldoks, from Temple Beth Zion in 
Brookline.
 
Honored guests of the event include State Senator Edward M. Augustus 
Jr., State Rep. Ruth B. Balser, State Rep. William N. Brownsberger, 
State Rep. Linda Dorcena Forry, State Senator Anthony D. Galluccio, 
State Rep. Peter J. Koutoujian, State Rep. Alice H. Peisch, State Rep. 
Frank I. Smizik, State Rep. Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., State Senator 
Marian Walsh, State Rep. Alice K. Wolf, WWII veteran and Dachau 
liberator Cranston "Chan" Rogers.
 
The event is sponsored by the following organizations:  
 * The Armenian Library and Museum of America 
 * The Armenian National Committee of America 
 * The Armenian Assembly of America 
 * Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives 
 * The Holocaust Center, Boston North 
 * Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Clark 
University, Worcester 
 * Facing History and Ourselves, Brookline  
 
Armenian and Kosher refreshments will be served at the event which is 
free and open to the public. It will be alcohol-free, all ages, and 
handicapped-accessible. There is on-street parking as well as a large 
municipal parking lot behind the building. ALMA is very close to the 
Mass. Turnpike Exit 17 and is on the route of many MBTA buses 
(www.mbta.com). For more information please contact Christie Hardiman 
at ALMA (617.926.2562 ext. 4) or Susie Davidson (617-566-7557) or 
visit www.almainc.org. 
 
Contacts
Armenian Genocide Exhibit and event questions: 
Christie Hardiman, Public Relations Coordinator
Armenian Library and Museum of America 
E-mail:  Christie(a)almainc.org
Phone:  617-926-2562, ext. 4 
Fax:  617-926-0175
Website:  www.almainc.org
 
Holocaust exhibit questions: 
Susie Davidson, Journalist and Author
Phone:  617-566-7557
E-mail:  Susie_d(a)yahoo.com
 

About the Organizers 
 
Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA)
 
Founded in 1971, ALMA's mission is to present and preserve the 
culture, history, art and contributions of the Armenian people to 
Americans and Armenians alike.  Since its inception, ALMA's collection 
has grown to over 26,000 books and 20,000 artifacts, making it perhaps 
the largest and most diverse holding of Armenian cultural artifacts 
outside of Armenia.  As a repository for heirlooms, the collection now 
represents a major resource not only for Armenian studies research, 
but as well as for preservation and illustration of the Armenian 
heritage.  In 1988, ALMA acquired a 30,000 square foot facility in 
Watertown, MA &#8211; one of North America's oldest and most active Armenian 
communities. The facility includes exhibition galleries, Library, 
administrative offices, function hall, climate-controlled vaults and 
conservation lab.  

ALMA is the only independent Armenian Museum in the Diaspora funded 
solely through contributions of individual supporters. An active Board 
of Trustees and volunteer base augments the museum's staff.  Museum's 
active schedule of changing exhibits includes the use of the library 
primarily by researchers and interested general public seeking 
research materials on Armenians.   In addition, the museum sponsors 
lecture and presentation program on related topics. 

Hours: Friday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 
and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: Free admission 
for ALMA Members; $2 for students; $5 for non-members; Children 12 and 
under are free. Driving Directions: Take route 95 to 128 to 90 (Mass 
Pike East) towards Watertown.  Take exit 17-Watertown/Newton.  Go 
North 1 mile towards Watertown Square.  As you cross the small bridge, 
get into the 2 left lanes.  Turn left onto Main Street.  Turn right 
onto Church Street, and then turn right into the municipal parking 
lot. MBTA Buses:  71, 70/70A, 57, 52, 59, 502, 504. Please visit 
www.mbta.com for schedules and maps.  

Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives 
Founded in 1975 by Ruth Thomasian, Project SAVE Armenian Photograph 
Archives is dedicated to saving the photographic heritage of the 
worldwide Armenian community.  The Archives collects, documents, and 
preserves photographs of all subjects and time periods relating to 
Armenian people, their culture, and their country.  Documenting the 
work of Armenian photographers is of special interest.  With 
collections of more than 25,000 images, Project SAVE Archives promotes 
Armenian culture and history by making its photographs available for 
public use. Learn more about the archives at www.projectsave.org or 
call 617-923-4542.

Armenian National Committee of America 
The Armenian National Committee is a grassroots Armenian American 
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a 
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United 
States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANC actively 
advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad 
range of issues

Armenian Assembly of America 
The Armenian Assembly, established in 1972, is a Washington-based 
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness 
of Armenian issues.  It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership 
organization.


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

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Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
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