Launch of the digital exhibition "The Orient in Gotha"

From the 17th to the 19th century, the study of the Orient in Gotha was characterised by scholars who were active in various fields. These fields included theology, the study of languages such as Arabic, Ethiopian studies, Islamic numismatics, geography, astronomy and ethnography. Some of these disciplines, such as Ethiopian studies or Islamic numismatics, were even founded in Gotha. Unlike at other centres of Oriental studies, the scholars did not work at a university institution, but in the environment of the Gotha court and often with the support of the dukes. Their endeavours were shaped by the respective historical contexts: In the 17th century, people were interested in Islam in the age of the "Turkish threat", Ethiopia later became the centre of interest against the backdrop of the Gotha court's military, economic and missionary ambitions, and during the Enlightenment there was a focus on exploring the world through travel.

A library talk with the historian PD Dr Asaph Ben-Tov (University of Hamburg) is dedicated to these and other topics. As an expert in the field of the early modern period, he researches oriental studies in German-speaking countries. Dr Ben-Tov's discussion partner is Dr Feras Krimsti, academic advisor and curator of the exhibition. The digital exhibition follows on from the presence exhibition of the same name from 2024. The library talk will also provide brief insights into the exhibition content.

To register, please call 0361/737-5530 or send an email to veranstaltungen.fb@uni-erfurt.de.