MNU Exhibition: Central Asia Through Western Explorers’ Lens
Exploring Central Asia Through the Eyes of Armin Vambery: A New Exhibition at Maqsut Narikbayev University
ASTANA – On April 29, Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) unveiled its first exhibition in the series “Perception of Central Asia Through the Eyes of Western Explorers and Travelers of the 19th-20th Centuries.” The showcase celebrates the life and works of the distinguished Hungarian orientalist and traveler, Armin Vambery.
Organized collaboratively by MNU and the Hungarian Embassy in Kazakhstan, the exhibition aims to shed light on Central Asia’s rich historical heritage as perceived by Western ethnographers, travelers, and linguists.
Hungarian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Otto Ivan Rona remarked, “This exhibition is a significant event that reflects the development of Turkology as a scientific discipline in Hungary. Armin Vambery paved the way for understanding the spiritual connections between Hungary and the peoples of Central Asia, addressing essential questions about the origins of the Hungarian tribes and the roots of the Hungarian language.”
Vambery, recognized as one of the founders of global Turkology, dedicated his research to determining whether Hungarian belongs to the Turkic or Finno-Ugric language family. His exploration reinforced the sense of kinship between Kazakhs and Hungarians, an idea that continues to resonate today.
The exhibition features a rare printed copy of Vambery’s “Journey through Central Asia,” originally published in 1868, alongside a collection of historical images that portray the region’s life.
Yerkin Tukumov, director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, highlighted the vital role that Western travelers like Vambery have played in expanding the world’s understanding of Central Asia. Tukumov stated, “Vambery’s journey was more than just a scholarly expedition; it was a quest for identity and a means to foster connections between peoples.”
Through Vambery’s eyes, visitors can explore the daily life of Central Asia, depicted vividly in his travel accounts, including his observations of significant landmarks such as the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi mausoleum in Turkistan.
Olzhas Berkinbayev, representing the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education, commended Vambery for his substantial contributions to Turkology and Oriental studies in Hungary. Berkinbayev quoted historian Babakumar Hinayat, emphasizing Vambery’s self-directed path to knowledge and the establishment of the first Turkology department in the world.
Vambery’s journey began when he traveled to Istanbul at just 20 years old, quickly mastering Turkish and obtaining a role as secretary to the Ottoman foreign minister. His expeditions through Central Asia, disguised as a wandering dervish, were both perilous and enlightening, resulting in significant scholarly contributions that endure to this day.
The exhibition not only honors Vambery’s achievements but also invites viewers to appreciate the intricate tapestry of Central Asia’s cultural heritage through historical lenses, fostering a dialogue that bridges East and West.
