AKHP Online Public Lecture Series : The Connection Between Humanitarian and Natural Scientific Knowledge in Central Asia in the Structure of the Avestan Astronomical Picture of the World: History and Modernity

Abstract

Central Asia has long been one of the centers of science, culture, spirituality and education. Many world-famous outstanding historical figures were born and made their discoveries in this region, directly participating in the creation of the values ​​of universal civilisation, making a huge contribution to the development of spirituality and enlightenment of the region. Written sources, primarily the Avesta - the sacred book of Zoroastrianism, the religion of the ancient Iranian peoples, including the Tajiks - testify to the interaction of the ancestors of the Tajiks with the environment, especially with the sky, and their reflections on fundamental issues related to the problems of astronomy and the universe. The emergence of astronomical knowledge dates back to ancient times, which was associated with the practical needs of society. The lecture will raise issues about the worldview system of the Avesta with its teachings on space and heavenly bodies within the framework of a cross-cultural discourse. The lecture will also examine the issue of scientific innovations in the field of humanitarian and natural science knowledge, which was laid down in the worldview system of the sacred book Avesta.

About Speaker:

Professor Khayol Boboev is a Doctor of Historical Sciences, Chief Researcher of the Department of History of Science and Technology of the A. Donish Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. He is the author of more than 150 works. Research interests: history of astronomy, issues of improving astronomical education, as well as the history of science and technology.

Moderator:
Pulat Shozimov (Ph.D., Prof.) – Senior Research Fellow at the Aga Khan Humanities Project at the Graduate School of Development of the University of Central Asia

Date and time: 28 February, 2025, 15:00 (Tajikistan time)
Format: Online
Language: Russian
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84191840250?pwd=TMvmNvWNSHiBsIcPahZIRtMb3lpHPe.1 
Webinar ID: 841 9184 0250
Passcode: 384951

Registration: Confirm your participation by email at pulat.shozimov@ucentralasia.org