This issue opens, as usual, with the "Impressions" section, which presents Yulia Nenasheva's picture story about Cappadocia.
Writings
Olga Vasilyeva, Francis Richard. Petr Dubrovsky's Orientalia
Russian National Library in St.-Petersburg keeps Oriental manuscripts collected by Russian diplomat Petr Dubrovsky. This collection includes manuscripts of the Quran, works by Persian poets, Chinese blockprinted books, etc.
Valentina Naumenko. "I Saw The Mystery"
These are the words written by George Orwell, famous English author. His service in Myanmar influenced not only his essays and newspaper columns (a section of "As I Please" is first published in Russian translation), but his famous novels as well.
Dmitriy Voskresenskiy. Japan: Images Of The Past
Ivan Mayskiy (1884-1975), a prominent Russian diplomat and a member of the Academy of Sciences, for many years have been an Ambassador of the USSR to Japan. His private archive contains many postcards, photographs, and other memorabilia related to Japan.
The Land of Orient
Vladimir Belyakov. Who Are You, Colonel Khlebnikov?
The article, which is devoted to 60th anniversary of the victory over Germany, tells about Russians who fought against the Nazi forces in Northern Africa.
Irina Glushkova. Once In Tanjavur
A prominent Russian specialist in Indian culture tells about the history and present-day life in a former Indian principality.
Viktor Solkin. Egyptian Nights In Kurna
For many coming years Ancient Egypt will be opening to us the mysteries of its richest history and culture. Fate is preparing various destinies for discoveries made by archaeologists and "fortune hunters".
Olga Bibikova. Kalam Is Sharper Than A Sword
The article is telling about the origins and development of Arabic calligraphy, discussing in detail such essentials as paper, ink, writing instruments, styles, and varieties of handwriting...
Andrey Strelkov. Prophecy
A story of pilgrims from a village in Buryatia, who, in the beginning of the 20th century, set out for Tibet, and of the results of their journey.
Konstantin Pistsov. Costume And Politics In The Ming Empire
Every new dynasty of Chinese Emperors regarded costume as means of political self-affirmation, whereas their subjects viewed it as demonstration of their loyalty. At the same time, the costumes of Imperial family and leading officials remained essentially the same for centuries.
Yuliy Khudyakov. Silver And Gold Shine On Turkic Horse Harness
After excavations in Siberia, Russian archaeologists revealed great variety in form and decoration of horse harness, which were pride and admiration for ancient Turks.
Yuriy Averyanov. Celestial Dance In Konya
The author tells about the Mevlana Symposium, devoted to Rumi, and presents his translation of a section from the book by Turkish author about the Mevlevi Sema whirling ceremony.
Fuat Yondemli. Training Process In The Sufi Mevlevi Order
Turkish scholar describes training of the novices who entered Mevlevi Order, the meaning and movements of Sema whirling ceremony, and provides a medical commentary.
Vladimir Ganshin. Stronger Than Stone Walls
National symbols of Mongolia.
Aleksandr Ostrovsky, Marina Fedorova. Following The Circle of Prayer
Some items, which appeared and existed separately, in various parts of the world or in incompatible religious traditions, often become parts of one collection, thus opening unexpected research potentials. This is the case with Natalia Zhukovskaya's collection of beads. The authors study Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic beads, their function, and sacral meaning.
Farkhad Ali-zade. Enlightener Of The Orient
Said Rizo Ali-zade (1887-1945), enlightener and teacher, was very much active in spreading European science, Russian and world literature in Turkestan. There is a museum in Samarkand devoted to his life and works.
Ilya Zaitsev. Hoping For Reward After Death
Islamic community in Moscow exists since the 9th century, and is keeping their faith to our days. The author introduces Islamic funeral rite, one of the acts that are strictly forbidden to representatives of other religious communities, and relates the history of Islamic cemeteries in Moscow.
Galina Dubinskaya. By The Roads of Israel
Sketches of an artist who traveled in Israel and afterwards created several drawings and works in cold batik.
Nikita Sokolov. We Have Played Checkers So Long Ago...
"Ex Oriente ludus" section continues by a new story about popular games, which came to Europe from the East. This time the author tells about checkers and their varieties.
Viktor Pogadaev. A Touch Of Golden Finger
The author, who works in Malaysia, investigates the world of traditional Malay medicine, which, to a considerable extent, is based upon magic and sorcery.
As usual, in the end of this issue our reader will find traditional columns: "Reader" and "Orientnet".
Please e-mail your wishes, suggestions and comments to the following address: orientnet@rsl.ru. You can find the summaries of the previous issues online, by visiting our section of the Russian State Library Web-site: http://orient.rsl.ru/eng/