Sources of Christian Literature in Sogdian: An Overview by Olaf Hansen
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: 脺ber die veschiedenenen Quellen der christlichen Literatur der Sogder
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Olaf Hansen
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: 脺ber die veschiedenenen Quellen der christlichen Literatur der Sogder
Year: 1966 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5230
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Olaf Hansen discusses the significance of the sogdian Christian literature following key findings presented by Herr Barr at the 18th International Congress of Orientalists in Leiden in 1931. The focus is on the Sogdian Psalter manuscript and its connections to the spread of Christianity across Persia, building on previous work that included the Sogdian fragments of the New Testament.
Conclusion
Hansen highlights the integration of numerous Syriac terms found within Sogdian Christian texts, indicating that these translations were likely derived from Syriac originals. This analysis not only raises questions about the authors and translators of these texts but also emphasizes the need for further philological investigation into the early stages of Christianization among the Iranian peoples.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the sources of Christian literature in Sogdian language?
The primary sources include Sogdian manuscripts containing Christian texts, many translated from Syriac. Scholars have identified various terms reflecting religious concepts such as 'bishop,' 'church,' and 'Eucharist,' indicating the influence of early Christian practices in Sogdiana.
Who presented information about the Sogdian Psalter manuscript in 1931?
Olaf Hansen references Herr Barr, who provided insights on the Sogdian Psalter manuscript at the 18th International Orientalist Congress in Leiden. This presentation highlighted the spread of Christianity beyond Persia and emphasized the significance of Sogdian Christian literature.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for 鈥淪ources of Christian Literature in Sogdian: An Overview by Olaf Hansen鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Kasa (Kasha):
The word 'kasa' is derived from the Syriac term for 'becher,' which translates to 'cup' or 'goblet' in English. It is noted in the BST 2, C 2/18.19 manuscripts of Christian Sogdian literature. The Syriac term 'kasa' aligns with 'poculum' in Brock's lexicon, indicating its importance in liturgical contexts such as the Eucharist. The corresponding native Sogdian word is 'ply'd,' demonstrating the integration and influence of Syriac elements in Sogdian Christian texts.