An Unknown Work by Philipp Johann von Strahlenberg on Central Asia
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Eine unbekannt gebliebene Schrift Philipp Johann von Strahlenbergs
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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Michael KnĂĽppel
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Eine unbekannt gebliebene Schrift Philipp Johann von Strahlenbergs
Year: 2008 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.7369
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article discusses an overlooked literary work by Philipp Johann von Strahlenberg, often simply referred to as Strahlenberg, who was a Swedish-German officer, historian, and traveler known for his contributions to the understanding of Siberia and Central Asia. The specific work in question, titled "L'etat present de la Boucharie," was published anonymously in 1723 and is only now being recognized as part of Strahlenberg's body of work. The author, Michael Knuppel, aims to shed light on this text, navigating through the lesser-known aspects of Strahlenberg's life, which remains a treasure trove for researchers in various fields.
A Rediscovered Contribution to Central Asian Studies
One of the key themes explored in the article is the significance of Strahlenberg’s descriptions of Central Asia, particularly concerning the "Bouchary" and its historical context. The article asserts that Strahlenberg's description not only expands our knowledge of Central Asian geography but also contributes to the historiography of the Kalmucks and the Kalmuck wars. Strahlenberg is already recognized for his major work, "Das Nord- und Ostliche Theil von Europa und Asia," but the article posits that the newly identified work on the "Bouchary" merits equal attention. This discovery signals that Strahlenberg’s contributions extend beyond what has typically been acknowledged, highlighting how much remains to be explored regarding his research and explorations in this region.
Conclusion
In summary, Knuppel’s exploration of Strahlenberg’s lesser-known work emphasizes that despite the existing literature on the geographer's life and studies, there is still considerable ground to cover in understanding his contributions fully. The article invites further inquiry into Strahlenberg’s writings, suggesting that scholars and researchers have much yet to uncover in relation to his impact on the fields of geography, history, and ethnography concerning Central Asia. Ultimately, this highlights the enduring relevance of Strahlenberg's work and the necessity for ongoing research into overlooked academic contributions of the past.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
Who is Philipp Johann von Strahlenberg and what are his contributions?
Philipp Johann von Strahlenberg was a Swedish-German officer, historian, and geographer known for his travels in Siberia and Central Asia. His notable works include a detailed description of Siberia and Central Asia titled 'Das Nord- und Ostliche Theil von Europa und Asia'.
What is the significance of the work 'L'etat present de la Boucharie'?
'L'etat present de la Boucharie' is a largely unknown description published anonymously in 1723. It is attributed to Philipp Johann von Strahlenberg and contributes to our understanding of Central Asia and the history of the Kalmucks.
What misconceptions exist about the number of works by Strahlenberg?
Many assume Strahlenberg produced only three main works, but this is incorrect. His contributions are more extensive than previously believed, indicating that additional research and publications regarding his life and work are still necessary.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “An Unknown Work by Philipp Johann von Strahlenberg on Central Asia�. 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) Karta:
Karta refers to the detailed maps that Philipp Johann von Strahlenberg, a Swedish-German officer, created of Central Asia and Northern Eurasia. His landmark works included a precise map of these regions, making significant contributions to geographical knowledge of the area.
2) Geography:
Geography refers to Strahlenberg's extensive work detailed in his famous publication "Das Nord- und Ostliche Theil von Europa und Asia". His geographial studies and cartographic achievements became fundamental in understanding the terrains of Siberia and Central Asia.
3) Anita:
Anita Apazidis contributed to translating the works of Strahlenberg into Swedish, thus extending the reach and preservation of Strahlenberg's studies on Siberia. Her translation work is cited as part of the scholarship surrounding Strahlenberg's explorations.