Publications
Mahmud Amin Afindi's Journey from Istanbul to Central Asia
A translation of Mahmud Amin Afandi's 19th-century travel account, 'Traveling from Istanbul to Central Asia,' reveals vivid details about the Khiva Khanate, including its capital cities Kunya-Urgench and New Urgench. The text provides a unique historical perspective on the region during the Khanate's peak, offering insights into urban life, architecture, and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. By analyzing Afandi's observations, researchers can reconstruct the socio-economic dynamics of Central Asia in the 1800s, contributing to our understanding of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kunya-Urgench, which preserves remnants of this era.
Lisa Golombek. The So-Called ‘Turabeg Khanom’ Mausoleum in Kunya Urgench: Problems of Attribution
A critical reassessment of the 'Turabeg Khanom' Mausoleum in Kunya-Urgench challenges its traditional attribution, questioning whether it predates or aligns with known Timurid architectural styles. The study, led by Lisa Golombek, a renowned expert on Timurid architecture, examines the mausoleum's exceptional tilework and mosaic quality to evaluate its historical placement. By analyzing stylistic elements and comparing them to other documented structures, the research aims to clarify the mausoleum's origins and significance within Central Asian architectural history.
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