Tatiana I. Yusupova’s research while affiliated with S.I. Vavilov Institute for the History of Science and Technology and other places

The paper continues the history of Academician V.V. Bartold’s research visit to Turkey in the first half of 1926. The trip was partly reflected in the scholar’s diary, which he kept from January 15 to February 17, 1926. Despite the small volume and brevity of the entries, they are very informative and present a valuable source for studying Bartold’s research activities. The diaries show that, during that period, the Academician was mainly engaged in the study of Oriental manuscripts in Istanbul libraries. In addition, Bartold communicated a lot with Turkish and European researchers working in Turkey at that time, and, on behalf of the USSR Academy of Sciences, discussed with them the possibility of organizing joint research projects. The diary also reflects Barthold’s preparations for the trip to Baku to participate in the First All-Union Turkological Congress. The information provided allows us to detail Bartold’s research work in Turkey and his activities in strengthening academic cooperation between the two countries.

Based on new archival materials, the paper briefly highlights the history of V.V. Bartold’s research visit to Turkey in 1926, particularly, its preparation, reasons, and goals. It is shown that the invitation was made by the Turkish government and supported by the Academy of Sciences of the USSR and by the People’s Commissariat for Foreign Affairs. Bartold mostly spent his time in Turkey preparing a series of lectures on the history of Central Asian peoples at the request of the Turkish side, and studying Oriental manuscripts in Istanbul libraries. Besides, he was busy carrying out the mission entrusted to him by the Academy of Sciences, to establish academic contacts with Turkish researchers. The period of Bartold’s stay in Constantinople (Istanbul) from January 2 to February 17, was reflected in his small diary. In daily entries, the Academician thoroughly recorded events, meetings with Turkish and European researchers, made brief notes about manuscripts and libraries. He also noted his impressions of scientific institutions and changes in the cultural space of the former Ottoman capital. The research visit of the renowned orientalist Academician V.V. Bartold to Turkey was an important contribution to strengthening scholarly contacts between Russian and Turkish researchers. The part of the diary from January 2 to January 14, 1926, in which Bartold describes the first two weeks of his stay in Constantinople, is published as an appendix.

Introduction. The article examines gift donations practiced during the 1923–1926 expedition to Mongolia and Tibet led by the outstanding Russian explorer of Central Asia Pyotr K. Kozlov. Goals. The paper seeks to analyze items approved by the Soviet Government for P. Kozlov to have selected from the State Depositary, reasons why the traveler did receive the precious artifacts of gold and silver, circumstances of donations, addressees, and the latter’s perceptions. Materials and methods. The work focuses on materials from the State Archive of the Russian Federation and P. Kozlov’s expedition diaries, the objectives set be articulated via individual gift donation stories (occasions) with Mongolian elites and the 13th Dalai Lama, corresponding motives and offering forms. Results. The paper shows the gift-giving practices were viewed by the traveler not only as some homage be paid to local cultures but rather as a means of communication with Mongolian officials and authorities for the latter’s assistance in solving problems faced by the Expedition. No other Russian explorer ever delivered such high-value items to have been used as gifts. Conclusions. This suggests the Bolshevik Government was hoping — with the help of Kozlov’s expedition — to facilitate positive images of Soviet Russia in Mongolia and Tibet (during a scheduled meeting with the Dalai Lama). The Appendix to the article includes several documents from the State Archive of Russia describing the selected gifts and their distribution by individuals.