Дискуссия А.З. Валидова и В.В. Бартольда об академическом востоковедении и империи

Abstract

Abstract This article analyses the correspondence between Ahmed Z. Validov (Validi), a historian and school tutor from the Volga region, and Vasiliy V. Barthold, a Russian historian and orientalist, a professor at the Petrograd University. The modern-day scholars primarily concentrate on Validov and Barthold’s academic legacy, their writings on manuscripts, archeology and ethnography. Apparently, the historians describe them as associates by using «mentor and student» metaphor. However, this position is far from revealing the true nature of this complicated relationship. What was the reason behind the communication between these two individuals? What did they discuss? Apart from the listing of manuscripts and archeological sites, both scholars were involved in the conversation about ethics and methods of Asian studies. They discussed the connections between the orientalists and local communities. To be specific, Barthold’s position was a widespread liberal positioning of a multinational and rightful empire as an ultimate good. Despite his indicative claim to support this position, Validov found multiple ruptures in Barthold’s thought. Validov criticised the Russian orientalists in anxiety and unreasonable hate towards the Muslim polymaths. He emphasised the insoluble contradictions in the Orientalists’ behaviour that hindered them from realising their ethical claims. This critical attitude is decisive in revealing the rationale behind the hostility between the knowledge-makers in the late Russian empire.