Mongolian Studies in the Czech Republic: Personalities, Centers, Current State

Abstract

Nowadays, improving international relations and strengthening international ties are leading trends in the development of world economy. In the epoch of globalization, both western and eastern countries are trying to promote close mutually profitable partnership relations between countries, because it can serve as a trigger for their further gradual development. As it can be observed in the practice, in the 21st century, the dialogue between the developed European countries and the actively developing East is becoming especially successful and efficient for both parties. One of the unique examples of the interest of the West towards the East is the development of Oriental and Mongolian studies in the Czech Republic. Its climax can be observed in the 20th century. The author of the article proves that contemporary Mongolian studies in the Czech Republic play a significant role in European Oriental studies. Analysis of the scientific contribution of the leading Czech specialists in Mongolian studies: P. Poucha, Lumir Iisl, Ya. Vacek, I. Shima, I. Grollova is conducted. A brief description of the current state of Mongolian studies in Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic is given. The author draws a conclusion about the presence of scientific interest towards Mongolian linguistics and culture in Europe, which contributes to strengthening cultural identity of Mongolia. On the basis of continuity of research and the presence of an original scientific school of Mongolian studies in the Czech Republic, the author makes an assumption about the possibility of extending research of the issues of economy and economic geography of Mongolia, which will, undoubtedly, contribute to strengthening the relations between the countries.