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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... more
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.
А н н о т а ц и я : Публикация представляет собой продолжение истории командировки академика В.В. Бартольда в Турцию в первой половине 1926 г. Частично поездка нашла отражение в дневнике ученого, который он вел с 3 января по 16 февраля 1926 г. Несмотря на небольшой объем и краткость записей, они очень информативны и являются ценным источником для изучения научной деятельности Бартольда. Дневники свидетельствуют, что основным занятием академика в этот период являлось изучение восточных рукописей в библиотеках Стамбула. Кроме того, он много общался с турецкими и европейскими учеными, работавшими в то время в Турции, и по поручению Академии наук СССР обсуждал с ними возможность организации совместных исследовательских проектов. На страницах дневника также отражена подготовка Бартольда к поездке в Баку для участия в Первом Всесоюзном тюркологическом съезде. Представленные сведения позволяют детализировать исследовательскую работу Бартольда в Турции и его деятельность по укреплению научного сотрудничества двух стран. К л ю ч е в ы е с л о в а : коллекции восточных рукописей, рукописные собрания Турции, европейские ученые в Турции, дневник В.В. Бартольда, советско-турецкие научные контакты.
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... more
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.
The article analyzes the notes of Russian scholars on the Mongolian Scientific Committee and their work in Mongolia in the 1920s–1940s. They contain the interesting details about the features of the Scientific Committee and its structural... more
The article analyzes the notes of Russian scholars on the Mongolian Scientific
Committee and their work in Mongolia in the 1920s–1940s. They contain
the interesting details about the features of the Scientific Committee and its
structural subdivisions, the contents of its activities. According to the author,
these notes are valuable evidence of the Mongolian Scientific Committee in this
period. Moreover, the impressions of scientists immediately after their stay in
Mongolia give vivid emotions addition to dry facts. This notes refute or clarify
the stereotypes of perception of Russian-Mongolian scientific interaction, show
the involvement of Mongolian researchers in this process, and also reflect the
attention interest of Russian scholars to the Mongolian “research field” and the
importance of interpersonal contacts.
The article presents an overview of ten volumes of the book series “Mongolia and Mongols. The history of Mongolia in photos”. This edition was the result of a great work carried out by the Mongolian historian, Member of Mongolian Academy... more
The article presents an overview of ten volumes of the book series “Mongolia and Mongols. The history of Mongolia in photos”. This edition was the result of a great work carried out by the Mongolian historian, Member of Mongolian Academy of Sciences Chuluun Sampidondov. In the article the concepts of each volume, the biographies of the photo collections  owners, the motivations for their trips to Mongolia, the main objects and plots of photographs are considered; visual images of Mongolia are briefl y analyzed. Th e review author comes to the conclusion that this edition has a valuable informative interdisciplinary potential and expresses confi dence that the books series will provide an opportunity to expand further
research in all fi elds of the history of Mongolia.
The structure of Russian science of the XIX century was dominated by state forms of its organization. At the same time, there were also a few private (non-governmental) forms of research communities. One of the little-studied phenomena of... more
The structure of Russian science of the XIX century was dominated by state forms of its organization. At the same time, there were also a few private (non-governmental) forms of research communities. One of the little-studied phenomena of scientific
privacy is the so-called “kruzhok” (a little circle in Russian). The article examines the history of the formation and activity of one of such “kruzhoks”, formed in the 1880s–1890s around Grand Duke Nikolai Mikhailovich, who was seriously engaged in research in the field of lepidopterology (the branch of entomology studying
butterflies, Lepidoptera). The role and significance of this “kruzhok” for the development of descriptive entomology in the situation of its weak institutionalization in Russia at the end of the XIX century are briefly considered, the course of scientific
research of the Grand Duke and his entourage and the reasons for the termination of their activity are discussed. The history of this informal association is interpreted by us as a manifestation of the purposeful life-making of the Grand Duke, who thus tried
to professionalize his hobby and enter the scientific community of entomologists on an equal footing, without breaking with his social environment and without going beyond the behavioral norms established by society for persons of his status. It is shown that the Nikolai Mikhailovich’s “kruzhok” became not only an instrument
of his life-making, but also an influential center of Russian lepidopterology, the development of which was thereby given a powerful impetus.
Abstract. 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... more
Abstract. 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.
The article discusses the history of research in the field of entomology (lepidopterology, the discipline studying butterflies, Lepidoptera), carried out in the late 19th century by Nikolai Mikhailovich, Grand Duke of Russia (1859–1919),... more
The article discusses the history of research in the field of entomology
(lepidopterology, the discipline studying butterflies, Lepidoptera), carried out in the late 19th century by Nikolai Mikhailovich, Grand Duke of Russia (1859–1919), and his closest associates who formed a scientific circle (“kruzhok”). We review the origins of the Grand Dukeʼs fascination with natural science, his research in the field of lepidopterology, and his activities devoted to assembling the largest private collection of butterflies in Russia. Nikolai Mikhailovich’s publications in entomology
as well as his work on the voluminous Mémoires sur les Lépidoptères in 9 volumes (1884–1901) are characterized. The authors discuss the motives for creating the Grand Dukeʼs entomological circle, its lines of work and membership, its achievements, and the causes of its dissolution at the very end of the 19th century. Nikolai Mikhailovich together with the small community of enthusiasts, brought together by him, played an important role in the development of entomology (descriptive lepidopterology) in the
Russian Empire. The history of the kruzhok’s formation and activities is of undoubted interest for the historians of science as a successful example of the “private” form of organization of scientific research, an alternative to government and public initiatives.
In 2021, Russia and Mongolia celebrated the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries. At the same time, that year is also an anniversary year for Mongolian science: 100 years ago, in November... more
In 2021, Russia and Mongolia celebrated the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries. At the same time, that year is also an anniversary year for Mongolian science: 100 years ago, in November 1921, the country's first research institution, the Mongolian Scientific Committee, was created, on the basis of which the Mongolian Academy of Sciences was organized in 1961. The Russian Academy of Sciences became the first international partner of the Scientific Committee. Since then, various scientific contacts have been established between our countries. Their development was associated with the creation in 1925 under the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR of a special Mongolian commission, which in 1927 was included in the structure of the USSR Academy of Sciences. Until 1953, she coordinated the scientific cooperation between the Scientific Committee (since 1930, the Committee of Sciences) of the MPR and the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. The article, prepared based on the results of many years of research by the author, examines the reasons for the organization of the Mongolian Commission, the contexts, forms, nature and disciplinary directions of Russian-Mongolian scientific relations of the Soviet period, from 1921 to 1961, the main participants in this process. The author comes to the conclusion that the scientific contacts between the two countries developed on mutually beneficial terms, were meaningful and fruitful for both sides.
Grigory Efimovich Grumm-Grzhimailo (also spelled Grumm-Grshimailo, Grum-Grshimailo), a renowned explorer of Pamir and Central Asia, began his long (over 50 years) and diverse scientific career as a lepidopterist. His first publications... more
Grigory Efimovich Grumm-Grzhimailo (also spelled Grumm-Grshimailo, Grum-Grshimailo), a renowned explorer of Pamir and Central Asia, began his long (over 50 years) and diverse scientific career as a lepidopterist. His first publications were devoted to the taxonomy and zoogeography of Lepidoptera. Grumm-Grzhimailo’s deep interest in this insect group provoked him to set out on his expeditions to Central Asia, with Grand Duke Nikolai Mikhailovich Romanov (1859‒1919) having played a decisive role in his formation as a researcher. Four Pamir expeditions (1884-1887)  were organised on Grand Duke’s initiative, three of which were also funded by him. During these expeditions, Grumm-Grzhimailo gathered extensive entomological collections and developed an original ecological-geographical method for reconstructing the history of the Lepidoptera fauna
in the context of environmental conditions and geological history of the region under study. This method was successfully used by him to process the findings of his 1889-1890 expedition to Central Asia. Unfortunately, his innovative approach has not been met with broad acceptance among his colleagues, which was probably one of the reasons for his departure from being extensively engaged in the studies on Lepidoptera in the early 1890s and turning to the studies on the geography of Central Asia and the history of its nations.
This article offers a brief biography of Grumm-Grzhimailo anda general overview of his  contributions to lepidopterology, and briefly reviews his personal and scientific relationship with Grand Duke Nikolai Mikhailovich and other entomologists from his circle of amateur entomologists. Grumm-Grzhimailo’s works on the taxonomy and zoogeography of Macrolepidoptera retain their scientific value to this day, which is also true for his collections that reflect the state of the butterfly fauna of Central Asia in the late 19th century before the beginning of intensive development of this region.
The article highlights the life and scientific activities of the prominent Russian historian of science, Judith Khaimovna Kopelevich (1921–2009). A graduate of Leningrad University, a classical philologist, a participant in the Great... more
The article highlights the life and scientific activities of the prominent Russian historian of science, Judith Khaimovna Kopelevich (1921–2009). A graduate of Leningrad University, a classical philologist, a participant in the Great Patriotic War, as a scientist, she went from a translator of Latin texts to a leading specialist in the history of the 18th century Academy of Sciences, who was widely known and respected in the world scientific community. Her scientific activities are associated
with the St. Petersburg branch of the Institute of History of Science and Technology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IHST RAS; until 1991 — the Leningrad branch of the IHST), where she worked for almost 50 years. The publication examines the conditions in which the personality of the future historian of science was formed, motivations and circumstances that determined the choice of a profession, research priorities, and briefly analyzes the main directions of activity and works of
yu.Kh. Kopelevich and their importance for the study of the history of the Academy of Sciences. It is shown that classical philological education, knowledge of Latin and foreign languages, the ability to read manuscripts of the 18th century and professional ethics determined the uniqueness and high scientific level of her works on the history of formation and the early days of the Academy of Sciences’ activities. The works of yu.Kh. Kopelevich continued the academic traditions laid down by her predecessors and marked the beginning of a new stage in the development of the history of the
Academy of Sciences — its social aspects.
This work publishes several letters from Grand Duke Nikolai Mikhailovich Romanov, known as an amateur entomologist and organizer of lepidopterological research in Russia, to his colleague and collaborator, the outstanding Russian traveler... more
This work publishes several letters from Grand Duke Nikolai Mikhailovich Romanov, known as an amateur entomologist and organizer of lepidopterological research in Russia, to his colleague and collaborator, the outstanding Russian traveler Grigory Efimovich Grumm-Grzhimailo. Letters written in the period from 1884 to 1899 are kept in the archive of the Russian Geographical Society and have not yet been published and anazyled. Their content is mainly devoted to the organization of lepidopterological research, but also contains a lot of biographical information and valuable details about the circle of entomologists that formed around the Grand Duke, the peculiarities of the interaction of Grumm-Grzhimailo with his high-ranking colleague and patron. The letters are preceded by a short essay, which highlights the main facts of the biography of Grumm-Grzhimailo and the activities of the Grand Duke during the period of correspondence. The publication may be of interest to both historians of science and professional entomologists.
В статье отмечаются основные тенденции развития монголоведения в России в XX в. Автор анализирует библиографические указатели по монголоведению, тематику и проблематику представленных в них публикаций.
The article analyzes the official academic trips of academicians V. V. Bartold, N. Ya. Marr, A. N. Samoylovich, and other Russian Orientalists to Turkey in the 1920–1930s. It is shown that their trips were one of the main components in... more
The article analyzes the official academic trips of academicians V. V. Bartold, N. Ya. Marr, A. N. Samoylovich, and other Russian Orientalists to Turkey in the 1920–1930s. It is shown that their trips were one of the main components in the structure of interstate relations with Turkey built by the Soviet government. At the same time, they played an important role in the development of academic contacts of the USSR Academy of Sciences with Turkish researchers. It is noted that these trips were initiated by Turkey. The personal research programs of Orientalists included lecturing, work in Turkish libraries and archives, and participation in Linguistic congresses.
Particular attention is paid to the trip to Turkey of academicians N. Ya. Marr and A. N. Samoylovich at the personal invitation of the first president of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal, in 1933. This trip was especially important for the development of Soviet-Turkish scientific contacts, and its main result was the creation of the Commission for the Promotion of Scientific Relations with Turkey (Turkish Commission) of the USSR Academy of Sciences in 1933.
The article is centered at a case from the work of the Museum for the History of Religion of the Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R., when the top managers of the Academy tried to put it out of the academic system. Founded in 1932, thе... more
The article is centered at a case from the work of the Museum for the History of Religion of the Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R., when the top managers of the Academy tried to put it out of the academic system. Founded in 1932, thе Museum was regularly under criticism for not good enough research work. The reason was the very specific fot the Museum – on the point of view of the Academy’s top managers, the work of the Museum was connected more with the exhibition and educative activity, than the research one. The stenographic report of a meeting of the Presidium of the Academy of Sciences from August 1937, which is published in the attachment, illustrates the conflict between the Museum and the top management of the Academy; it provides additional information on the history of the Museum and its activity, it reflects some complications of the process of the shaping of
the Museum and searches for its place in the system of the Academy, as well as other problems – those which the research community faced at the epoch of the Great Terror.
In this article the history of the Joint Russian-Mongolian Paleontological Expedition (JRMPE) and its work and main results are described. The organization of the expedition (Soviet-Mongolian at that time) in 1969 was preceded by a hard... more
In this article the history of the Joint Russian-Mongolian Paleontological Expedition (JRMPE) and its work and main results are described. The organization of the expedition (Soviet-Mongolian at that time) in 1969 was preceded by a hard and lengthy work to promote this idea in academic and state institutions. The joint expedition was planned as a complex one by both the tasks and the tactics of their implementation. As a result, the JRMPE became the largest expedition in the history of paleontology. The excavations carried out within its framework provided the most important scientific materials and significantly replenished the paleontological collections of the museums in Moscow and Ulaanbaatar. The JRMPE became the basis for the development of paleontology in Mongolia and the training of highly qualified scientific personnel for Russia and Mongolia.
The history of the Joint Russian‒Mongolian Paleontological Expedition (JRMPE) and its work and main results are described. The organization of the expedition (then Soviet‒Mongolian) in 1969 followed hard and lengthy work to promote this... more
The history of the Joint Russian‒Mongolian Paleontological Expedition (JRMPE) and its work and main results are described. The organization of the expedition (then Soviet‒Mongolian) in 1969 followed hard and lengthy work to promote this idea in academic and state institutions. The joint expedition was planned as a complex one by both the tasks and the tactics of their implementation. As a result, the JRMPE became the largest expedition in the history of paleontology. The excavations carried out within its framework provided the most important scientific materials and significantly replenished the paleontological collections of the museums in Moscow and Ulaanbaatar. The JRMPE became the basis for the development of paleontology in Mongolia and the training of highly qualified scientific personnel for Russia and Mongolia. //
В статье описывается история Совместной российско-монгольской палеонтологической экспедиции (СРМПЭ), её деятельность и основные результаты. Организации экспедиции в 1969 г. (тогда советско-монгольской) предшествовала большая и продолжительная работа по продвижению этой
идеи в академических и государственных инстанциях. Совместная экспедиция закладывалась как комплексная и по характеру задач, и по тактике их выполнения. В результате СРМПЭ стала крупнейшей экспедицией в истории палеонтологии. Осуществлявшиеся в её рамках раскопки дали важнейшие научные материалы и значительно пополнили палеонтологические коллекции музеев Москвы и Улан-Батора. СРМПЭ стала базой для развития палеонтологии в Монголии, подготовки научных кадров высшей квалификации для России и Монголии.
The article considers an example from the history of Soviet science of the 1940s within the framework of the definition of scientific leadership as a research activity involving, firstly, the cognitive influence of the scientist on the... more
The article considers an example from the history of Soviet science of the 1940s within the framework of the definition of scientific leadership as a research activity involving, firstly, the cognitive influence of the scientist on the academic community, and, secondly, his ability to use rational mechanisms to implement the initiated scientific ideas. The emphasis is made on the second part of the definition identifying personal qualities, mechanisms, and tools that determined the managerial effectiveness of the scientific leader (I. A. Efremov) in specific social contexts. It is shown that in order to approve his expeditions I. A. Efremov had to overcome internal-academic, and external-state administrative and bureaucratic barriers. The success of his organizational activities was determined by personal qualities, his scientific authority, knowledge of the structure of public administration of science, and his communication networks as well. During his first expedition, he ventured change the route, something which became the main factor of its scientific effectiveness and further success in Mongolia. At the stage of organizing the expedition, I. A. Efremov showed himself as an succesful manager of the scientific project, and when choosing a route — as a scientist, capable of producing extraordinary ideas and taking responsibility for their realization. While before the Mongolian expeditions I. A. Efremov was considered as a distinguished scientist and an outstanding expert in his field of knowledge, after the results of Mongolian expeditions he became a recognized scientific leader in the field of vertebrate paleontology. At the same time, this recognition did not affect the advancement of his scientific career inside the USSR Academy of Sciences.
В статье рассматриваются общие вопросы создания и деятельности Комиссии по научным экспедициям РАН, ее функционирование в системе академических учреждений, основные этапы и специфика работы. Особое внимание уделяется первым годам... more
В статье рассматриваются общие вопросы создания и деятельности Комиссии по научным экспедициям РАН, ее функционирование в системе академических учреждений, основные этапы и специфика работы. Особое внимание уделяется первым годам существования Комиссии, в меньшей степени отраженным в литературе по истории Академии наук
/ This esay analyzes the organization and activities of the Russian Academy of Science's Commission on Scientific Expeditions, the Commision's role in the system of acdemic institutions, and the main stages and specific features of its work. The author focused mainly on the Commission's early years, which have received little detailed attention in the existing literature.
The article presents a brief overview of the expeditionary photo albums of Russian researchers who were members of the expeditions of the Mongolian Commission of the USSR Academy of Sciences in the 1920s — L.A. Amsterdamskaya, V.A.... more
The article presents a brief overview of the expeditionary photo albums of Russian researchers who were members of the expeditions of the Mongolian Commission of the USSR Academy of Sciences in the 1920s — L.A. Amsterdamskaya, V.A. Kazakevich, E.V. Kozlova, K.L. Ostrovetsky, N.N. Poppe, and the traveler P.K. Kozlov, — stored in the Mongolian archives. These photo albums were annexed to the reports that expedition members submitted to the Mongolian Scientific Committee per the agreements between the Mongolian Commission and the Scientific Committee. It is shown that expeditionary photographic materials are the important sources on the history of the exploring of Mongolia by the Academy of Sciences, the analysis of the conditions and methods of expeditions’ work, as well as the joint activities of Russian and Mongolian researchers.
/ В статье представлен краткий обзор хранящихся в монгольских архивах экспедиционных фотоальбомов российских исследователей — участников экспедиций Монгольской комиссии АН СССР в 1920-х гг.: Л.А. Амстердамской, В.А. Казакевича, Е.В. Козловой, К.Л. Островецкого, Н.Н. Поппе и путешественника П.К. Козлова. Фотоальбомы являлись приложением к отчетам, которые они передавали в Монгольский Ученый комитет в соответствии с договорами между Монгольской комиссией и Ученым комитетом. Показано, что экспедиционные фотоматериалы являются важным источником по истории изучения Монголии Академией наук, а также при анализе условий и методов работы экспедиций и в совместной деятельности российских и монгольских исследователей.
This article compares two projects of a Museum for the History of Science and Technology, initiated in the 1920s and 1930s. One of these projects was conceived by V. I. Vernadsky and is well known from the literature. The archival... more
This article compares two projects of a Museum for the History of Science and Technology, initiated in the 1920s and 1930s. One of these projects was conceived by V. I. Vernadsky and is well known from the literature. The
archival materials concerning the second project were discovered only recently. It was initiated in 1936 in connection with the construction of the Academy
of Sciences Presidium complex in Moscow, where the Academy’s museums were to be hosted. The Museum for the History of Science and Technology was planned as part of an ambitious Academy of Sciences’ museum plan,
and a dedicated Museum Commission was created to implement this plan. It is shown that the concepts of these two museums were fundamentally different: the first concept was intended to demonstrate the evolution and
technical implementation of scientific ideas while the second was planned as a platform for demonstrating the socialist system’s advantages for the development of science and technology. The latter concept, however, had not been unanimously accepted by the scientific  community, which was reflected in an ample discussion of the museum concept. The arrest of the key actors in
1937, the closure of the Institute for the History of Science and Technology, and the abolition of the Museum Commission brought to an end the work on
the second project of the Museum for the History of Science and Technology.
This article examines the change in public access of the Zoological Museum of the Imperial St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences from the second half of the 19th to the early 20th century. During this period, the Zoological Museum was... more
This article examines the change in public access of the Zoological Museum of the Imperial St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences from the second half of the 19th to the early 20th century. During this period, the Zoological Museum was transformed from an institution devoted to research to a large scientific and popular educational center. Discussions about expanding public access to the Zoological Museum began in the 1860s as part of the implementation of liberal-democratic reforms in Russia. The Museum did not immediately respond to the new social setting because its managers considered scientific research the priority. Nevertheless, they did take some steps towards meeting the needs of the public in the 1860s and still more effective changes in the Museum's activities in the early 1890s. The rise in public interest in the natural sciences and the creation of large museums of natural history in Europe stimulated the government and the management of the Academy of Sciences to create a public zoological museum in St. Petersburg. The Zoological Museum was given a new building, significant additional funding, and new regulations, which defined its scientific and popular educational functions as equally important. Because of these measures, the Zoological Museum could function not only as a research institute, but also as a public museum by the early 20th century.
The article highlights the events that preceded the creation of the Commission for the Promotion of Scientific Relations with Turkey (the Turkish Commission) in the structure of the Academy of Sciences, USSR. At the request of the... more
The article highlights the events that preceded the creation of the Commission for the Promotion of Scientific Relations with Turkey (the Turkish Commission) in the structure of the Academy of Sciences, USSR. At the request of the President of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal, the Academy of Sciences sent two Soviet Turkologists — academicians N.Ya. Marr and A.N. Samoilovich as the President of Turkey emphasized the importance of their activities in his reform efforts to determine new cultural
and national priorities: Their invitation was related to the creation of Turkish historical and linguistic societies on the initiative of Kemal. This trip of Soviet academicians was an important step in the development of scientific contacts between the USSR Academy of Sciences and Turkish scientists in the 1930s. Documents from the State Archive of the Russian Federation and the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation make it possible to trace in detail the preparation of N.Ya. Marr and
A.N. Samoilovich’s visit to Turkey, reflect the role of the People’s Commissariat of Foreign Affairs in its implementation and motivation for choosing specifically these scholars, demonstrate the importance that the Foreign Policy Department attached to scientific interaction in the structure of Soviet-Turkish relations. The correspondence of the Soviet diplomatic mission in Turkey and the People’s Commissariat for Foreign Affairs on the organization of the visit to Turkey of N.Ya. Marr and
A.N. Samoilovich is given in an attachment.
“IT IS NECESSARY TO PREPARE THE CREATION OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES IN THE COUNTRY”: FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE DELEGATION OF MONGOLIAN SCIENTISTS TO THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR (NOVEMBER 1960): The article considers the details... more
“IT IS NECESSARY TO PREPARE THE CREATION OF THE ACADEMY
OF SCIENCES IN THE COUNTRY”: FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE DELEGATION
OF MONGOLIAN SCIENTISTS TO THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR (NOVEMBER 1960): The article considers the details of the preparation of the first official visit of the delegation of the Mongolian Committee of Sciences to the USSR Academy of Sciences, its goals, objectives, the content of the meetings, and the particular features of the long-term cooperation agreement concluded between the Mongolian Committee of Sciences and the USSR Academy of Sciences. It is shown that this visit was of great importance for the creation of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. During the visit, the Mongolian delegation got acquainted with the organization of the work of the Presidium of the Academy of Sciences, with the principles of forming a plan for academic research, the monitoring of their implementation, and other issues of science management in the USSR.
В cтатье рассмотрены подробности подготовки  первого официального визита делегации Комитета наук МНР в Академию наук СССР, его цели,
задачи, содержание проведенных встреч и особенности заключенного Договора о сотрудничестве между Комитетом науки МНР и Академией наук СССР. Показано, что этот визит имел важное значение для создания Академии наук Монголии. В ходе визита монгольская делегации познакомилась с организацией работы Президиума Академии наук СССР, с принципами формирования плана научно-исследовательских работ, контроля
за их выполнением и другими вопросами руководства наукой в СССР.
The article considers one of the plots of the recent history of the St. — Petersburg branch of the Institute for the History of Science and Technology of Russian Academy of Sciences — another attempt to create the Museum for the History... more
The article considers one of the plots of the recent history of the St. — Petersburg branch of the Institute for the History of Science and Technology of Russian Academy of Sciences — another attempt to create the Museum for the History of Science and Technology in Leningrad, which was initiated in 1988. The museum with a network of branches — memorial apartments of scientists — was
planned as a joint project of the Leningrad branch of IHST, the International Fund for the History of
Science and the city.
The implementation of the project was preceded by the work on the conversion of the apartments of
scientists into museums, where several apartments were considered. The organization of the Museum
itself began with attempts to get from the city a building where it could be located. Since the idea of
the museum found support in the Culture Department of the City government, the main efforts were focused on this main goal.
But as this issue was not solved, the practical work on Museum’s creation was transformed into a methodical study of the problems of the museumification of scientific collections. Only a memorial museum of the traveler P. K. Kozlov remained from the museum project in the Leningrad branch of IHST. The idea of Museum’s organization and the course of its realization reflected the features of the perestroika period in the activities of the Leningrad branch of the IHST, with the ambitious plans of its leaders, which was typical for that time, along with not always clear understanding of the possibilities and ways of their implementation. At the same time, thanks to this museum project, the thematic field of Leningrad / St Petersburg Branch’s studies has been expanded and the experience in preserving the scientific heritage of scientists has been accumulated.
The article examines what is behind the definition of Soviet-Mongolian scientific connections that took place in Soviet historiography as a relationship of a new type. Regarding this objective, the prerequisites and history of... more
The article examines what is behind the definition of Soviet-Mongolian scientific connections that took place
in Soviet historiography as a relationship of a new type. Regarding this objective, the prerequisites and history of
establishment in the mid 1920s of close cooperation between the Academy of Sciences of the USSR and the
Committee of Sciences of the Mongolian People's Republic (the first Mongolian scientific institution), its specifics, the main disciplinary fields, and some quantitative results are discussed. It is noted that almost during all this period the cooperation of the Academy of Sciences with the Committee of Sciences was organizationally separated from its other contacts and took place in the conditions of limited international communications of the two countries’ researchers. A certain attention is paid to the reasons for the interest of Soviet scientists in studies of Mongolia. It is shown that the Academy of Sciences could obtain government support in organizing research activities
in Mongolia in response to the requests of the Committee of Sciences to assist in the study of the country.
The model and structure of scientific relations were built according to external factors (international isolation of
Mongolia until 1946) and internal factors (development of national scientific society and institutions), within the
framework of international treaties, and on the basis of agreements between the Academy of Sciences and the
Committee of Sciences. The author concludes that Soviet-Mongolian academic cooperation today cannot be considered only within the framework of Soviet expansion into Mongolia. The definition given in the title of the article
reflects the actual aspects of contacts between Soviet and Mongolian researchers that differed from the cooperation
with other international partners. The Committee of Sciences provided the Academy of Sciences with an
opportunity to implement its wide-ranging and decades-long research programs on the territory of Mongolia, and
the Soviet researchers assisted the Committee of Sciences in studying of the country and in the development of Mongolian scientific institutions.
The article highlights the regulatory legal acts maintaining the interaction between the Academy of Sciences of the USSR and the Committee of Science of the MPR in the 1925s–1950s. It is shown that the work of Soviet researchers in... more
The article highlights the regulatory legal acts maintaining the interaction
between the Academy of Sciences of the USSR and the Committee of Science
of the MPR in the 1925s–1950s. It is shown that the work of Soviet
researchers in Mongolia was carried out in strict accordance with the norms
of international law, within the framework of interstate arrangements, and
on the basis of agreements between the Academy of Sciences or its institutions
and the Committee of Sciences The agreements between the Academy
of Sciences and the Committee of Sciences in the first years of cooperation
were signed annually, then they became long-term. These documents legally
secured the forms and content of cooperation and removed the issues of
legal maintenance of the Soviet scientists’ work in Mongolia. The article
notes that Soviet researchers showed a responsible attitude towards fulfilling
their obligations to the Committee of Sciences of the MPR, which
had a positive effect on the building of trustful interstate relations with
Mongolia, including scientific cooperation.

Keywords: Academy of Sciences of the USSR; the Committee of Science
(the Scientific Committee); The Mongolian commission, cooperation
agreements.
The article describes the events that preceded the foundation of the Commission for the scientific study of Mongolia under the patronage of the Council of the People’s Commissars of the USSR in March, 1925. Particular attention is paid to... more
The article describes the events that preceded the foundation of the Commission for the scientific study of
Mongolia under the patronage of the Council of the People’s Commissars of the USSR in March, 1925. Particular attention is paid to the special government Сommission for the review of preliminary reports of P. K. Kozlov's expedition that decided at its meeting to organize a large-scale study of Mongolia by the Russian Academy of Sciences / USSR Academy of Sciences. A verbatim report of this session's discussion part, which allows to understand the motivation of the scientific community and the government in deciding on the study of Mongolia, is included as an appendix.
This paper discusses the history of the organization of the First Mongolian Paleontological Expedition in 1941 and 1946 based on archives and publications. It describes the bureaucratic red tape at the time, the questions faced by the... more
This paper discusses the history of the organization of the First Mongolian Paleontological Expedition in 1941 and 1946 based on archives and publications. It describes the bureaucratic red tape at the time,
the questions faced by the administration of the Paleontological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the head of the expedition, and how they were solved, to facilitate an expedition at a time when the inter national affairs of the Academy of Sciences in the 1940s were strictly controlled by the Communist Party and the Soviet Government.
The publication briefly presents the historical outline of medieval Tangut city Khara-Khoto discovery by Mongol-Sichuan 1907–1909 expedition guided by a prominent Russian traveler P.K.Kozlov. The diaries kept by P.K.Kozlov during the... more
The publication briefly presents the historical outline of medieval Tangut city Khara-Khoto discovery by Mongol-Sichuan 1907–1909 expedition guided by a prominent Russian traveler P.K.Kozlov. The diaries kept by P.K.Kozlov during the expedition are also characterized. A diary excerpt where P.K.Kozlov describes the second visit to Khara-Khoto when glorified his name unique finds were made in one of suburgans is given as an application
1920-е годы Сергей Федорович Ольденбург не только являлся непременным секретарем Академии наук и директором Азиатского Музея, но и возглавлял несколько академических комиссий: Комиссию по научным экспедициям (1921–1926), Центральное бюро... more
1920-е годы Сергей Федорович Ольденбург не только являлся непременным секретарем Академии наук и директором Азиатского Музея, но и возглавлял несколько академических комиссий: Комиссию по научным экспедициям (1921–1926), Центральное бюро краеведения (1922–1927), Комиссию по составлению справочника «Наука и научные работники СССР» (1921–1930), Монгольскую комиссию (1925–1926 гг. — заместитель председателя,
1927–1929 гг. — председатель)2 и др. «Монгольское направление» многообразной деятельности С.Ф. Ольденбурга до сих пор остается несколько в тени, хотя этой работе он отдавал много времени и сил и как ученый-востоковед, и как организатор науки. В истории создания Монгольской комиссии ярко проявилось умение Ольденбурга отстаивать интересы научного сообщества и вести диалог с властью для получения государственного заказа, а значит, и финансирования исследовательских программ Академии наук. В статье рассмотрена роль Ольденбурга в организации Монгольской комиссии АН СССР и мотивация его действий.
Sensational discoveries of dinosaur fossils in Mongolia by the American expedition led by Roy Chapman Andrews in the 1920s prompted Soviet plans to organize a paleontological expedition to the area. The article describes the process of... more
Sensational discoveries of dinosaur fossils in Mongolia by the American expedition led by Roy Chapman Andrews in the 1920s prompted Soviet plans to organize a paleontological expedition to the area. The article describes the process of its
preparation and why the expedition, led by I. A. Efremov, could not depart earlier than 1946. The Soviet Academy of Sciences coordinated its plans with the Mongolian Scientifi c Committee, which helped to choose the path and locations that would prove crucial for the expedition’s success. The Academy also had to ensure approval from the Soviet government for an international expedition, which was not trivial in the
tense political situation of the late 1940s and illustrates the intricacies of state control over the international activities of Soviet scientists.
A book by the Russian explorer of Central Asia P.K. Kozlov "Mongolia and Amdo and dead city Khara-Khoto" was translated and published in Germany in 1925, when Russian and German geographers were reestablishing their ties in the changed... more
A book by the Russian explorer of Central Asia P.K. Kozlov  "Mongolia and Amdo and dead city Khara-Khoto" was translated and published in Germany in 1925, when  Russian and German geographers were reestablishing  their ties in the changed political situation after WW I and revolutions in both countries. The history of its publication is shown to related to the personal plans of the book's German editor, Wilhelm Filchner, to organize en expedition to Central Asia.
The article sheds light on the hitherto unstudied aspects of the expedition to Mongolia and Tibet headed by an outstanding Russian explorer of Central Asia, Petr Kozlov. This expedition was organized by the Russian Geographical Society... more
The article sheds light on the hitherto unstudied aspects of the expedition to Mongolia and Tibet headed by an outstanding Russian explorer of Central Asia, Petr Kozlov. This expedition was organized by the Russian Geographical Society and funded by the Soviet government. Kozlov dreamed to reach Lhasa – a capital of Tibet. However, the expedition had to change its destination from Tibet to Mongolia, and the reasons for this shift have long remained obscure. It is only recently that the documents relating to its organization have become available to historians, providing some clues to this change. The major reason seems to have been an intrigue against Kozlov, launched in the fall of 1923 by a fraction of top bureaucrats, including the head of Soviet secret police, F.E. Dzerzhinskii, and the Commissar for Foreign Affairs, G.V. Chicherin. Apart from that, the newly discovered materials reveal the many other complications involved in the organization of the expedition. The multi-stage process of its project approval (involving such agencies as the Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, State Planning Committee, Committee for Scientific Research, and the Council of Soviet Commissars), the intervention of the Academy of Sciences into Kozlov's plans with a view to take the expedition under its own control, the cancellation of the project and its subsequent revival under the new guise of "Mongolian expedition" provide an opportunity to re-examine the history of Kozlov's last journey, taking account of the complex relationships between science and politics in early Soviet history.
The article analyses the main directions of Zhamtsarano' activities as one of the main leader of the Mongolian Scietific Committee during the 1920s.
We believe that special approach to motivation for choosing a topic (or region) is one of the distinguishing features of national scientific schools. Most evidently national and nationalistic features of the Russian science could be seen... more
We believe that special approach to motivation for choosing a topic (or region) is one of the distinguishing features of national scientific schools. Most evidently national and nationalistic features of the Russian science could be seen in geographical expeditions of N.M. Przhevalsky and his progeny and followers V.M. Pevtsov, V.I. Roborovsky, P.K. Kozlov and other to Central Asia in the late 19th – early 20th cc. The splash of geographical investigation of this region was the consequence of established geopolitical interests in Central Asia. That was the reason why the state actively support and fund those expeditions. We should say that different social groups in Russia also support widely the Imperial claims for the territories in Central Asia and the efforts to expand the possessions of the state in that region. To some extent popular Eurasian ideas of “slavianofil” groups made for this support. Active period of investigation of Central Asia lasted 50 years, from the first expedition of N.M. Przhevalsky in 1870 to the First World War. During this period some significant changes were made to motivation for expeditions, their goals, tasks and research methods.
By the analysis of expeditions of Przhevalsky and his followers we can discover complex links between Russian nationalism, “historic mission” for enlightenment of Central Asian nations and geopolitical problems. The approach to the investigation of the region differs from the strongly Imperial views of Przhevalsky, who called for using force when dealing with the eastern neighbors, of his follower Kozlov, who believed that Russian influence in Central Asia should be reinforced “by means of close economic communication”. The form of organization of investigation and its methods changed accordingly: from military reconnaissance to scientific research of natural resources due to pragmatic reasons of establishing international affairs.
Scientific contacns between Soviet Russia and Mongolia were established in the mid- 1920s, and they constitute to this day one of the most actively developed international collaborations of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Historically,... more
Scientific contacns between Soviet Russia and Mongolia were established in the mid- 1920s, and they constitute to this day one of the most actively developed international collaborations of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Historically, these efforts took differenr forms: foreign aid on the part of the Soviet Union from 1920 until the mid-1960s, a bilateral partnership fromthe 1960s until the end of the 1989s, and. after a period of stagnation from 1990 to 2000, active scientivic collaboration throgh both bilateral and multilateral agreements and treaties. Support for and interest in scietific cooperation between the Soviet Union and Mongolia changed depending on the internatoinal status of Mongokia, the state of the Russian-Mongolian relationship, and the internal political situation in each country. Nonetheless, the collabrative relationschip was always distinguished by its fruitful character, which refflected scientific organizations' mutual intrrests.
The article discusses one of the most famous arceological discoveris of the first quarter of the twentieth century - the excavation of the Hun (xiongnu) burials in the Noyon Uul Mountains in Mongolia.Seemingly accidential events led to... more
The article discusses one of the most famous arceological discoveris of the first quarter of the twentieth century - the excavation of the Hun (xiongnu) burials in the Noyon Uul Mountains in Mongolia.Seemingly accidential events led to this discovery, which in turn became enormously importent for the Russian Academy of Sciences' development of the program for extensive studies of Mongolia, for the establishment of research directions and principles of cooperation between the Mongolian Scientific Committee and RAS, and for the solving of a series of methodological and technical problems in the discipline of archeology.
The publication of this collective monograph is timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Soviet-Mongolian diplomatic relations and the creation of the Scientific Committee, the first academic institution in Mongolia. The articles... more
The publication of this collective monograph is timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Soviet-Mongolian diplomatic relations and the creation of the Scientific Committee, the first academic institution in Mongolia. The articles included in the volume are based on a wide range of sources many of which are used for the first time; their authors analyze the prerequisites for close bilateral contacts between Russia and Mongolia, the birth of the Mongolian statehood in the period between the two revolutions (of 1911 and 1921) and the Soviet-Mongolian negotiations in Moscow in 1921. The articles also discuss the evolution of Russian-Mongolian scientific contacts, their variety, peculiar features and the persons who largely contributed to the process, as well as modern interpretations of some issues related to the history, jurisprudence, historiography and literature of Mongolia.
The book is intended for scholars and a wide circle of readers who take interest in the history of Mongolia
Российское изучение Центральной Азии: исторические и современные аспекты (к 150-летию П.К. Козлова) Российское изучение Центральной Азии: исторические и современные аспекты (к 150-летию П.К. Козлова) / Отв. ред. К.В. Чистяков; ред.-сост.... more
Российское изучение Центральной Азии: исторические и современные аспекты (к 150-летию П.К. Козлова) Российское изучение Центральной Азии: исторические и современные аспекты (к 150-летию П.К. Козлова) / Отв. ред. К.В. Чистяков; ред.-сост. Т.И. Юсупова;  ред. Т.Ю. Гнатюк.  – СПб.: Политехника-сервис, 2014. –  408 с.

В сборник включены  доклады, прозвучавшие на конференции «Российское изучение Центральной Азии: исторические и современные аспекты», которая состоялась в Санкт-Петербурге 15-17 октября 2013 г. и была посвящена 150-летию путешественника, исследователя Центральной Азии П.К. Козлова (1863-1935). В докладах  представлены  историческая ретроспектива и современные проблемы естественно-научного, археологического  и этнографического изучения Центральной Азии, анализ влияния геополитических факторов на интенсивность и научную проблематику исследования Центральной Азии,  деятельность отдельных ученых по изучению этого региона, а также материалы, посвященные жизни и деятельности П.К. Козлова.

The Russian exploration of Central  Asia in historical perspective and its contemporary aspects (In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Petr K. Kozlov)  / K.V.  Chistyakov and  T.I.Yusupova,  editors-in-chief; Т.Yu. Gnatyuk, editor. – SPb.: Politechnika-servis, 2014. –  408 p.

The collection of articles consists of papers presented at the conference “The Russian exploration of Central  Asia in historical perspective and its contemporary aspects”, which was held in St. Petersburg on 15-17th October 2013 and was dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the explorer of Central Asia Piotr K. Kozlov (1863–1935 ). Articles discuss the  history of studying and modern  problems of exploration of Central Asia from scientific, archaeological and ethnological perspectives. They analyze the impact of geopolitical factors on the intensity of field exploration and subject-matters of Central Asian Studies. Also, there are materials related to the life and work of Piotr K. Kozlov.
The book analyses the most important reasons for the large-scale Soviet scientific initiatives in Mongolia, their legal grounds, aims, objects and the main trends of the expedition work of the Mongolian Commission, as well as the... more
The  book analyses the most important reasons for the large-scale Soviet scientific initiatives in Mongolia, their legal grounds, aims, objects and the main trends of the expedition work of the Mongolian Commission, as well as the interaction of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR and the Mongolian Scientific Committee.
В материалах сборника на примере деятельности монгольских и российских ученых в Монголии и для Монголии показаны особенности установления и развития монгольско-российского научного сотрудничества, рассмотрен их вклад в создание... more
В материалах сборника на примере деятельности монгольских и российских ученых в Монголии и для Монголии показаны  особенности  установления и развития  монгольско-российского научного сотрудничества, рассмотрен их вклад в создание естественно-научных и гуманитарных направлений монгольской науки и изучение страны.  Использованные при подготовке статей многочисленные архивные материалы помогают раскрыть влияние сложных исторических процессов, происходивших  в монгольском обществе, на деятельность Ученого комитета и его взаимодействие с российскими исследователями и научными учреждениями  в этот период, демонстрируют искреннюю заинтересованность российских ученых в работе в Монголии, в контактах  с монгольскими коллегами.
В приложении публикуются письма  ученого секретаря Монгольского Учкома  Ц.Ж. Жамцарано к непременному секретарю РАН, академику С.Ф. Ольденбургу  и ученого секретаря Комитета наук  М.И. Тубянского  к академику Ф.И. Щербатскому, которые иллюстрируют организационное становление и  выработку основных направлений научного сотрудничества Монголии и России в 1920–1930-х гг.
The collection of articles examines the activities of several leading Mongolian and Russian academics who worked in Mongolia and for Mongolia from 1920 to 1950. It describes the unique character of the origins and development of Mongolian-Russian scholarly cooperation as well its contribution to Mongolian Studies. Based on research in various archives, the authors shed new light on twentieth century Mongolian history, the activities of the Mongolian Scientific Committee and its cooperation with Russian scholars and scientific institutions. The chapters also highlight the sincere personal interests of the Russian scientists in their work in Mongolia and in their contacts with Mongolian colleagues.
Appended to the volume are letters of the academic secretary of the Mongolian Scientific Committee Ts.J. Zhamtsarano to the permanent secretary of the Russian Academy of Sciences S.F. Oldenburg and those from the Orientalist M.I. Tubiansky to the Buddhologist F.I. Stcherbatskoi. This correspondence shows the process of formation of the Russian-Mongolian cooperation in the first decades of the Mongolian Scientific Committee.
Research Interests:
The book deals with the Mongolian-Sichuan expedition under P. K. Kozlov (1907–1909) as well as an exhibition of its collections in February 1910 in the newly constructed building of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society. Some of the... more
The book deals with the Mongolian-Sichuan expedition under P. K. Kozlov (1907–1909) as well as an exhibition of its collections in February 1910 in the newly constructed building of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society. Some of the unique archaeological finds gathered during the excavation of the medieval town Khara-Khoto on the southern fringe of the Gobi desert were displayed at the event. The exhibition attracted much attention of the academic circles and general public and became a highlight of the cultural life of St. Petersburg. It remains to this date the most large-scale of all exhibitions set up in the historical
premises of the RGS. The book is illustrated with photographs taken by P. K. Kozlov during his journey and those of the exhibition taken by famous Russian photographers K. K. Bulla and S. M. Prokudin-Gorskii.
This book tells the story of the Mongolian-Tibetan expedition, the last one made in 1923–1926 by the outstanding Russian explorer of Central Asia Petr Kuz’mich Kozlov. Its route went largely through the territory of northern and central... more
This book tells the story of the Mongolian-Tibetan expedition, the last one made in 1923–1926 by the outstanding Russian explorer of Central Asia Petr Kuz’mich Kozlov. Its route went largely through the territory
of northern and central Mongolia. Also, the expedition conducted some additional excavation of the ruins of the sand-buried medieval city of Khara-Khoto, in northern
China, which had been originally visited and excavated by Kozlov in 1908–1909. The difficult fate of the journey reflected, on the one hand, the complexity of relationship
of the expedition staff and its leader with the new Soviet administration, and, on the other hand, the radical change of the methods of exploration of Mongolia. The edition includes photographs as illustrations of the expedition activities.
The book examines the history of Soviet-Mongolian academic cooperation from the early 1920s to the establishment of the Academy of Sciences of the Mongolian People’s Republic in 1961. The scientific collaboration with Mongolia during this... more
The book examines the history of Soviet-Mongolian academic cooperation from the early 1920s to the establishment of the Academy of Sciences of the Mongolian People’s Republic in 1961. The scientific collaboration with Mongolia during this period was distinguished by its intensity and disciplinary diversity among other trends of international activity of the Soviet Academy of Sciences. The author looks into the reasons for the large-scale Soviet scientific initiatives in Mongolia, their objectives, content, legal support, and the major joint projects. The numerous documentary materials from the Russian and Mongolian archives allowed to analyze
the Soviet-Mongolian academic contacts in a broad socio-political context, to show the dependence of their forms and content on the nature of the interstate relations and internal political problems of both countries, and to trace the methods of the state influence on the research activities of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR and the Scientific Committee of the MPR. Much attention in the book is given to specific participants in the research cooperation — the Soviet and Mongolian scientists, their motivations and research programs, and personal contributions.
The Quest for Forbidden Lands: Nikolai Przhevalskii and his Followers on Inner Asian Tracks is a collection of biographical essays of outstanding Russian explorers of Inner Asia of the late nineteenth – early twentieth century, Nikolai... more
The Quest for Forbidden Lands: Nikolai Przhevalskii and his Followers on Inner Asian Tracks is a collection of biographical essays of outstanding Russian explorers
of Inner Asia of the late nineteenth – early twentieth century, Nikolai Przhevalskii, Vsevolod Roborovskii, Mikhail Pevtsov, Petr Kozlov, Grigorii Grumm-Grzhimailo
and Bronislav Grombchevskii, almost all senior army officers. Their expeditions were
organized by the Imperial Russian Geographical Society with some assistance from the military department with a view of exploring and mapping the vast uncharted
territories of Inner Asia, being the Western periphery of the Manchu-Chinese Empire. The journeys of these pioneers were a great success and gained world renown for their
many discoveries and the valuable collections they brought from the region.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The book discusses the activities of one of the leading Russian explorers of Central Asia, Petr Kozlov (1863–1935). The duration of his expeditions spanning several decades and abundance of scientific results earned him a special place... more
The book discusses the activities of one of the leading Russian explorers of Central Asia, Petr Kozlov (1863–1935). The duration of his expeditions spanning several decades and abundance of scientific results earned him a special place among N. M. Przhevalskii’s followers. A special focus is made on Kozlov’s social network, shedding light on the motivation of his expeditions, the peculiar character of their organization,
the evaluation of his discoveries by the Russian and Western scientific communities, the public perception of his personality and work, his professional contacts. The unique archeological and scientific collections brought by him have enriched the museums of Russia and laid foundation for new disciplines in Oriental studies (Tangut studies) and archeology (Hun studies). At the same time the bright and many-sided personality
of P. K. Kozlov played important role in popularization of Russian geographic discoveries, rise of public interest to the discovered regio