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Rereading Classical Central Asian Literature with a Closer Look at its Cultural Context: The Case Study of ‘Alī Shīr Nawā’ī’s Khamsa.SynopsisIn the context of a research project which focuses on the general analysis of the relations between literature and society in Central Asia, we would like to examine how a masterpiece such as ‘Alī Shīr Nawā’ī’s Khamsa (five narrative poems composed between 1483 and 1485 in Herat) can be interpreted in a new way, giving greater consideration to the cultural context within which it had been created. Up to now most of the studies devoted to this Chaghatay rewriting of the famous Persian quintet have proved to be reluctant to deal with its ambiguous links to the Persian tradition. Its understanding in the light of recent research carried out in the fields of architecture, painting and literature in the Timurid capital at the end of the 15th century has provided new perspectives. It shows that Nawā’ī’s poetic endeavor can be seen as a singular embodiment of major Timurid aesthetic trends of this period and a privileged access to the cultural history of the region.SpeakerMarc Toutant holds a Ph. D in History and Civilisations from EHESS (Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Paris). He also graduated with degrees in political science (IEP Paris), in classics (Sorbonne) and in various oriental languages (INALCO). He has lived in Tashkent since 2008 where he conducted research on Chaghatay literature and culture.VenueAmerican University of Central Asia205 Abdymonmunov, BishkekWednesday 26 February, 3:30 pmRoom 310To attend, please register at http://tinyurl.com/qfnzg73