As customary, the AMME seminar will be comprised of two papers followed by a shared question round and discussion on the February specific theme, and you are all most welcome to join!
Our speakers and presentations are:
Dr. Aida Alavi: โOne Sky, 360 Imagesโ
This talk explores how zodiacal degrees (daraj) came to be visualised in the Islamicate world and examines the historical contexts that shaped their emergence. Islamic manuscripts and objects had long engaged with plants and zodiac astral imagery, a new visual practice emerges in the early modern period: the systematic depiction of the 360 degrees of the zodiac. This talk examines this development and argues that it reflects shifting priorities within Persiante world, shaped by practical astrological concerns, talismanic efficacy, and evolving ways of organising and visualising celestial knowledge.
Dr. Jeffrey Kotyk: โAstral Magic and Horoscopy in East Asia: Indo-Iranian Connections.โ
Horoscopy (the casting of horoscopes) was introduced to China around the year 800. Afterward, we see an influx of ritual practices, magic, and aimed at modifying one's fate. Astrologers started to read an individual's future, but this was not strictly deterministic because a variety of mystic means were available to mitigate negative influences and predicted disasters. When we explore the materials in Chinese, we see a mix of not only Indian but evidently also some Iranian elements. Using cross-cultural comparisons, we can see icons that resemble those found in medieval Arabic and Persian codices. This research explores a fascinating aspect of transcultural connections in medieval Asia outside Europe.
We hope to see you in person (or on Zoom)!
Time: Thursday 19th February at 16:15โ18:00 EEST (UTC+3h).
Live venue: Faculty hall, Unioninkatu 34, room 4038
Virtual venue: Zoom (Meeting ID: 678 8979 2118 /
Best wishes,
Joanna Tรถyrรครคnvuori, Mitchka Shahryari, Adrianne Spunaugle
PS: check out the