Sedentarism as Colonial Discourse in Soviet Nomadic Studies

Sedentarism as Colonial Discourse in Soviet Nomadic Studies

Nazikbek Kydyrmyshev  (International Relations, Bishkek Humanities University)
Tuesday, May 14 / 4:00 PM
HSSB 4020

The concept of Sedentarism is rooted in the “otherizing” of nomadic communities, which has formed a hierarchically structured binary: sedentary (good, progressive, civilized) – nomadic (bad, wild, and bloodthirsty). This mindset originated in and was developed by all sedentary historical traditions regardless of place or culture, and was legitimized through the European understanding of history and Orientalism. Examples of Sedentarism may be found in Russia’s governing of the former nomadic Turkish and Mongolian colonies.

Sponsored by the IHC’s Identity RFG and the Dept. of History.
Website: https://www.ihc.ucsb.edu/identity/