Publication |
2013.
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Summary/Abstract |
Tuvinian studies is a comparatively new branch in Russian science and represents a set of scientific actions of collective and individual character. In a broader meaning it is a knowledge system about Tuva and the
Tuvinians. Its formation, further development and expansion are connected with the activity of Imperial Russian Geographic Society (IRGS) in the investigation and study of Central Asia in the second half of nineteenth and early twentieth century. The period from 1842 till 1945 can be conditionally called as "the
golden age" of Tuvinian studies. Undoubtedly it was preceded by a range of Tuvinian studies / researches in sixteenth to nineteenth centuries. In this period of history Russian empire strengthened the spread of its
geopolitical interests in Central Asia. Independent explorers and entire expeditions from Russia went to Mongolia, China and Tibet for different purposes including scientific ones. Frequently their pathway ran through the Uryankhai region (one of the former names of Tuva at that time), so explorers and researchers included Uryankhai (Tuva) in the plans of their investigations. Eventually general interest of the Russian empire and its scientific society in Central Asia led to the execution also of special investigations about Tuva.
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