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Tajikistan: The Ancient Center of Civilization with Dr. Nina Wieda

Tajikistan: The Ancient Center of Civilization with Dr. Nina Wieda


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As a hub of the Silk Road, Tajikistan welcomed merchants and travelers from as far away as China, India, and the Mediterranean. They brought material treasures, as well as cultural influences and ideas, making Tajikistan a cultural hub that rivaled and surpassed contemporary Europe. Tajikistan is the birth place of Rumi - America's favorite, and best-selling poet. Many other celebrated authors and philosophers of the era lived in its cities and created their immortal works there. Tajikistan is also home to the main stretch of the legendary Pamir Highway, a millennia-old road traversing the Pamir mountains and one of the world's most celebrated road trip destinations. Today, Tajikistan's Persian-speaking population lives in predominantly traditional ways, offering a time-travel opportunity to its visitors.

Led by an expert on the post-Soviet space, Nina Wieda, this course illuminates Tajikistan's rich history and present-day life. Designed to inspire curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with an increased fascination for Tajikistan and an understanding of its unique cultural and political landscape. 

Nina Wieda is a native of the Caucasus living in Chicago, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Slavic from Northwestern University and an MA in Nationalism Studies from Central European University. Nina also has experience in journalism, advertising, and consumer research – her writing has been published in three languages. She wrote her Master's thesis about the Northern Caucasus region. Dr. Wieda currently teaches at Northwestern University near Chicago.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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(5)
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J
John K (Washington, US)
A Fascinating Visit to a Country You Know Little About

There are a number of "stans" in the world. Tajikistan has to be one of the least known of them but, thanks to a wonderful presentation by Dr. Wieda, it turns out to be one of the most interesting. It's history and culture are unique in many ways and the scenery is stunning. Well worth the visit from afar.

L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
So interesting!

We enjoy learning about these unusual places and Nina makes the information so interesting and fascinating!

K
Karen (Argyle, US)
Great Course!

Dr. Wieda, This is for all 5 countries. Fascinating. So interesting. These places have so much history but it was a surprise and a delight to have you, after the historic discussion, introduce them as they are today. I highly recommend all 5 courses. Thank you Dr. Wieda!

M
Mariya (Santa Monica, US)
Very interesting lecture

I was not expecting this lecture to be so captivating! I enjoyed every minute of it and I learnt a lot of interesting facts about Tajikistan.

C
C. (Seattle, US)

Guest did not leave comment

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
100%
(5)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
John K (Washington, US)
A Fascinating Visit to a Country You Know Little About

There are a number of "stans" in the world. Tajikistan has to be one of the least known of them but, thanks to a wonderful presentation by Dr. Wieda, it turns out to be one of the most interesting. It's history and culture are unique in many ways and the scenery is stunning. Well worth the visit from afar.

L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
So interesting!

We enjoy learning about these unusual places and Nina makes the information so interesting and fascinating!

K
Karen (Argyle, US)
Great Course!

Dr. Wieda, This is for all 5 countries. Fascinating. So interesting. These places have so much history but it was a surprise and a delight to have you, after the historic discussion, introduce them as they are today. I highly recommend all 5 courses. Thank you Dr. Wieda!

M
Mariya (Santa Monica, US)
Very interesting lecture

I was not expecting this lecture to be so captivating! I enjoyed every minute of it and I learnt a lot of interesting facts about Tajikistan.

C
C. (Seattle, US)

Guest did not leave comment