Description
Many people describe themselves as “Caucasian,” but don’t necessarily know why. Our discussion will introduce participants to the Caucasus region – the mountainous area between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the home to the earliest uncontested traces of human civilization outside of Africa. The region is small geographically, but enormous in its cultural impact and historical influence. <'p>
A meeting place of four religions and over a hundred languages, the Caucasus mountain range is the natural border between Europe and Asia. Featured as early as the eighth century BC in the Tale of Jason, the Argonauts, and the Golden Fleece, the region still produces cultural forms recognized by UNESCO as the world’s intangible heritage treasure. Today, Caucasus is a coveted geopolitical prize and host to many annual political and business conferences.
Led by an expert on the Caucasus, Nina Wieda, this interactive seminar will illuminate the region – both past and present. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with increased knowledge about the Caucasus and a desire to learn more.
This conversation is part of a multi-part series on Eurasian Culture with Nina Wieda. Each session is designed to be enjoyed as a stand-alone seminar as well as part of the extended series.
- Armenia: Exploring The Cultural Heritage of Eurasia with Nina Wieda
- Azerbaijan: At the Crossroads of the Continents with Nina Wieda
- The Baltics: An Introduction to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with Nina Wieda
- Georgia: A Nation of Legends with Nina Wieda
- Ukraine: Exploring The Cultural Heritage of Eurasia with Dr. Nina Wieda
- Exploring Central Asia's Silk Road Treasures with Dr. Nina Wieda
- The Balkans: Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Beyond with Dr. Nina Wieda
About Your Expert
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.
Audience
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
Duration
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.