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Northern Caucasus: A Mosaic of Autonomous Russian Republics with Dr. Nina Wieda
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Chechnya often appears in the news because of its turbulent present. This seminar will help its participants understand Chechnya’s history and its role in the diverse and little-known region of the Northern Caucasus. Located along the Southern border of Russia, on the slopes of the highest mountains in Europe, the Northern Caucasus is a natural border between Europe and Asia.
One of the earliest cradles of civilization, the Caucasus has always served as a natural obstacle and a difficult passage between Russia and the Middle east. While the Southern Caucasus consists of three independent post-Soviet countries – Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan – the Northern Caucasus is a mosaic of autonomous republics within Russia with distinct languages, cultures, and musical traditions. Chechnya is the largest ethnic group of the Northern Caucasus with the most illustrious history of resisting the advance of other empires onto their territory.
Led by an expert on the Northern Caucasus, Nina Wieda, this interactive seminar will illuminate the history and politics of Chechnya and the Northern Caucasus. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of Chechnya, the Northern Caucasus, and the fascinating population of the region.
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
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.
This was absolutely fascinating. I've heard the names before but know very little about the area. After seeing how mountainous it is I can understand why it remains so unkmown.
Excellent, wide-ranging review of the countries of the N Caucasus. Geology, history, ethnography, religion,… very thorough. Delightfully presented.
A great tour around a little-known area. Some great visuals. It is a pity there wasn't time to watch the videos.
Nina is the ultimate teacher. She makes you see and love overlooked cultures is the Caucasus!