Focus on Gotha: Digital exhibition The Orient in Gotha started!

Focus on Gotha: Digital exhibition The Orient in Gotha started!

Schloss Friedenstein, 99867 Gotha, Deutschland - In Gotha an exciting event is about: On June 25, 2025 at 6.15 p.m., the Gotha research library invites you to the Herzog-Ernst-Kabinett to launch the digital exhibition "The Orient in Gotha". The highlight of the evening will talk to the renowned Dr. Be Fera's Crimeanst, who also acts as a scientific speaker as a curator of the exhibition. This digital show ties in with the presence exhibition of the same name in the previous year and offers the visitor: inside unique insights into the exhibition content.

What else is there to know about the Gotha research library? The library belongs to the University of Erfurt and is one of the important German libraries with historical collections. It was founded in 1647 in the course of the formation of the Duchy of Saxony-Gotha under Duke Ernst I and has continuously developed since then. Today she takes the east wing of Friedenstein Castle and houses important collections, such as the early modern collections and the oriental manuscripts.

A look at the story

Research and study of the Orient in Gotha is of great historical importance and was characterized by scholars in the 17th to 19th centuries that were connected with topics such as theology, Arabic and Ethiopistics. Some of these disciplines were even justified in Gotha. In the vicinity of the Gothaer Hof, the scholarship was estimated, supported by the dukes. At that time, interest in Islam was particularly strong, especially during the so -called "Turkish risk". The military and missionary ambitions of the Gothaer Hof in Ethiopia also played a role.

Another exciting aspect is that the Enlightenment focused on the development of the world through travel. This curiosity contributed to the fact that the scholars could expand their knowledge. The conversation on June 25th is by PD Dr. Asaph Ben-Tov, who is known as an expert for oriental studies in the German-speaking world. The organizers are already looking forward to a lively audience at this event.

invitation and further information

Admission to the event is free, but a pre -registration is required by June 23, 2025. Interested parties can register at events.fb@uni-erfurt.de . After the conversation there is also a reception organized by the Freundeskreis of the Gotha e.V.

In order to understand the connection to the oriental manuscripts, it is worth taking a look at the Leipzig University Library. Numerous treasures, including 376 Arabic, Persian and Turkish manuscripts, came into their possessions in 1962. Most of these come from significant scholar libraries and are further proof of the rich cultural heritage that emerged from the Gotha region. In particular, the collection of manuscripts from the Refaiya family library is of great importance and was acquired for the Leipzig University Library in 1853.

For all those who are interested in the lively culture of oriental studies or who simply want to spend a nice evening in a historical backdrop, the Gotha library discussion on June 25 is without a doubt a very hot tip. The Gotha Research Library, which testifies to the ducal past, remains an attractive place for those interested in knowledge and those interested in history.