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Gotha in focus: Digital exhibition The Orient in Gotha” started!
On June 25, 2025, the Gotha library discussion on the digital exhibition “The Orient in Gotha” will take place in the Herzog Ernst Cabinet.
Gotha in focus: Digital exhibition The Orient in Gotha” started!
An exciting event is coming up in Gotha: On June 25, 2025 at 6:15 p.m., the Gotha Research Library invites you to the Herzog Ernst Cabinet to launch the digital exhibition “The Orient in Gotha”. The highlight of the evening will be the conversation with the renowned Dr. Feras Krimsti, who as a scientific speaker also acts as curator of the exhibition. This digital show follows on from last year's in-person exhibition of the same name and offers visitors unique insights into the exhibition contents.
What else is there interesting to know about the Gotha Research Library? The library belongs to the University of Erfurt and is one of the most important German libraries with historical collections. It was founded in 1647 as part of the formation of the Duchy of Saxony-Gotha under Duke Ernst I and has continued to develop since then. Today it occupies the east wing of the magnificent Friedenstein Castle and houses important collections such as the early modern collections and oriental manuscripts.
A look into history
The research and study of the Orient in Gotha is of great historical importance and was characterized by scholars in the 17th to 19th centuries who were connected to topics such as theology, Arabic language and Ethiopian studies. Some of these disciplines were even founded in Gotha. In the Gotha court environment, scholarship was valued, supported by the dukes. At that time, interest in Islam was particularly strong, especially during the so-called “Turkish menace”. The military and missionary ambitions of the Gotha court in Ethiopia also played a role.
Another exciting aspect is that the Enlightenment placed a focus on opening up the world through travel. This curiosity helped scholars expand their knowledge. The conversation on June 25th will be led by PD Dr. Asaph Ben-Tov, who is known as an expert in 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 pre-registration is required by June 23, 2025. Those interested can contact: events.fb@uni-erfurt.de register. After the discussion there will also be a reception organized by the Friends of the Research Library Gotha e.V.
To understand the connection to the oriental manuscripts, it is worth taking a look at the Leipzig University Library. In 1962, numerous treasures, including 376 Arabic, Persian and Turkish manuscripts, came into their possession as deposits. These largely come from important scholarly libraries and are further evidence of the rich cultural heritage that has emerged from the Gotha region. In particular, the collection of manuscripts from the Damascus Refaiya family library is of great importance and was acquired in 1853 for the Leipzig University Library.
For all those who are interested in the lively culture of oriental studies or simply want to spend a nice evening in a historical setting, the Gotha Library Talk on June 25th is without a doubt a very hot tip. The Gotha Research Library, which bears witness to the ducal past, remains an attractive place for those hungry for knowledge and those interested in history.