We are pleased to announce the International Conference: «Geopolitics, Migrations and Identities in Central Eurasia», a Joint Meeting of the CESS (Central Eurasian Studies Society) and the ESCAS (European Society for Central Asian Studies) – an in-person conference scheduled to take place from January 8 to January 10, 2025 (Wednesday to Friday), at the University of Lisbon, Portugal. We invite submissions relating to all aspects of humanities and social science scholarship across Central Eurasia. This diverse region encompasses Central Asia, the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Mongolia, Siberia, Black Sea, and Volga regions. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with more than 200 scholars and practitioners from a wide range of fields and to contribute to the rich tapestry of Central Eurasian studies.
The Joint Meeting will be preceded on Tuesday afternoon (January 7) by a symbolic event: join us in an interconfessional and ecumenical Ceremony for Peace hosted by Lisbon Patriarchy (Catholic) at the entrance of S. Domingos Church. To participate in this propitiatory event of Forgiveness, Tolerance, and Goodwill, we invite representatives of all major religious communities of Eurasia – Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews …
The Welcome Dinner (offered by the organization of the Conference) will celebrate the Cuisines of Portuguese-speaking countries and territories: a buffet of food from Portugal, Angola, Brazil, Mozambique, …, with vegetarian and halal options (t.b.c.). Restaurant ‘Malandro do Marquês’, owned by a Russian couple and with an African ‘chef’ and Russian-speaking staff (Tuesday evening, January 7).
The Joint Meeting will be hosted by the University of Lisbon (exact venue t.b.c.). It’s one of the oldest European higher-learning institutions (created in the 13th century), and several Faculties are in the World’s top 100 in their fields (NSU Rankings). During the meeting, the university and the organization at the university canteens will offer coffee breaks and two lunches (Thursday and Friday, t.b.c).
Submissions
Please send your submission to jointmeeting.2025@gmail.com (with the title «Submission.»). We will acknowledge all submissions within five days.
- Papers and panels: In addition to individual papers (max.300 words and five keywords), we strongly encourage participants to submit proposals for organised panels and roundtables (max.300 words and five keywords), comprising 3/5 participants from different universities or research institutions, one chair, and, in some instances, a discussant.
- Nesting: Are you a member of the Board of a Scientific Society, a Research Center, a Cultural Institute related to Central Eurasia? Please consider the possibility of organizing a special session only with participants from your organisation – and we can offer you a room to hold a Board Meeting or Assembly.
- Bring your book! Have you recently published/edited a book? You have two alternatives to present it: a roundtable (max. 5 participants, 90 min.) or a shorter, individual presentation and a Q&A (45 min.).
- Bring your documentary! Have you recently directed/produced a documentary film (max. 60 min. – fiction not accepted)? You can screen and discuss it during the conference.
- Bring your podcast! There will be a room specially equipped to record podcasts or similar sessions. Please contact us in advance.
Important dates:
Submission deadline: July 15
Notification of Acceptance: September 15
Registration: opening – September 20, deadline ”early bird” – October 15; final deadline – November 15
Final Program: November 30
Conference: Tuesday evening, January 7 (Day 0) – to Saturday morning, January 11 (Day Plus).
Registration
Membership of ESCAS or CESS is required.
Cultural program:
– The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation will host a concert of soloists of its Orchestra on Wednesday evening (t.b.c.).
– Film Festival dedicated to Central Asian cinematographers. January 6 to 11 (evenings), venue: Cinemateca (Film Archive).
– Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the Foundation’s Contemporary Art Center free guided tours. January 11 (after the conference, on Saturday morning), the participants can also enjoy at the Museu do Fado a performance of fado, a famous Portuguese music genre (added in 2011 to the ‘UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List’).
Practicalities:
– We are negotiating with the Public Transportation Company a special 5-days pass for the participants (metro, bus and tram);
– Weather in Lisbon: in January, expect temperatures ranging between +6ºC, or 42ºF (min.) and +16ºC, or 61ºF (max.). Rain: likely. Snow: last time was in 2006, before that in 1974…