Queer Cultures and Literatures in (Soviet) Central Asia
A SSEES Politics and Sociology seminar with Saltanat Shoshanova
Queer Cultures and Literatures in (Soviet) Central Asia
27 Feb 2025, 17:00 – 19:00
This talk provides insight into my current doctoral research on Queer Literatures and Cultures in (Soviet) Central Asia. It will look at historical roots, contemporary challenges, and artistic expressions of queer identities within the region spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as present my current theorization of “queerness” in this context. The talk will highlight key literary works, such as Baburnama by Babur and Attar’s tale of Mahmud and Ayaz while exploring cultural traditions like bacha bazi and its influence on early 20th-century art (Usto Mumin) and late Soviet theater (Ilkhom Theater). Through this critical analysis, I aim to uncover gaps in existing scholarship and highlight potential directions for further exploration of this understudied field. Feedback and collaborative insights are highly encouraged to enrich the discourse and inform the next stages of my research.
Image credit: Alexander Nikolaev (Usto Mumin) “Friendship. Love. Eternity” (1928) tempera on board
Saltanat Shoshanova
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Further information
Ticketing
Pre-booking essential
Cost
Free
Open to
All
Availability
Yes