Negar recently returned from a productive and inspiring research trip to Vienna, which beautifully combined academic exchange with quiet moments of personal reflection.
Her trip began with a two-day academic conference at Central European University (CEU). As part of the program, she gave a lecture in the Turkish Studies Department, presenting her research on the Dīvān-i Muḥibbī and different paper decoration methos in Ottoman illuminations. The experience was intellectually enriching, offering her the chance to share her findings and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow scholars. She particularly appreciated the conference’s overall focus on Ottoman history and archival research—fields that closely align with her own scholarly interests.
The following five days were dedicated to research at the Austrian National Library, where she closely examined around twenty Turkish manuscripts. Each manuscript was richly decorated, offering unique insights into the visual and textual artistry of Ottoman book culture. This hands-on engagement with primary sources deepened her understanding of manuscript production, allowed her to compare multiple versions, and helped her refine the core questions of her research. The staff at the Austrian National Library were especially helpful and welcoming, which made the research process even more enjoyable.
One of the most fascinating manuscripts she encountered was N. F. 401, a calendar featuring various horoscopic illustrations. Small pictorial figures represented the symbols of each month, accompanied by specific abjad numbers and additional notes—adding another layer of cultural and symbolic meaning to the manuscript. Some manuscripts that representing the interconnection of east and west are more interesting to examine deeply. This connection is traceable in different ways. Sometimes a small note or a seal can explain a lot about a manuscript. For example there was a seal belongs to Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall. He was a famous Austrian orientalist and historian who must have a big role in the exchanging books and cultural objects to Australia. Stay in contact with our page to read more about this interesting subject soon.
The trip left her with fresh ideas, valuable material, and a renewed sense of purpose in her work. Vienna offered not only access to essential archival resources but also space for contemplation, making it an important step in the development of her ongoing research.