Chinese and foreign experts and scholars focus on Turpan to discuss new developments in Nestorian research

The “Turpan International Academic Seminar: New Developments in Nestorian Research” kicked off on October 19 in Turpan, Xinjiang, lasting four days. This event brought together 56 scholars and experts from 47 universities and research institutions around the world to discuss recent advancements, findings, and future directions in Nestorian studies.

In his opening remarks, Yu Zhiyong, Vice President of the Dunhuang Turpan Studies Association and Deputy Director of the Xinjiang Academy of Cultural and Historical Relics, highlighted Turpan’s historical international significance. He noted that as a crucial hub on the ancient Silk Road, Turpan has long been characterized by the coexistence of diverse religions and cultures.

During an interview with China News Service, Professor Erica Hunter from the University of Cambridge’s Asia and Middle Eastern Studies department emphasized the historical value of Turpan, referring to it as a treasure trove of ancient documents and rich archaeological sites. She mentioned that an increasing number of international scholars are focusing their attention on Turpan.

Professor Hunter pointed out significant archaeological discoveries at the Nestorian monastery site located west of Turpan, which have enhanced international collaboration and discourse in Nestorian studies. Besides Nestorianism, Turpan was historically home to other religions like Manichaeism and Buddhism, fostering a vibrant cultural exchange that has thrived over the centuries.

Professor Peter Zimmer from the Brandenburg Academy of Sciences, who has conducted multiple research trips to Turpan, remarked on the wealth of documents preserved in various scripts, including those unearthed from the Nestorian monastery. These documents reflect the rich tapestry of diverse religions and cultures that once flourished in the region.

Liu Wensuo, a professor at Sun Yat-sen University and the lead archaeologist at the Nestorian monastery site, discussed recent archaeological findings. He noted that the abundant relics and materials preserved at the site provide substantial resources for studying the lives at Nestorian monasteries during the Middle Ages, the history of Nestorianism, Silk Road cultural exchanges, and related Christian literature and art. He expressed hope for greater participation from international experts in future research.

As a melting pot of diverse civilizations, Xinjiang holds immense significance in the history of East-West cultural exchanges. Recent archaeological discoveries, such as those at the Nestorian monastery site in Turpan and the ancient Tang Dynasty site in Qitai, have infused new energy into international Nestorian studies and have provided invaluable research materials for understanding the cultural interactions along the Silk Road.