A Word from the Director
Director Jamsheed Choksy, Distinguished Professor of Central Eurasian Studies at Indiana University, gives his thoughts on this semester's IAUNRC activities.
Security across Central Eurasia in the 21st Century 2025-2026 Lecture Series
This fall, the IAUNRC launched a multi-part lecture series titled “Security across Central Eurasia in the 21st Century.” The Security series is a collection of lectures given by leading experts within the IAUNRC's global network to demonstrate the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches in researching issues of security in Eurasian spaces, including military tensions, public affairs, economic integration, entrepreneurship, human rights, and community knowledge production. This semester, each of the invited lecturers mobilized an expansive breadth of practical, firsthand research experience, and theoretical grounding to highlight specific case studies that reveal larger underpinnings of security issues, both within Eurasia and on a global scale.
Read more:
IAUNRC K-12 Outreach: History of the Mongol Empire, Christmas Yurt Crafts, and Traditional Mongol Clothing
The IAUNRC enjoyed presenting and participating in outreach events to K-12 students this Fall 2025 semester.
Chieftains, Lamas, and Warriors: A History of Kham, 1904-1961: a Book Talk with Dr. Yudru Tsomu:
Dr. Yudru Tsomu delivered a special book talk on her latest publication, Chieftains, Lamas, and Warriors: A history of Kham, 1904-1961.
Interview with Adina Daniiar kyzy, Kyrgyz FLTA
Adina Daniiar kyzy is a Kyrgyz language FLTA (Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant) in the Department of Central Eurasian Studies, Indiana University Bloomington. In this interview, she introduces herself and shares a bit about her experiences teaching at IU and living in the US.
Interview with Henriett Papp, Hungarian FLTA
Hungarian FLTA (Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant) '25-'26 Henriett Papp is teaching as an instructor in the Department of Central Eurasian Studies, Indiana University Bloomington. In this interview, she introduces herself and some of her experiences while teaching and living in the US.
The Gods and Kings of Akchakhan-kala: Rich Artworks Reveal a Lost History of pre-Sasanian Mazdean Beliefs - Jean and Denis Sinor Faculty Fellowship Lecture Series with Dr. Alison Betts
Dr. Alison Betts delivered a talk as part of the highly anticipated Jean and Denis Sinor Faculty Fellowship Lecture Series for the fall semester on December 2. Her talk highlighted the artistic, spiritual, and archaeological heritage of Akchakhan-kala, in modern-day Karakalpakstan.
Soviet Passports as One-Way Tickets to Paradise: ACES Horizons Talk Series with Drs. Gardner Bovingdon and Gulnisa Nazarova
Drs. Gardner Bovingdon and Gulnisa Nazarova presented their research in a joint lecture on Soviet passport issuances in Xinjiang as part of the ACES Horizon Talk series on December 8.
