Flyer Tentative Program
International Workshop
“From Anatolia to Aceh: Ottomans, Turks, and Southeast Asia”
Gedung Pascasarjana IAIN Ar-Raniry, Darussalam
Banda Aceh, 11-12 January 2012
About the Workshop
The religious, social, political, intellectual, trade, military and educational connections between the Ottomans and modern Turkey and the one hand, and Indonesia and the other countries of Nusantara or maritime Southeast Asia on the other, have a long, complex and fascinating history that endlessly stimulates research and discussions. Initially, the connections were most strongly felt in political and military spheres, arising from the Indian Ocean pepper trade. Aceh, at that time the greatest Islamic kingdom in Southeast Asia, looked to the Ottomans for help against the Portuguese who had conquered Malacca in 1511. Since then, the role and influence of the Ottomans in Southeast Asia expanded into other spheres which could be witnessed through achievements in the arts and religion, trade and education. The connection of Turkey and Southeast Asia has continued in harmony until the contemporary era of the Nation–State.
Azyumardi Azra notes that this connection was established in three phases. The first phase was established in the 16th century. Politics and military realms dominated this phase. In its development, both territories enhanced their cooperation and relationships in the spheres of trade, military technology and naval engineering and shipbuilding. The second phase, from the mid-19th century onwards, is noted by Azra as the peak of this connection, was marked by political motives and Pan-Islamism issues. The inner turmoil of the Ottoman empire was affected by World War II, while the change of power formation from empire to the Nation-State as introduced by Europeans, and the young Turk movements, was felt in the Nusantara communities. The political, military and economic insecurity in the heart of Muslim civilization, that for centuries was the most powerful empire in world, brought communities in Southeast Asia into discussions about the formation and future of their newly established, or still forming nation-states by the end of the 19th century. Meanwhile the third phase has taken place during the modern era. The connection between modern Turkey (post Ottoman Empire) with Southeast Asia is colored by intellectuals and humanitarians, and contact in the field of education. Since the 2004 tsunami disaster, and the end of long-running armed conflict in the province, Aceh has enjoyed the final phase of this connection.
The studies presented in the workshop will discuss historical phenomena and dynamics that are covered in the three-phase connection mentioned above. From a multi-disciplinary approach and various methodologies, many historical facts which have been buried in invaluable old manuscripts, artifacts, and historical heritages will be discussed.
Time and Venue
Date: 11-12 January 2012 (Wednesday-Thursday), Time: 8:30 – 17:00
Venue: Seminar Room of the Post Graduate Studies Building, 3rd Floor (Gedung Pasca-sarjana), State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) of Ar-Raniry, Darussalam, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Speakers and Panels
The speakers will consist of eighteen international researchers and scholars from ten different countries including Indonesia. Their presentations will be divided into five panels during the two days. The speakers will present their research results, which have been conducted over the last three years with the support from British Academy.
Participants
Some 200 pre-selected participants from diverse backgrounds will actively participate in this international workshop. They consist of academics, scholars, researchers, graduate and Ph.D students, government officers, manuscript and historical heritage workers, activists, and community workers in related fields.
Language
All presentations and discussions will be in English. The organizers will not provide translators. However, owing to the fact that these studies focus on Southeast Asia, speakers will be able to participate in discussion using Indonesian or Malay, should they so choose.
Accommodation
During the workshop, speakers and participants will be provided with four light refreshments, two lunches, workshop kits, and a compilation of workshop abstracts. Host organizations will NOT provide accommodation and facilities for participants such as hotel rooms and transportation to and from the venue. Those who are from outside of Banda Aceh will need to arrange their own hotel room and transportation during their stay in Banda Aceh.
Host Organizations
This international workshop is the result of cooperation between and will be hosted by the British Institute in Ankara (BIAA), ICAIOS, the Association of Southeast Asia Studies in the United Kingdom (ASEASUK), and the Post Graduate Studies Program of the State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) of Ar-Raniry. The workshop is funded by the British Academy through ASEASUK and BIAA. We would also like to thank the Aceh Government for its support for the workshop.
