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The First Russian Scholar in Islamic Studies Dmitry Cantemir — the Forerunner of the Christian-Muslim Dialogue in Eastern Europe in the First Half of the 18th Century

https://doi.org/10.22311/2074-1529-2024-20-3-27-70

Abstract

This article is focused on the Russian-Moldavian scientist and politician D. Cantemir (d. 1723). Being one of the most educated people of his time and polymath, D. Cantemir made a significant contribution to the formation of academic Oriental studies in Europe. His fundamental work on the history of the Ottoman Empire "On Growth and Decay" became well known in Europe. However, another work by D. Cantemir, which marked a breakthrough in the understanding of Islam by the Western mind — “The Book of Sistima, or Description of the Muslim Religion” — remained almost unknown outside Russia for a long time. The works of D. Cantemir are characterized by two important qualities. First, the active usage of many authentic Muslim sources. Secondly, a humanistic view on Islam and Muslims implies a quest for common ground for Muslims and Christians. These features, combined with D. Cantemir’s vivid and rich experience of interaction with Muslim civilization, made the works of the Russian scholar a path-breaking contribution to the development of Oriental studies in Europe. The publication of this article is dedicated to the publishing of a commented translation of the “Book of Sistima” into modern Russian, prepared by the researchers the Moscow Islamic Institute and the Medina Publishing House, and is intended to establish a basis for a deeper study of D. Cantemir’s heritage in the field of Islamic studies.

About the Author

D.  V. Mukhetdinov
Moscow Islamic Institute; Saint Petersburg State University
Russian Federation

Damir V. Mukhetdinov, Dr. Sci. (Theol.), rector; Head of the Centre for Islamic Studies

12, Kirova Lane, 109382, Moscow

7-9-11, Universitetskaya Emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034



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For citations:


Mukhetdinov D.V. The First Russian Scholar in Islamic Studies Dmitry Cantemir — the Forerunner of the Christian-Muslim Dialogue in Eastern Europe in the First Half of the 18th Century. Islam in the modern world. 2024;20(3):27-70. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22311/2074-1529-2024-20-3-27-70

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