RELIGION AND STATE IN THE ALTAIC WORLD. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 62ND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PERMANENT INTERNATIONAL ALTAISTIC CONFERENCE (PIAC), FRIEDENSAU, GERMANY, AUGUST 18–23, 2019. Edited by OliverCorff. Studien zur Sprache, Geschichte und Kultur der

This book thoroughly explores the intricate and multifaceted relationship between religion and governance among the Altaic peoples. Covering a diverse array of belief systems, including Buddhism, Tengrism, and Shamanism, it offers new insights into how religious practices and ideologies have influenced political structures and cultural identities throughout Central Asia, Mongolia, and beyond. Christine Bell examines shagreen, a durable leather that originated from early sixteenth-century Central Asia, tracing its roots in East Asia, its introduction by the Mongols, and its subsequent spread to Europe. This study highlights the material culture of the period and the cultural exchanges facilitated by the Mongol Empire. Luvsandorj Bold and Kao Hsiang-Tai explore linguistic developments, including the significance of the term “Tängri” in ancient inscriptions and the adaptation of the ali-gali script for Buddhist texts, illustrating Central Asia as a linguistic melting pot. Yuanchu Ruby Lam analyzes two accounts by Hā Míng 哈銘 and Yuán Bīn 袁彬 regarding the interactions between the Míng and Mongol courts following Emperor Zhū Qízhèn's 朱祁鎮 capture during the Tǔmù Crisis, shedding light on their political and cultural dynamics. Olga Lundysheva, Dieter Maue, and Hülya Yıldız further investigate linguistic and political interactions, enhancing our understanding of historical inscriptions and cultural adaptations. Religion is crucial in shaping Central Asian identity, a theme thoroughly explored in this volume. Alicia Campi discusses Mongolia's integration of Buddhist heritage into its national identity and economic development. Corff highlights the wǔxíng 五行concept in Chinese historiography, while Kuljamal T. Djamankulova examines totemism among the Eastern Siberian peoples. Kyoko Maezono and Junko Miyawaki-Okada analyze the influence of shamanism and Tibetan Buddhism on Mongolian governance, demonstrating the interplay between political and spiritual authority. Maezono compares the role of shamanism in Mongolia's oldest chronicle, Manghol-un Niuča Tobča'an 元朝秘史 (The Secret History of the Mongols), with Japan's oldest chronicle, Kojiki 古事記 (Records of Ancient Matters). Irina Nevskaya, Rodica Pop, and N. Shaimerdinova further investigate ancient Turkic inscriptions, the strategic adoption of Buddhism, and the relationship between Tengrism and Islam. The preservation and evolution of cultural identities amidst political changes are also examined. Barbara Kellner-Heinkele explores how Moghal tribal traditions have influenced life and governance in Central Asia, emphasizing the enduring presence of Moghal culture amid Islamic influences. Meanwhile, Saule Tazhibayeva and Irina Nevskaya discuss the challenges faced by the Meskhetian Turks in Kazakhstan. Hartmut Walravens offers insights into the multicultural character of the Manchu court through the study of polyglot names for imperial animals. This book presents the latest research findings in Central Asian studies, integrating material culture, linguistic evolution, religious traditions, and cultural identity. Through detailed case studies and interdisciplinary methodologies, it provides a comprehensive understanding of Central Asia's historical dynamics and cultural resilience.