The “Reconstructing Sogdiana: Archaeological Discoveries and Historical Narratives” conference will take place on April 11-12, 2025 (Farvardin 22-23, 1404), from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at 370 Dwinelle Hall, University of California, Berkeley.

This conference is held in honor of Professor Guitty Azarpay, a distinguished scholar of Iranian and Central Asian art at the University of California, Berkeley. The event aims to explore the history, culture, art, and trade networks of Sogdiana, a pivotal cultural hub in the ancient world.

International scholars attending this conference will examine the material and visual aspects of Sogdiana, analyzing recent findings that reveal the intricate connections between local traditions and broader international influences. This gathering will offer a comprehensive exploration of Sogdian artifacts, architecture, and artistic styles. Through interdisciplinary discussions, the conference seeks to highlight Sogdiana’s crucial role in shaping cultural interactions along the Silk Road and beyond.

Speakers:

• Chiara Barbati – University of Pisa
• Adam Benkato – University of California, Berkeley
• Anca Dan – École Normale Supérieure, France
• Dilnoza Duturaeva – University of York
• Michael Frachetti – Washington University, St. Louis
• Frantz Grenet – Collège de France, Paris
• Djangar Ilyasov – Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan
• Catherine Klesner – McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge
• Pavel Lurje – Institute for Advanced Study, Paris
• Bertille Lyonnet – Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France
• Farhad Maksudov – Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan
• Sanjyot Mehendale – University of California, Berkeley
• Mirae Jo – Washington University, St. Louis
• Alexandr Naymark – Hofstra University
• Michael Shenkar – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Soren Stark – Institute for the Study of the Ancient World

This conference is free and open to the public.

Event Link: