In 2022, RSUH will host anniversary events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Dr. Yuri Knorozov, a scholar who became famous all over the world after deciphering the writing of the Mayans. For many years, our University has carefully preserved the memory of Yury Valentinovich's contribution to world science.
In 2022, RSUH will host anniversary events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Dr. Yuri Knorozov, a scholar who became famous all over the world after deciphering the writing of the Mayans. For many years, our University has carefully preserved the memory of Yury Valentinovich's contribution to world science.
Dr. Daria Pyatygina, Director of the Knorozov Multimedia Historical and Cultural Center, spoke about what RSUH had done to popularize the legacy of the great scholar and why the Institute of History and Archives had become the site for the creation of the Knorozov Center.
― This year, RSUH will be hosting events in honor of the anniversary of Dr. Knorozov. Could you tell us about the activities of the Knorozov Center?
― The work of the Center is now focused on cultural and educational activities. We offer sightseeing tours around the chambers of the Printing House, organize exhibitions, the purpose of which is to popularize the humanities.
Our main sightseeing route introduces guests to the history of the origin of Russian printing, and specifically the history of the Printing House from the time of Ivan the Terrible to the present day. Visitors can visit historical buildings, the oldest of which were built in the 16th century.
Tours are conducted by RSUH graduates who have undergone additional training as guides at the University. All of them are very interested in what they are presenting, they truly love their job They have amassed a huge amount of knowledge and, what is especially valuable, have the ability to captivate the audience.
In addition to sightseeing activities, our faculty members are actively involved in promoting the activities of the Center in social networks, where they publish small but interesting posts.
Historical and Archive Institute - before
Historical and Archive Institute - now
― How did the idea of creating the Center come about? Who initiated it?
― The idea was dictated by the times and arose in connection with the understanding of the need to develop humanitarian thought in Russia and its promotion among young people, as well as to unite difference branches of humanities, taking into account the well-known interdisciplinary approach. The Center bears the name of Dr. Knorozov, an outstanding Soviet scientist, linguist, historian and ethnographer, who received worldwide recognition for deciphering the hieroglyphic writing of the Mayans. However, the scope of Knorozov's interests was much wider and included many branches of humanities, which he combined in his research.
The location for the Center was not chosen idly: the Institute of History and Archives is considered the cradle of liberal arts education. At the initiative of Rector Bezborodov, it was decided to open a center at the IHA. In addition, in 1998, Knorozov Mesoamerican Center was opened at the Institute.
― What is the academic and educational work of the Center?
― The main functions of the Center are the formation, development and maintenance of memorial and museum expositions in the framework of the study and preservation of historical memory, the creation of conditions for the development of educational and academic activities of the faculty of the RSUH. The purpose of the Center is to present projects in the field of Russian humanities, including Latin American studies, as well as the implementation of projects in the field of museum and exhibition activities. We also focus on the development of student academic initiatives and work closely with the Council of Young Scholars of RSUH. People who visit our sightseeing programs come from all walks of life.
Sightseeing tour of the hall "The Art of Ancient Mexico" of the Museum Center of the Russian State University for the Humanities, as well as a master class on Mayan hieroglyphic writing
― In what research or projects does the Center take part?
― The scholars of the Center participate in various international projects of the Knorozov Mesoamerican Center presenting their results at various venues.
For example, in September 2019, as part of the events dedicated to the presentation of the book by Dr. Ershova “The Last Genius of the 20th Century”, that described the biography of Dr. Knorozov, the Center prepared an exhibition about the projects of the Mesoamerican Center. The following projects were presented at the exhibition: the study of the rock paintings of the complex "La casa de las golondrinas", new archaeological material from the private collection "San Jorge" and the project "Pétain's Epigraphic Atlas", dedicated to the study of previously unknown Mayan texts.
― What events are planned by the Center to celebrate the anniversary of Dr. Knorozov?
As part of the anniversary events dedicated to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Yuri Valentinovich, we plan to announce two international conferences that are regularly held at the University; “Walls and Bridges: Interdisciplinary Approaches in Historical Research” and the 10th Knorozov Readings.
At each of these conferences, we plan to hold round tables dedicated to the research of Dr. Knorozov. The international conference "Walls and Bridges" has already announced an invitation for applications. It will be held very soon, on May 26-27, 2022. In addition, we will be holding workshops on Mayan writing and offering tours of the Art of Ancient Mexico hall. Anyone can attend these events by prior appointment.
In November, as part of the tenth Knorozov Readings, an exhibition dedicated to the life of Dr. Knorozov will be held.
Also, throughout the year, the Center plans to take part in the Readings in Humanities of RSUH, which are scheduled for April 2022, in the Days of Student Science, in a joint event with the Fursenko Center for American Studies and St. Petersburg Institute of History of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The Center did not limit itself to events in Moscow: public lectures were read by Dr. Ershova, director of the Knorozov Mesoamerican Center at the RSUH branch in the Republic of Guatemala. An exhibition dedicated to the discoveries of Yury Valentinovich is planned to be held in Guatemala and Mexico.
― How does the Center preserve and popularize the contribution of Yuri Knorozov to science?
― First of all, we popularize the very name of Yuri Valentinovich, his works and his achievements, through the media, such as social networks and television. For example, the Multimedia Center hosted the filming of the TV show “Not a fact!” of the Star channel, dedicated to the life and work of Dr. Knorozov. The film "Editions" about Yuri Knorozov was also released, which has had over 6 million views.
