The Concept of Borders in Medieval Eastern Europe Was Discussed in Detail

The fourth seminar in the series “Entangled Histories: Borders and Cultural Encounters from the Medieval to the Contemporary Era,” organized in collaboration with Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication and Insubria University, took place. The guest of the online seminar was Historian Andrii Kepsha from the University of Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. In his presentation, Kepsha addressed the concept of borders in Medieval Eastern Europe, thoroughly examining the relations between Russian principalities and steppe nomadic communities, especially during the 11th and 12th centuries. 

At the event, which was open to everyone online, participants from different professional groups who are experts in their fields came together.

It was stated that borders are complex areas shaped by multiple factors

Andrii Kepsha, mentioning that borders are not just geographical or political lines but also complex areas shaped by sensory, cultural, and mental experiences, highlighted that themes such as space, nature, and supernatural elements play a central role in the perception of border regions.

The ‘entangled histories’ perspective was strengthened

Kepsha also emphasized that interactions between Christian settled societies and pagan nomadic groups in the medieval world included forms of cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual interaction as much as conflict. 

This approach strengthened the ‘entangled histories’ perspective, which treats borders as dynamic contact zones rather than fixed divisions.

The seminar series garnered significant interest

The seminars, organized by Dr. Maria Pia Ester Cristaldi from Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, Department of New Media and Communication, and Elisa Ramazzina from Insubria University, attracted intense interest.

The seminars, supported by Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication and the Media and Cultural Studies Master's Program, are also supported by ILIMER – Human Oriented Communication Application and Research Center within Üsküdar University and SDAIEP – Shandong Association for the International Exchange of Personnel.