Reflections on an Orientalist: Alexander Kuhn (1840–88), the Man and his Legacy

Alexander Kuhn's legacy, previously under-recognized, sheds light on his significant contributions to the documentation of Central Asia during the 19th century. As a Russian Orientalist, Kuhn collected vast amounts of manuscripts, archives, and photographic materials during his service in Turkestan, including key sites like Kītāb of ShahriSabz (Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz). His work, particularly the 'Turkistan Albums,' provided invaluable visual documentation of Central Asian cultures. This study delves into Kuhn's personal archive to uncover his motivations and the extent of his influence on historical records, revealing a more nuanced understanding of his role in preserving cultural heritage.

Yastrebova, O., & Azad, A. (2015). Reflections on an Orientalist: Alexander Kuhn (1840–88), the Man and his Legacy. Iranian Studies, 48(5), 675–694. https://doi.org/10.1080/00210862.2015.1058631