Community Reflections
Dual Vocations of Science and Religion: A Historical Case Study of Benedictine Women
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Diana Fenton
This study examines Catholic Benedictine sisters who majored in sciences and taught science for over 100 years at the College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, Minnesota, USA. In 1913, the College of Saint Benedict began as a women’s college, expanding Saint Benedict’s Academy, a boarding high school for women. This historical organizational case study analyzed archived data to understand the benefits and challenges of women who lived religious lives and studied science. Although women, in general, are still underrepresented in the sciences, the data collected provides information on how the sisters obtained advanced degrees as early as 1923, well before women were widely accepted in the sciences in colleges. Over time, the need for training scientists declined. The academic cooperation with the male college, Saint John’s University, allowed coeducational courses, merging departments, and decreasing the need for faculty. The demand for teachers in K-12 schools also fell as choices increased for public education and some Catholic high schools closed. The sisters, however, contributed to scientific research and collaborated with scientists worldwide while living religious lives, despite the long duration of academic studies. In addition, they were role models that taught and developed science curricula at all levels and served in many leadership roles at the college and in the monastery. The legacy of the sisters in science continues, as 1800 lay women have graduated with degrees in the sciences since the start of college.
Non-Muslim Minority Communities in Turkiye as Political Objects: Religious Freedom and Equal Citizenship
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Muteber Yilmazcan
In this presentation, the focus is on the status of autochthonous Christians and Jews in the Republic of Turkiye. Established in 1923 with the Treaty of Lausanne following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, Turkiye is officially a 90% Muslim country. However, a significant portion of individuals classified as Muslims actually identify as non-believers. The remaining 10% of the population comprises Christians and Jews, although there are also members of other religious groups. The situation of religious communities in Turkiye is intricate and exhibits varying degrees of freedom of belief. This study zeroes in on the autochthonous non-Muslim communities, namely the Greek, Armenian, Jewish, Syriac, Chaldean, Bulgarian, and Georgian communities. These groups hold minority status as per the Treaty of Lausanne, yet their religious centers lack legal recognition. They function through civilian representatives, while the state, in practice, engages with religious leaders. The study delves into the historical aspects of religious communities as direct or indirect components of international politics, and examines the impact of the principle of reciprocity. Additionally, it draws on interviews with present-day civil society leaders to illuminate the fragility and vulnerability of religious institutions and practices in an evolving global landscape.
Investigating Dharamshalas (Pilgrim Inns) of Haridwar Focusing on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Its Continuity
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Abhishek Verma, Smriti Saraswat
This study establishes inter-relationships between tangible heritage and Intangible cultural heritage, focusing on the famous pilgrim city of Haridwar, situated in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand also known as Dev Bhoomi. Haridwar is translated as the Gateway of God, and Dev Bhoomi translates to the Land of God. It is widely recognized that Haridwar, has a rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The city encompasses UNESCO-acclaimed intangible cultural heritage such as Yoga, the Kanvar Yatra, and the Kumbh Mela. These cultural heritages are deeply ingrained in the spiritual and cultural fabric of the city, seen in various religious practices. Nonetheless, the sustainability of these intangible practices is contingent upon the proper use of tangible heritage assets. The paper focuses on investigating the role of Dharamshalas in preserving these intangible practices, which will be delved into by understanding their socio-cultural significance. The study incorporates the Mixed Method research methodology, facilitated by the case-study based approach, by incorporating open-ended surveys, interviews, and focused group discussions. Employing archival research, ethnographic fieldwork and oral narratives, the authors delve into establishing the significance of these Dharamshalas, in safeguarding the intangible customs, practices of Haridwar. By examining the role of Dharamshalas in promoting intangible cultural heritage and associated practices, this study is an attempt to provide insights and recommendations for ensuring the preservation and development of these important traditions and practices for current and future generations.
Religious Communities in the Byzantine Holy Land: Evidences of Intercultural Dialogue in the Area of Beth Guvrin/Eleutheropolis
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Barbara Astafurova
Palaestina saw one of the greatest historical and cultural events in its history during Byzantine rule – the victory of Christianity as the official religion of the Empire in 313 CE. In this research I focus on the territory of Beth Guvrin/Eleutheropolis belonging to the province Palaestina Prima during the Fourth – Seventh centuries CE, while the purpose of my lecture is to reveal archaeological, historical and textual sources that shed light on intercultural dialogue between religious groups in the area. In the middle of the Fifth century CE, Beth Guvrin/Eleutheropolis changed to a clearly Byzantine – Christian site, but - my study reveals evidences of interaction between ethnic and religious communities, religious toleration and peaceful co-existence between Christian and Jewish population at the area. In 300 CE Christianity still were a minority throughout the country, both in cities and the countryside. Eusebius, in his Onomasticon, mentions just two entirely Christian villages in the southern part of the Beth Guvrin/Eleutheropolis region – Anaia and Ietheira. However, archeological finds and historical sources in the area of my research indicate a much larger Christian presence that attest to the growth of Christian population during the Byzantine Era, development of Sacred Geography as well cultural and economic development. Moreover, interpretive research analysis attest to the phenomena, that Christian communities were still flourishing in the Seven - Eight centuries CE and, despite the Muslim conquest, the Roman-Byzantine tradition were continued to be dominant in our region.
