Hermitage Director Mikhail Piotrovsky spoke about St. Petersburg oriental studies

The RUSSIA EXPO hosted a lecture by Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director General of the State Hermitage Museum and Dean of the Oriental Faculty of St. Petersburg State University.

Oriental studies is a synthetic science that exists at the intersection of various disciplines: for example, linguistics, psychology, genetics, and many others. It is primarily aimed at studying the dialog of cultures. At the same time, there are different traditions of work in this direction depending on a given region. In particular, St. Petersburg has a unique complex of monuments, which creates an environment for the development of oriental studies, emphasized Mikhail Piotrovsky. At the Oriental Department of St. Petersburg State University 61 languages and 10 dialects are studied.

Scientists work with manuscripts and other materials - which, in particular, are presented in the Hermitage. This makes it possible to understand cultural aspects that are not clear in ordinary translations and descriptions. In this way a dialog of cultures is built, Mikhail Piotrovsky noted.

"Oriental studies is part of Russian culture in many senses. St. Petersburg oriental studies is part of a large discipline, and each branch has its own interesting features. This makes Russian oriental studies an essential element of our cultural heritage, which is born in a very big care. We are trying to make sure that it is secured," said Mikhail Piotrovsky.

The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered in one place. During the whole time of the Exposition, guests are welcomed by cultural events, a rich business and educational program. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal departments, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors.