The Orient in Changing International Relations

Orientalist Studies and the History of the Orient

This collection was created as a tribute to the recently deceased Prof. Eduard Gombár (1952–2025), a leading Arabist, historian of the Near East, and diplomat. The introduction presents selected memories from his students, supplementing his previously published biography. Also of great value are the reminiscences of the protagonist himself, reflecting on his life and professional career. The collection of texts from several generations of students and colleagues then includes contributions concerning both the theoretical grasp of Orientalist studies and the history and present of the Orient, starting from Muslim Spain and ending with Central Asia or Afghanistan. These works demonstrate the breadth of inspiration (in both geographical and thematic respects) and a sense for deep analysis, as instilled in his successors by Prof. Gombár.