Melikian Center: Russian, Eurasian & East European Studies

08/13/2026

Interested in global affairs, languages, or cultures? 🌍✨

Join us for the Melikian Center Open House! Discover how we support research, teaching, and public programs that advance knowledge across Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Russia.

Why attend?
🤝 Connect with students, faculty, and staff sharing similar interests.
💡 Learn about upcoming programs, regional research, and community events.
🌐 Explore diverse cultures and languages.
🗓 RSVP Deadline: August 25th (helps us plan, but walk-ins are totally welcome!)
📍 Where: Durham Hall Room 240

🔗 RSVP here: https://melikian.asu.edu/form/rsvp-open-house-2026-melikian

08/11/2026

Ever wondered how medieval geopolitics still echo in the modern world? 🌍

Dive into the deep origins and evolution of holy war this semester. HST 360: Crusades & Holy Wars is open for registration! Taught by renowned professor and Melikian Center faculty affiliate Dr. Stefan Stantchev, this highly-rated class sells out quickly. Don't wait to grab a seat! ⚔️

Fall 2026, Session A
(Gold: HUAD)
Time: M/W 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM
Location: West Valley Campus, CLCC 158

👉 Ready to enroll? https://catalog.apps.asu.edu/catalog/classes/classlist?campusOrOnlineSelection=A&catalogNbr=360&honors=F&promod=F&searchType=all&subject=HST&term=2267 #:~:text=HST-,360,-Course%20title%3A

07/20/2026

How did a museum in a remote desert city come to hold the world’s second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde art? 🏛️✨
Explore the incredible story of bravery, preservation, and artistic preservation behind Uzbekistan's Savitsky Collection.
Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/may/21/lost-louvre-uzbekistan-savitsky-museum-banned-art-stalin
https://desertofforbiddenart.com/about

07/02/2026

Proud to see Arizona State University engaging with global diplomacy firsthand at the U.S. Embassy Podgorica! 🔱🇺🇸🇲🇪

Otpravnik poslova Kiz je ove sedmice ugostio grupu studenata u studijskoj posjeti i njihove profesore sa Arizona State University u Ambasadi SAD u Podgorici, gdje su razgovarali o američkoj spoljnoj politici, diplomatiji i javnoj službi. Dok obilježavamo , ovakve posjete pružaju jedinstven uvid u diplomatiju na djelu, inspirišu novu generaciju američkih lidera i dodatno jačaju veze 🇺🇸🤝🇲🇪. Hvala na posjeti, ! 🌟

🔹🔹🔹

This week, Chargé Keays welcomed a group of study abroad students and their professors from Arizona State University to U.S. Embassy Podgorica to discuss U.S. foreign policy, diplomacy, and public service. As we mark , visits like these offer a firsthand look at diplomacy in action, inspire the next generation of American leaders, and strengthen 🇺🇸🤝🇲🇪 ties. Thank you for visiting, ! 🌟

06/26/2026

⚽💛 With the World Cup in Philadelphia, it’s the perfect time to look at the people and communities that built the city’s soccer culture long before the tournament arrived. 💙⚽

In *Gritty but Global: Philly's World Cup Adventure*, the Great Game Lab traces Philadelphia’s soccer story—from Ukrainian-led clubs that dominated local and national competition in the 1960s to the Philadelphia Union, its passionate supporters, and the next generation of players coming through local colleges and academies.

The story of soccer in Philadelphia is also a story of the lasting impact of the Ukrainian diaspora on the city’s sporting identity. 🔔🇺🇸🏆

Watch it here: https://www.pbs.org/video/gritty-but-global-phillys-world-cup-adventure-wwdw8w/

06/22/2026

Let’s all give a huge congrats to our faculty affiliate, Dave Fossum! 📢 🌟Dave has been officially selected as a 2026–27 Fellow by the National Humanities Center! He is one of only 29 scholars chosen from 453 nationwide applicants. While there, he will be focusing on his upcoming research project, Remembered Innovation: A History of Creativity in Turkmen Music. 🎶 📚We are incredibly proud to see his dedication and ethnomusicology expertise recognized on a national stage! 🔱 👏

06/08/2026

Looking for a mid-week creative break? ✒️✨ Join us for Ink and Chill as we explore cultural writing traditions and get some hands-on practice with different scripts. Bring your paper, your favorite pens, and your curiosity.

06/01/2026

Join us this Wednesday for a guest lecture with Chulpan Khismatova, Philologist, Behavioral Researcher, and Ethnic Tatar from Duke University, as she explores Tatar as a living archive of identity, resilience, and cultural memory.

🗓 Wednesday, June 3, 2026
⏰ 2:00 – 3:30 PM
💻 https://asu.zoom.us/j/2928409566

05/27/2026

Please join us on May 27th for an interactive session where CLI Curriculum Coordinator Mary Harrah, Director James Edmonds, and CLI Alumni share what it truly takes to thrive in a language immersion program — from building strong study habits to communicating confidently before you feel “ready.” Walk away with practical strategies and realistic expectations! 🌐✨

05/26/2026

🌍 🗺️ Today marks the start of CLI 2026! ✈️ 🧳
We are thrilled to welcome all of our talented students and dedicated instructors as they embark on this exciting language learning journey! Wishing everyone an enriching, inspiring, and unforgettable experience ahead! 📚 💪 🥂 🍾 🥂