As part of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies’ Silk Road Series, Dr. Sally Church will deliver a seminar on the topic ‘Ming-Timurid Relations and the Role of the Chinese Diplomat Chen Cheng’ in Oxford.
Chen Cheng travelled on three diplomatic missions to Herat, during the reign of Emperor Yongle (1403-1424) in the Ming period (1368-1644). He left behind a Diary of his first outward journey in 1414, and a Treatise on eighteen of the places he visited along the way, both of which were presented to the Emperor in 1415. The expeditions are documented in the Chinese historical records, thus enabling us to cross-check the events. His Treatise was the only first-hand account available of the cities in Central Asia, and were thus so highly valued by Ming and Qing historians that excerpts were copied into these sources. In addition to these prose descriptions, he also left behind some descriptions in poetry, which have only recently received scholarly attention in the West. This paper surveys my efforts to map his journey, translate his diary, resolve some problems in the chronology of his missions, and understand both the man himself and his encounter with Central Asia and the Silk Road in the early 15th century.
The seminar will be held at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, Marston Road, on Tuesday, 22nd of May at 17.00 pm.
All are welcome!