Some questions of historical geography in the scientific heritage of Academician V.В. Barthold

Abstract

The article considers the importance of the scientific branch of historical geography based on the work of Academician V.B. Barthold, who is the founder of the historical geography of Central Asia. Before proceeding to the consideration of historical and geographical works of the scientist, the authors analyzed the specifics of historical geography and the place of the subject in the modern world. This study compares different definitions of the subject, given by representatives of historical and geographical sciences. Besides, the main attention is paid to the methods of research and sources of historical geography. The authors of the article reveal the relevance of the issues of historical geography in the scientific heritage of the scientistorientalist, Academician V.В. Barthold. Among them, the author describes the confluence of the Amu Darya River with the Caspian Sea, the development of irrigation systems in Turkestan and the relationship between society and nature, the impact on these objects in the Middle Ages. Also, the article considers the arguments of V.В. Barthold based on various written sources and describes the confirmation of his judgment by archeological finds of later period. Thus, the authors point to the importance of historical and geographical research in modern science.