Travel Reports: Places, Spaces, and Mobilities in Asian encounters, c. 1100 CE to the present

As a research group, we focus with different disciplinary and subject backgrounds on exploring trajectories of foreigners traveling in Asia in past and present, on their reflections in travel writings, and on the creation of knowledge about Asia from c. 1100 CE to the present day. Designed as an interdisciplinary project, we inquire into conceptualising and showcasing multiple trajectories of travel.

We are particularly interested in different types of mobility and the generation of knowledge about space, place and agency in encountering Asia. We further explore how diverse forms of travel and perception of places and spaces showcase intersections between mobilities, chances and limits of agency, and symbolic practices of encounters in Asia.

The project brings together research expertise from within and beyond the School of International Studies and the Research Cluster on travel and mobilities in Asia. We are working on a collective publication and on individual project publications and presentations. Some of our work offers perspectives to engage with cultural heritage and the sense of place and history in the local community.