The Cappadocia Cultural Research Center (KAM) has successfully concluded its conference organized under the theme of “Cultural Heritage” as part of the “KAM Talks” series.
At the event held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 4:30 PM, Prof. Dr. Lanlan Kuang from the Department of Philosophy at the University of Central Florida delivered a talk titled “In Search of a Spiritual Home: Dunhuang and Cappadocia on the Silk Road.” The program, which was attended by faculty members and students, was moderated and translated by Şükran Ünser.
A Comparative Look at Two Great Rock Civilizations
In her speech, which was delivered in English, Prof. Dr. Kuang discussed two great rock civilizations located at opposite ends of the Silk Road. It was emphasized that China’s Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Cappadocia’s rock churches present a remarkable parallel with their rock-cut sacred spaces, painting traditions, and multi-layered religious histories.
Some of the key highlights from the event were as follows:
Transmission of Cultural Heritage: It was pointed out that these two regions, both on the UNESCO World Heritage list, are at the center of contemporary debates regarding the staging of heritage discourses and their intergenerational transmission.
Field Research: Internationally recognized in the fields of Chinese arts, Silk Road studies, and heritage theories, Prof. Dr. Kuang presented the participants with an in-depth analysis bridging the two regions, drawing on her field research conducted at the Dunhuang Academy.
The program concluded after the participants’ questions were answered.
