SHIBA RYOTARO AND HIS CONCEPT OF NOMADIC CIVILIZATION IN MONGOLIA

Abstract

The paper deals with analysis of concept of history of nomadic civilization in the steppes of Mongolia, appeared in the essays by prominent Japanese novelist Shiba Ryotaro. This approach made great impact towards the popular view of Asian and Eurasian history among Japanese readers. The author aims to identify, analyze and present main ideas of Shiba’s concept of history of nomadic civilization in Mongolia and Great Steppe. Sources for analysis of these ideas are two essays and travel notes by novelist, Mongolian Travel Notes (1974) and Steppe Notes (1992). The article shows ties between civilizational approach of A. Toynbee and concept by Shiba Ryotaro in relation to nomadic civilizations and demonstrates essential features of its development. Texts by Shiba Ryotaro present a new understanding of nature of Asia within the Japanese social and historical thought in the post-war period.