Še en ASEF Junior Fellow generacije 2024 je pravkar zaključil svoj raziskovalni obisk v Sloveniji! Alex Mohar Csaky, nedavni diplomant arheologije in antropologije na Univerzi v Oxfordu, je svoj raziskovalni obisk izvedel na ZRC SAZU v Ljubljani pod mentorstvom dr. Saše Poljak Istenič.

Alexova raziskava se je osredotočila na preučevanje interakcij med človekom in vodo na na reki Savi. Oprl se je na teorije hidrosocialnosti in relacijske pristope k vodi ter raziskoval, kako reka deluje kot socio-naravni hibrid, ki ga oblikujejo človeške dejavnosti. Alex je svoje raziskovanje predstavil v etnografskem članku, ki razkriva kompleksne čutne odzive, družbene prakse in kulturne pomene povezane z reko, izziva dihotomije med naravo in kulturo ter ponuja vpogled v sodobne odnose med človekom in okoljem v Sloveniji.

Članek bo objavljen v naslednji številki zbornika Inštituta slovenskega narodopisja. O svojem delu je Alex povedal:

»Navdušen sem nad tem popotovanjem. Čas je minil zelo hitro in ko razmišljam o tem, kaj sem dosegel v preteklih 10 tednih, sem še posebej ponosen na svoj članek ter njegovo prihajajočo objavo. Upam, da mi bo moj prvi objavljen antropološki članek pomagal pri nadaljnjem delu in okrepil mojo akademsko podlago.”

Poleg tega je Alex omenil, kako je užival v raziskovalnem procesu, kjer je prvič lahko nastopil kot “zunanji opazovalec”. To je označil kot novo izkušnjo, ki je še bolj podžgala njegovo strast do izbrane teme.

Med svojim časom v Sloveniji se je srečal tudi s številnimi akademiki in raziskovalci v Ljubljani ter upa, da bo v prihodnjih letih črpal iz te novonastale mednarodne mreže poznanstev.

»Na širši ravni je bilo moje potovanje po Sloveniji zelo prijetno. Zgradil sem tesno mrežo prijateljstev in povezav znotraj in zunaj programa ASEF.”

Poleg obsežnega raziskovanja je Alex sodeloval tudi pri različnih dejavnostih ASEF štipendistov, kot sta bila ASEF-ov poletni vikend in Peti tradicionalni poletni piknik.

“Slovenijo sem izkusil kot lepo, raznoliko deželo z gostoljubnimi ljudmi, ki so mi bili pripravljeni pomagati, kjerkoli sem to potreboval. Ta program mi je prinesel vrsto veščin in stikov, ki bodo neprecenljivi v moji prihodnji karieri, in kar je morda še pomembneje, fantastično poletno izkušnjo, ki se je bom spominjal do konca življenja.«

Izjemno smo ponosni na Alexov akademski uspeh kot tudi pozitivno izkušnjo, ki jo je imel s celotnim bivanjem v Sloveniji. Ob prihajajočem članku mu iskreno čestitamo ter mu želimo veliko sreče na nadaljnji študijski poti. Upamo, da se kmalu spet vidimo!

Za podporo se zahvaljujemo Uradu Vlade RS za Slovence v zamejstvu in po svetu ter vsem donatorjem, ki prispevajo k delovanju ASEF-a.

Another ASEF Junior Fellow generation 2024 has just completed his research visit in Slovenia! This time we’re celebrating the achievement of Alex Mohar Csaky, a recent graduate of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Oxford who did his research visit at ZRC SAZU in Ljubljana, under the supervision of Dr Saša Poljak Istenič. 

Alex’s research focused on examining the human-water interactions at Plaža Sava on the Sava river. He drew on theories of hydrosociality and relational approaches to water, and explored how the river functions as a socio-natural hybrid, shaping and being shaped by human activities. Alex’s research culminated in an ethnographic article which reveals complex sensory engagements, social practices, and cultural meanings associated with the river, challenging nature-culture dichotomies and offering insights into contemporary human-environment relationships in Slovenia. 

Alex’s article is set to be published in the next edition of the Slovene Journal of Ethnology. Here’s what he had to say about his work:

“I am delighted with how my trip turned out. The time flew by and as I reflect on what I have achieved over the past 10 weeks, I am particularly proud of how my article turned out and I look forward to its publication in the next issue of the Slovene Journal of Ethnology. As my first piece of anthropological writing to be published in a journal, I hope this work will help with my further study applications and bolster my academic credentials.”

Alex commented on the research process, pointing out how he was able to conduct his research as an ‘outsider’ as opposed to an ‘insider’, as he had done previously. He marked this as a new experience that has further fanned the flames of passion for his subject.

Alex also managed to meet with many academics and researchers in Ljubljana, thus widening his international network – something he hopes to draw on in the coming years.

“On a wider level, my travel around Slovenia has been very enjoyable. I have made a good group of friends and connections from both within and outside of the ASEF programme.”

Besides extensive research, our Junior Fellow also engaged in various ASEF activities such as the ASEF Weekend Getaway and the 5th Annual ASEF Fellows’ Picnic.

“My experience of Slovenia has been a beautiful, varied country with hospitable people who have been ready and willing to help me wherever I needed it. This programme has provided me with a range of skills and contacts that will be invaluable in my future career and perhaps more importantly, a fantastic summer experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

We’re beyond excited to hear about Alex’s academic success as well as his enjoyment of the ASEF Visit Slovenia program. We wish him all the best on his academic journey and hope to see him again soon!

We also thank the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad and all ASEF donors for supporting the work of ASEF and our Junior Fellows.