Topic: “Philosophy of the Common Good and Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Perspective from the Islamic Jurisprudence of Waqf Endowments”

Randi Deguilhem showed in her online lecture vividly the Islamic jurisprudence related to the role of Waqf foundations in society. Through examples, both historic as contemporary, the expert outlined religious, public, and private goals and intentions of Islamic foundations from the early Islamic centuries to the present. The focus was on the intersection between the common good and the preservation of cultural heritage in the field of Waqf, especially based on Islamic Sunni religious scriptures. Interesting to learn was among other things where foundations were adapted to political and societal changes over the longue durée and where they were not. Conflicts can sometimes arise centuries after the foundation was established and be reflected in case law.

Topic: "Inscriptions as main documentary sources on the pre-modern Indian endowment system ".

In her lecture, Annette Schmiedchen shed light on Indian inscriptions about foundations, which - in contrast to the otherwise rather thin source material on pre-modern India - have been handed down thousands of times from the period 300 BC to 1500 AD. The inscriptions, most of which were written in stone or metal and thus survived the centuries, convey both direct information and indirect clues. They include foundation and consecration inscriptions, copper plate charters, stone inscriptions about maintenance donations, but also manuscript colophons.

In her inspiring lecture, Ms Schmiedchen used these diverse sources to show what we can learn from these inscriptions about the founders, different types of foundations, foundation assets and income, the motivation of the founders and the goals of the foundation. What they cannot provide us with, however, is information on the development and continued existence of the foundations.

Topic: "Remembering that saves lives. Projects of the Foundation "Remembrance, Responsibility and Future" in Ukraine before and during the war"

Dr. Tetiana Pastushenko, staff member of the Institute on the History of Ukraine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine showed in her lecture vividly what foundations can do on the ground in crisis situations and how research provides an interface for this. She opened our lecture series this semester with her presentation on ‘Remembering that Saves Lives’ and offered an overview and results on research projects conducted in Ukraine with the support of the Foundation " Erinnerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft". For example, she reported on "Rodynna pamjat - Family Memory" - a memorial and educational site in Shostka, the only museum in Ukraine dedicated to forced labor. (more about it and a virtual tour can be found here: https://shostkamuseum.com.ua/en/)

Ms. Pastuschenko explained the significance of these projects and how they shift the emphasis from the traditional historiography of Ukraine in World War II from heroes to war victims, and thus also the chronology, and focus on the civil society perspective. She also shared her experiences with the current events in Ukraine (which can also be read in her public war diary: https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/fakultaeten/philosophie/zegk/sog/ ), the documentation and support of well-known activists and witnesses, and the help provided by German helpers.

Topic: "Cult Foundations: Benefit or Bondage?"

Mariette Horster, Professor of Ancient History at the University of Mainz, offered us an insight into the meanings and functioning of cult foundations in ancient cities in the first event this year. The contribution had its focus on ancient, Greek-influenced culture, but was deepened by comparisons to other cultures and eras. For all their advantages and despite all adversities, the foundations were community-building and ensured the permanence of the community. The subsequent discussion resulted in new impulses in the interdisciplinary exchange.

Topic: "Foundations in Byzantium in a socio-historical perspective".

Although the third event of our lecture series was held online due to the pandemic, Prof. Dr. Pahlitzsch's contribution on foundations in Byzantium seamlessly continued the previous lecture. Comparatively, he outlined the purposes of foundations, especially with regard to their social significance. He connected foundation theory with lived practice over a long period of time. Using concrete examples, he showed that while the primary purpose was to preserve property, a central purpose was social. By establishing the foundations, the founders made possible a multitude of horizontal networks, which had the special characteristic of creating connections beyond death.

Topic: "Perspectives on Giving and Endowments from Buddhist Studies".

To our pleasure, we were pleased to welcome our colleague Prof. Dr. Michael Radich for the second lecture this semester. As an expert in Buddhist studies, he succeeded in introducing the complex background of Buddhist endowment. He also suggested to explore the topics of "giving" and "endownments" in Buddhist studies. In his lecture he raised many questions, which afterwards led to an exciting and lively discussion with the audience. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic situation, the upcoming event will be held online again. We hope to welcome you digitally then.

Topic: "From medieval memoria research to universal historical comparison of foundations"

Topic: "Theoretical discussion about giving based on Pierre Bourdieu's critical argumentation towards authority" (Prof. Dr. Frank Adloff)

Topic: "Religious endowments for the benefit of one's own family?" (Prof. Dr. Joachim F. Quack (Egyptology))