[ Journals ]

The move to establish a European Architectural History Network (planned as a precursor to a Euro-version of the renowned Society of Architectural Historians in the US) is certainly one of the most noteworthy developments in that field in recent years (read more on the process). For now, the EAHN's main output is a regular newsletter, of which the newest (second) issue can now be downloaded (30MB or 1MB versions available/pdf). Perhaps as a step towards the publication of a journal, something that would be much welcomed, we now find there some themed texts as well, and not “just” organizational matters and infos on events. Whether the "virtual tour" (pp. 28-39) under the title Seljuk Architecture and Urbanism in Anatolia (it really deals with Konya; and with the Seljuks of Rum, not the Great Seljuks) fulfils the expectations raised by EAHN's outspoken desire to integrate "peripheral" regions of (European) architectural history - and this is indeed good and necessary - remains to be questioned. Rather than taking the chance to raise some questions about the relevance of Seljuk architecture in the context it is presented, we find what seems like a section pasted from a tourist booklet. Right at the beginning of the piece the author falls into the trap of confusing a dynasty with an ethnic group... Despite the questionable Seljuk excursion, EAHN should definitely keep us posted.