Schomann's book tells the story of the fate of the Przewalski's horses, also known as tachi in their Mongolian range. It is an attempt at Eurasian local history, from Berlin to Xinjiang and from Lascaux to Chernobyl. The Süddeutsche Zeitung called it "a magnificent, epic tale. And a thriller to boot."
The last wild horse living in the wild was sighted on the edge of the Gobi in the 1960s. Only a few dozen animals survived in captivity. Despite many setbacks, the species was ultimately preserved. In his reading, Schomann will focus in particular on the strong Chinese references:
The Przewalski's horse (普氏野马) is a Chinese horse - when it was discovered, its entire range still belonged to China. But it is only in recent years that it and its history have become better known there too.
The first repatriation of the animals to their original home went to China in 1985, including horses from the Berlin zoo. A Bavarian businessman and a Chinese wildlife biologist got the ball rolling back then.
China's large-scale geopolitical campaign "Yidai Yilu", a rope and a road, takes place along the Eurasian steppe belt, which is also the main setting of the book. And that is no coincidence. On the one hand, historical trade routes are reactivated, keyword Silk Road. On the other hand, terrain that is good for horses is also good for the railroad.
About the author:
Stefan Schomann, born in Munich in 1962, has been working as a freelance author and journalist for three decades. He has published numerous books, including several on China, such as Letzte Zuflucht Shanghai (2008, Heyne).
Venue of the event: Konfuzius-Institut Stralsund e.V., Alter Markt 5, 18439 Stralsund
Date and time: May 15, 2025, 6.30 pm
Admission: 5,00 €
We kindly ask you to register in advance by 13.05.2025 at: b-alberding@konfuzius-stralsund.de
