Author. He was one of the founding fathers of Sinology, which is the study of the Chinese culture, and author of the books about China and neighboring countries. After training to become a priest, he took the name "Iakinf" and in 1807 traveled to Beijing to promote Christianity. He became deeply interested in Chinese history, and spent more than 14 years in the country. Upon his return to Russia, he was accused of lacking religious zeal, was stripped of his abbot's rank and incarcerated in the Valaam Monastery. Imprisoned, he continued his studies and translated a number of ancient and medieval Chinese manuscripts. After his liberation he became an interpreter and translator in Foreign Ministry. For his Sinological contributions, he was elected to the Russian, German, and French Academies of Sciences.
Author. He was one of the founding fathers of Sinology, which is the study of the Chinese culture, and author of the books about China and neighboring countries. After training to become a priest, he took the name "Iakinf" and in 1807 traveled to Beijing to promote Christianity. He became deeply interested in Chinese history, and spent more than 14 years in the country. Upon his return to Russia, he was accused of lacking religious zeal, was stripped of his abbot's rank and incarcerated in the Valaam Monastery. Imprisoned, he continued his studies and translated a number of ancient and medieval Chinese manuscripts. After his liberation he became an interpreter and translator in Foreign Ministry. For his Sinological contributions, he was elected to the Russian, German, and French Academies of Sciences.
Bio by: julia&keld
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