Elias Nicolas

Elias Nicolas is a Lecturer at Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (INALCO), where he serves as Deputy Director of the Eurasia Department and Co-scientific Director of the INALCO Presses. His academic focus centers on Turkish studies, with expertise in ethnomusicology and social anthropology of the Near and Middle East.

His research explores the intersection of music, religion, and society in contemporary Turkey, with specific interests in:

• Islamic and Alevi communities in Turkey
• Ritual practices and brotherhood institutions
• Transhumance-based economies and mountain cultures
• Ethnomusicology of the Pontic and Black Sea regions
• Social transformations in rural Turkish communities

Nicolas's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on Turkish cultural practices, with ethnographic examinations of musical traditions, religious rituals, and social conflicts. His most recent work engages with philosophical anthropology through classical figures like Diogenes of Sinope.

He maintains active involvement in the CERMOM research team and contributes to academic publishing through his editorial role at INALCO Presses.