Kahl Thede

Thede Kahl is a University Professor for Southern Slavic and Southeastern European Studies at the University of Jena, Germany, and director of the Department of Slavistics and Caucasus Studies (until 2016). He leads major research projects such as BalkanNOMAD, IRDICH, and LaZAR, focusing on intangible cultural heritage, data archiving, and interethnic dynamics. His career includes roles at the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the Austrian Institute of East and Southeast European Studies, and teaching positions at Phillips University of Marburg and the University of Münster.

• Fields of expertise: Cultural relations of Southern Slavs, endangered dialects, interethnic coexistence, and minority studies in Southeast Europe.
• Notable awards: Dr. honoris causa (2015), Medal of Merit of Gagauzia (2016), and membership in prestigious academies.

His research integrates fieldwork, sociolinguistics, and historical analysis, with projects funded by FWF, DFG, EU, and private entities like Henkel. He has authored/co-authored over 10 key publications on Balkan linguistics, cultural heritage, and minority communities.