History

The Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences was established on the 11th of November 1818 when the Asiatic Museum of the Academy of Sciences (existed till 1929) was founded. During this period the Asiatic Museum proved to be the most prominent institution in Russia for Oriental Studies having under its possession unique manuscripts in 45 Oriental languages. This collection of the manuscripts, numismatic and literary heritage of the Orient and their publication paved way for the popularization of Oriental Culture, Highlighting its contribution to the world civilization. The Asiatic Museum was the venue where orientalists belonging to different scientific institutions used to carry on their studies. These scholars, by their joint efforts founded a number of more specialized branches of study, namely, the study of the History of Afghanistan, Mongolia, Turkey, Caucasus and etc.

The Asiatic Museum was amalgamated with few other institutions, like the Turkological Centre, the Collegial of Orientalists, the Institute of Buddhist Culture for the propose of combining scientific discipline (schools of thoughts) to contemplate complex research of the Orient. The establishment of the Institute of Oriental Studies in 1930 was the outcome of this exercise. Being merged with the Pacific Studies Institute, the Institute of Oriental Studies is functioning in Moscow since 1950, while the section of Oriental manuscripts, wich was afterwords reorganized into a branch of the Institute remained in St.Petersburg (Leningrad). Since 1956 a number of complex structural and practical measures has been taken in order to change the Institute into the largest centre for learning of the USSR. The structural changes were meant to make the institution more capable to conduct study-programs in various fields related to the Orient. The restricting of the Institute has also been conducive to an increase in the number of research publications. The orientalists of the Institute were sending assistance to various state and research institutions was established. Soon the Institute become a prestigious centre of world renown on Oriental research.