The Dominican Institute of Oriental Studies (l’Institut dominicain d’études orientales – IDEO) was founded in 1953 in Cairo by the Frères Prêcheurs de la Province de France. It is part of a long tradition of intellectual commitment to interreligious dialogue and academic research by the Dominicans. IDEO was born out of a bold ambition, and that is to promote a better understanding of the sources of Islam through the critical study of its founding texts in their original language and historical context. The critical study would highlight the medieval interactions and influences that allowed the transition from Greek philosophy to Latin theology.
Vision: Since the Second Vatican Council and the Nostra Aetate Declaration of 1965, IDEO has aspired to be a place of intellectual dialogue in the service of truth and peace. Its aim is to deepen knowledge of Islamic theology and the Muslim world. Through this knowledge, IDEO hopes to instill deeper understanding and mutual respect to meet contemporary challenges related to pluralism and diversity as well as identity and extremist logic.
Mission: To study Islam in all its richness and complexity, particularly in the medieval period, drawing on the disciplines of the human sciences. The institute is dedicated to fundamental research on Islamic texts, history, and thought. Researchers study major authors such as al-Ġazālī and Ibn Taymiyya, but also contemporary thinkers, particularly from Egypt. It offers a space for exchange and training for researchers from all over the world while encouraging a respectful and informed theological dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
Important Initiatives and Notable Achievements: Among the major achievements of IDEO, its library has been internationally recognized for its wealth of specialized collections in Islamic Studies, with more than 150,000 volumes and a database that is accessible online. IDEO also founded the scientific journal MIDÉO (Mélanges de l’Institut dominicain d’études orientale), dedicated initially to the publication of the work of IDEO researchers, with the aim of making the East, and in particular Egypt, better known and loved, fulfilling its own vocation in the history of humanity. Today, MIDÉO publishes academic works by experts of Islamic Studies from all over the world. As part of the Anawati Chair, IDEO is an active player in international research, and participates in seminars and other training projects aimed at combating religious extremism through interreligious dialogue. These initiatives aim to build bridges between the Arab and Western worlds while promoting academic excellence and openness.
Future Goals: IDEO aims to strengthen its role as an international platform for the study of Islam and interreligious dialogue. It plans to expand its academic collaborations, enrich its collections, particularly on Shiism, and accelerate the digitization of its library. Our Institute also wishes to increase training opportunities for young researchers while increasing its efforts to promote a culture of encounter and understanding between Muslims and Christians.
