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The International Institute for Central Asian Studies is one of the main supporting partners for the Department of Nestorian Studies. |
The IICAS was established in August 1995 in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) as a direct outcome of the UNESCO Silk Roads Expeditions. The idea of founding the Institute was conceived during the Steppe Route Expedition across Central Asia, one of the expeditions organized within the framework of UNESCO Project "Integral Study of the Silk Roads: Roads of Dialogue", a major project of the World Decade for Cultural Development (1987-1997).
The main objectives of IICAS are to focus on historical and cultural issues relating to the countries of Central Asia, bringing these to the attention of the international community and strengthening collaboration between local scholars and their colleagues abroad through a multidisciplinary study of the region. To date the following countries have accepted the Agreement of the Institute, and consequently have become the Full Members of IICAS: Azerbaijan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. Further institutions and scholars are linked to IICAS through a system of Associated Members (public or private institutions and non-governmental organizations of a scientific or cultural nature) and individual Corresponding Members.
IICAS has a website and produces a regular Bulletin, as well as other publications. The Institute regularly holds international and regional conferences as well as expeditions.