Promoting interfaith collaboration since 1953
Dominican Institute For Oriental Studies
Promoting interfaith collaboration since 1953
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The fundamental mission of the Dominican Institute of Oriental Studies (Idéo) is to explore the theological and philosophical heritage of Islam and the richness of Islamic cultures. This task is carried out within Egyptian society thanks to the immersion of its researchers, Dominicans and lay people, who reside in Cairo, with the aim of fostering a theology which encourages fraternal communion with Muslims by highlighting the truths inscribed in their religious traditions.

A research institute

Idéo serves as a dedicated center for research into Islamic tradition and heritage. Our primary mission is to unite researchers in pursuit of a shared scholarly focus: the original texts from the initial ten centuries of Islam.

A training institute

As an integral part of Domuni University, Idéo's members play a crucial role in offering education and training in the field of Islamology.

A scientific library

The BIDEO (Library of the Dominican Institute of Oriental Studies) is the largest private library in the world dedicated to Islamic heritage. It provides researchers with an exceptional catalogue containing almost 300,000 bibliographic records, making it an invaluable resource for Islamic studies.

A scientific journal

MIDÉO (Mélanges de l'Institut dominicain d'études orientales du Caire) is a refereed journal dedicated to exploring the history of ideas and doctrines in the Arab world. Particular attention is paid to the examination of historical, cultural and doctrinal issues, with a specific focus on Egypt.

From the institute

Latest news & publications

Gloria décerclé noir transparent

Sībawayh and the Knowledge Traditions of His Time Influences, Dialogues, Critiques, and Legacies A foundational figure of Arabic grammar, Sībawayh (d. ca. 180/796) occupies a singular place in the intellectual history of medieval Islam. The Kitāb, a monumental work without....

“Nadwat Sībawayh”: strengthening the dialogue between eastern and western academic approaches The “Nadwat Sībawayh” is a joint initiative led by Jean Druel (Dominican Institute in Cairo) and Zübeyt Nalçakan (Kahramanmaraş...

Dr. Ramzi Baalbaki, January 25, 2025 Session report Introduction The lecture delivered by Dr. Ramzi Baalbaki focused on the Arabic linguistic theory, with particular emphasis on grammar and lexicography. For...

Call for papers: The Authority of Silence Constructing the Figure of the Salafs (7ᵗʰ-15ᵗʰ Centuries) Call for Papers: The Authority of Silence – Constructing the Figure of the Salaf (7ᵗʰ-15ᵗʰ...

Anawati Chair Project

The Anawati Chair, established in 2023 within Ideo, is dedicated to the promotion of interreligious dialogue through the deconstruction of extremist and exclusivist discourses. Through its research and educational programs, the chair advocates for values of openness, respect, and civic equality.

Chaire Upcoming Events

Certificate – Women and Religions

The Anawati Chair offers a Certificate on “Women in Religions,” exploring women in religious traditions. Held April–May 2026 at IDEO, in Arabic, it grants 1 ECTS with assessment requirements.

Chaire past Events

Certificate 2025 – Islam and Other Religions

A certificate course by the Anawati Chair exploring how Islamic thought and other religious traditions view one another, combining theological, historical, and sociological perspectives, leading to a 4 ECTS certificate.

The Authority of Silence – Constructing the Figure of the Salaf (7ᵗʰ-15ᵗʰ Centuries)

We invite scholars and researchers to submit their contributions for an upcoming conference exploring the elusive authority of the Salaf, the early generations of Muslims revered in Islamic traditions.

Certificate 2024 – Religious sciences and humanities

A training course offered by the Anawati Chair exploring religious sciences and humanities, combining expert lectures and interactive discussions, leading to a 4 ECTS certificate.

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