Who are we?
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.
1953
Official creation of the Idéo
155,000+
Volumes in the collection
~1,800
Journals & periodicals
20,000+
Classical texts
The film
An Arab Christian Before the Mystery of Islam
This documentary presents the life and intellectual legacy of Father Georges Chehata Anawati, a Dominican friar and a pivotal figure in the dialogue of cultures and religions during the twentieth century.
1953
Official creation of the Idéo
1954
First delivery of MIDÉO
2002
Inauguration of the new building for the library
2015
Agreement of mutual cooperation with the university of al-Azhar
2024
Chaire Anawati project launched
A scientific library
Idéo boasts one of the most prestigious libraries in the realm of Islamic studies, serving as a valuable resource for both researchers and students. This remarkable collection comprises over 155,000 volumes, encompassing nearly 1,800 specialized journals and periodicals that span the entire spectrum of Islamic studies disciplines.
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A research institute
The Dominican Institute for Oriental Studies (Idéo) in Cairo is a renowned research centre dedicated to the in-depth study of the Islamic heritage.
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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.
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Anawati Chair · 2023-2027
The Anawati Chair (2023-2027) is part of Idéo’s programme to promote the excellence of its researchers' research and training. Supported by the Human Rights Section of the European Union Delegation, its mission is to help deconstruct extremist and exclusivist discourse and build a world that promotes dialogue between religions and universal brotherhood.
6 June 1905 – 28 January 1994
Born in Alexandria in 1905, Father Georges Chehata Anawati joined the Dominicans in 1934. Having spent his life building bridges between the Christian and Muslim worlds, he was also a decisive player in the advances made by the Second Vatican Council on dialogue with Islam.
A training institute
The 'Introduction to Islamology Certificate' is a collaborative programme developed by the Dominican Institute of Oriental Studies and Domuni Universitas.
Certificate DomuniThe Friends of IDEO
Giving to the Friends of IDEO means supporting the Institute in Cairo directly: your donations and membership fees cover the running of its library, including book acquisitions, and the publication of its scholarly journal, MIDÉO.
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