IDEO was founded in Cairo in 1953 at the request of the Holy See to open a dialogue without proselytism between Muslim and Christian scholars. The library holdings are considered one of the very best in the world for Islamic studies. IDEO is recognized as a preeminent research institution by international scholars. The IDEO is composed of a team of approximately 26 scholars, mainly Dominicans. Approximately 5 of the scholars live in Cairo, where they devote themselves to the IDEO’s library and welcome visitors and readers. Those who live outside of Egypt lecture in universities or work in research centers such as the CNRS in France. IDEO works toward better knowledge and understanding of the Arab-Muslim cultural heritage and toward the improvement of Islamic and Christian relations.
