Institut français du Proche-Orient

The IFPO was created in 2003 by combining three existing French institutes in the area: IFEAD (French Institute for Arab Studies in Damascus, established in 1922), IFAPO (French Institute of Near Eastern Archaeology, established in Syria and Lebanon in 1946) and CERMOC (Centre for Study and Research on the Contemporary Middle East, established in Lebanon in 1977 and in Jordan in 1988).

This mission is carried out with the support and close cooperation of the local Ministries in charge of research and higher education.

The institute acts as a center for study and research relating all eras of civilizations of the Near East across diverse academic fields.

The institute recruits experienced researchers at various levels in their careers from France, as well as from the three countries in which it is established, from Europe, and from the rest of the world.

Researchers come for a maximum of four years and are selected to take part in various academic projects the institute initiates.