# Franciscan Centre for Oriental Christian Studies

> research center in Cairo

**Wikidata**: [Q4492438](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4492438)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/franciscan-centre-for-oriental-christian-studies

## Summary
The Franciscan Centre for Oriental Christian Studies is a research center located in Cairo, Egypt, dedicated to the study of Oriental Christian traditions. Established in 1954, it operates as part of the Custodia Terrae Sanctae and focuses on scholarly activities related to Eastern Christianity. It is recognized internationally under its native label *Studia Orientalia Christiana*.

## Key Facts
- Founded on **September 16, 1954**, by the Franciscan Order in Egypt.
- Located in **Cairo, al-Muski**, with geographic coordinates at **latitude 30.050733333333334, longitude 31.2557**.
- Functions as both an **educational institution** and a **research institute**.
- Operated under the native name *Studia Orientalia Christiana*.
- Hosts an official website: [https://custodia.org/en/news/franciscan-centre-oriental-studies-cairo](https://custodia.org/en/news/franciscan-centre-oriental-studies-cairo).
- Maintains a presence on Wikipedia in **Hebrew, Polish, and Russian** languages.
- Identified in international databases with:
  - **GND ID**: 1024632520
  - **VIAF ID**: 260389100
  - **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/121t17cf
  - **National Library of Poland MMS ID**: 9810530887505606
- Sitelink count across platforms: **3**

## FAQs

### What is the Franciscan Centre for Oriental Christian Studies?
It is a research center based in Cairo, Egypt, established in 1954. It specializes in the study of Oriental Christian traditions and is affiliated with the Franciscan Custodia Terrae Sanctae.

### Where is it located and how can it be contacted?
The center is located in **al-Muski, Cairo**, Egypt. Its official website is [https://custodia.org/en/news/franciscan-centre-oriental-studies-cairo](https://custodia.org/en/news/franciscan-centre-oriental-studies-cairo), and it is accessible through its institutional affiliations and online presence.

### What is its official name and classification?
Its native name is *Studia Orientalia Christiana*. It is classified as both an **educational institution** and a **research institute**.

### When was it founded?
The center was founded on **September 16, 1954**.

### What databases and identifiers are associated with it?
It is registered under:
- **GND ID**: 1024632520
- **VIAF ID**: 260389100
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/121t17cf
- **National Library of Poland MMS ID**: 9810530887505606

### What is its significance in academic and research circles?
It plays a key role in Oriental Christian studies, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge about Eastern Christian traditions through research and academic collaboration.

## Why It Matters
The Franciscan Centre for Oriental Christian Studies is significant for its role in advancing the academic understanding of Oriental Christian traditions, which are often underrepresented in mainstream theological discourse. By focusing on these traditions, it supports intercultural and interfaith dialogue, particularly between Western and Eastern Christian communities. The center also contributes to the global academic community by publishing scholarly works and hosting international conferences. Its location in Cairo positions it at the crossroads of Christian, Islamic, and secular academic traditions, enhancing its relevance in Middle Eastern cultural and religious studies.

## Notable For
- **Specialization in Oriental Christian Studies**: A unique niche in the global theological research landscape.
- **Historical Foundation**: Established in 1954, it has operated for nearly 70 years as a dedicated research institution.
- **International Recognition**: Identified in global databases such as GND, VIAF, and the National Library of Poland.
- **Multilingual Presence**: Maintains a presence in multiple language Wikipedias (Hebrew, Polish, Russian), indicating its international scholarly impact.
- **Digital Accessibility**: Operates a public-facing website that provides updates and resources to scholars and the public.

## Body

### History
The Franciscan Centre for Oriental Christian Studies was founded on **September 16, 1954**, in Cairo, Egypt. It was established by the Franciscan Order under the Custodia Terrae Sanctae, with the aim of promoting research into Oriental Christian traditions. Since its inception, it has played a central role in bridging Eastern and Western Christian scholarship.

### Location and Infrastructure
The center is located in **al-Muski, Cairo**, Egypt. Its geographic coordinates are:
- **Latitude**: 30.050733333333334
- **Longitude**: 31.2557

This strategic location in the Middle East allows it to serve as a hub for scholars interested in Eastern Christianity and interfaith studies.

### Institutional Identity
The center is classified as both an **educational institution** and a **research institute**. It is internationally recognized under its native name, *Studia Orientalia Christiana*. It is registered in several global databases:
- **GND ID**: 1024632520
- **VIAF ID**: 260389100
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/121t17cf
- **National Library of Poland MMS ID**: 9810530887505606

These identifiers reflect its integration into global academic and cultural networks.

### Digital Presence
The center maintains a public website: [https://custodia.org/en/news/franciscan-centre-oriental-studies-cairo](https://custodia.org/en/news/franciscan-centre-oriental-studies-cairo). This platform serves as a resource for scholars, students, and the general public interested in Oriental Christian studies. It also contributes to Wikipedia in multiple languages, including Hebrew, Polish, and Russian, indicating its broad international reach.

### Academic and Research Focus
As a **research institute**, its primary mission is to conduct and support scholarly research into Oriental Christian traditions. This includes theological, historical, and cultural studies related to Eastern Christianity. The center contributes to the global understanding of these traditions through publications, conferences, and collaborations with international academic institutions.

### Affiliation and Recognition
The center is part of the **Franciscan Custodia Terrae Sanctae**, a Catholic organization with a long-standing presence in the Middle East. It is recognized in **three** language versions of Wikipedia and maintains a **sitelink count of 3**, indicating its presence in global digital knowledge systems.

### Cultural and Scholarly Impact
By focusing on Oriental Christian traditions, the center fills a critical gap in theological and cultural research. Its work supports intercultural dialogue and contributes to the preservation of Eastern Christian heritage. Located in a region with deep historical ties to Christianity, it plays a unique role in connecting ancient traditions with contemporary scholarship.

## References

1. [Source](https://viaf.org/viaf/260389100/#Franciscan_Centre_of_Christian_Oriental_Studies)
2. [Source](https://www.custodia.org/it/cultura-e-formazione)