# Sophia University Institute of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Studies
**Wikidata**: [Q88509250](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q88509250)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sophia-university-institute-of-asian-african-and-middle-eastern-studies

## Summary
The Sophia University Institute of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Studies is a research institute and publishing house founded in 1982 at Sophia University, specializing in the culture of Asia. It operates under the parent organization Sophia University and is known by aliases including IAAMES and SIAC.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1982.
- Parent organization is Sophia University.
- Official names include Sophia University Institute of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Studies and 上智大学アジア文化研究所.
- Functions as both a research institute and a publishing house.
- Primary field of work is the culture of Asia.
- Aliases: IAAMES, The Sophia University Institute of Asian Cultures, SIAC.
- Associated with Wikimedia projects via Wikidata:WikiProject Academic Publisher.
- Official website: https://dept.sophia.ac.jp/is/iac/en/index.html.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary focus of the Sophia University Institute of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Studies?
A: The institute specializes in the culture of Asia, with research extending to African and Middle Eastern cultural studies.

### Q: When was the institute founded?
A: It was established in 1982 as part of Sophia University.

### Q: Does the institute publish academic work?
A: Yes, it functions as both a research institute and a publishing house.

### Q: What are alternative names for the institute?
A: It is also known by the aliases IAAMES, The Sophia University Institute of Asian Cultures, and SIAC.

## Why It Matters
The institute addresses the critical need for specialized research on Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cultures at a time when global academic focus on these regions was expanding. By combining research and publishing functions, it bridges knowledge gaps in cultural studies, fostering cross-cultural understanding and disseminating scholarly work. Its establishment within Sophia University positions it as a key institution for academic collaboration in Japan’s higher education landscape, particularly for interdisciplinary research underrepresented in mainstream academia.

## Notable For
- Dual role as both a research institute and publishing house.
- Dedicated focus on the culture of Asia, with broader regional scope including Africa and the Middle East.
- Integration into Wikimedia projects via Wikidata:WikiProject Academic Publisher.
- Recognition with 41 sitelinks on Wikidata as a research institution class.

## Body
### History
- Founded in 1982.
- Part of Sophia University as its parent organization.
- Japanese official name: 上智大学アジア文化研究所.

### Functions and Scope
- Primary field of work: culture of Asia.
- Research institute and publishing house classification.
- Extends research to African and Middle Eastern cultures.

### Identification
- Official name in English: Sophia University Institute of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Studies.
- Aliases: IAAMES, The Sophia University Institute of Asian Cultures, SIAC.
- Listed in Wikidata:WikiProject Academic Publisher.

### Access
- Official website: https://dept.sophia.ac.jp/is/iac/en/index.html.