The International Institute for Central Asian Studies was established on July 5 1995 as a direct outcome of the UNESCO Silk Roads Expeditions. The concept of the Institute was conceived during the Steppe Route Expedition in Central Asia organized within framework of UNESCO Project “Integral Study of the Silk Roads: Roads of Dialogue”, and a major project of the World Decade for Cultural Development (1987-1997).

Following the official establishment, the General Director of UNESCO Mr. Federico Mayor solemnly opened the Institute on 27 August 1995 in Samarkand (Uzbekistan).

Initially, the Agreement of the Institute was signed by Azerbaijan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. In 2020 Mongolia joined the IICAS.

The main objectives of IICAS are to bring to the attention of the international community historical and cultural issues on Central Asia and to strengthen collaboration between local scholars and their colleagues abroad through a multidisciplinary study of the region. Institutions and scholars are linked to IICAS through a system of Associated Members (public or private institutions and non-government organizations of a scientific or cultural nature) and Corresponding Members individuals.

IICAS is governed by a General Assembly and an Academic Council. The IICAS Secretariat is headed by a director elected from among the nominations made by Member States. When choosing a leader, the principle of rotation of the countries represented by the institute is used.

Directors IICAS: