Karpatské Námestie 10A, Bratislava, Slovakia

WELCOME TO

THE CZECH-SLOVAK INSTITUTE OF ORIENTAL STUDIES

As Middle East Studies graduates, our path has led us from the academic realm to the intricate realities of the Middle East. Through our experiences, we've discerned a crucial demand for a more profound, nuanced understanding of this region that extends beyond academia. It's with this realization that we established CSIORS.

Our vision is to shed light on the intricacies of the Middle East, including its politics, culture, challenges, and potential, for a global audience. We aspire to bridge the divide between rigorous academic knowledge and public comprehension, reshaping how the Middle East is perceived and discussed.

Through CSIORS, we tackle pressing issues such as extremism, migration, violence, and the pivotal role of journalism in narrative shaping. In the process, we aim to challenge preconceived ideas, stimulate informed discourse, and, ultimately, impact effective policymaking.

Join us on this journey through the complexities of the Middle East, guided by our commitment to truth, respect, and peace. Together, we can foster a deeper understanding and a more compassionate approach to its multifaceted realities.

SENIOR ADVISORS

Issam Khoury

Jan Záhořík

Senior advisor for Levant

Senior advisor for Africa

A seasoned journalist and dedicated political activist from Syria, Issam Khoury has devoted more than two decades to writing and conducting research for major news outlets across the Middle East and North Africa…

Jan Záhořík is an Africanist/social scientist focusing on the modern and contemporary history and politics of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa as well as the issues of nationalism, identity, conflicts, inequalities, European-African relations in the Cold War…