The Centre for Oriental Studies is a Scientific Educational Analytical unit that ignites discussions about Oriental Asian Middle Eastern Regions, States and Peoples - past, present, and future across geographic and disciplinary boundaries, empowering both the university and the broader community.
A research unit was initially established at Tartu University in 1956 by linguist Pent Nurmekund (1906-1996). In 1994, the unit was officially renamed the Centre for Oriental Studies. The Centre was led for many years by Linnart Mäll (1938-2010), followed by Märt Läänemets, who served from 2010 to 2020. The current head of the Centre is Alevtina Solovyeva. The Centre primarily functions as a Scientific Educational Analytical unit offering comparative, multidisciplinary studies and expertise of historical and contemporary of Oriental Asian Middle Eastern Regions, States and Peoples.
Contact information: Centre for Oriental Studies, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18-226, Tartu 50090, Estonia, +372 737 5589