Branch of the Institute of Oriental Studies (Russian Academy of Sciences) opens new academic institution – Institute of Oriental Manuscripts.
      
      Studies of ancient manuscripts began in 1818, when Emperor’s Academy of Sciences opened the Museum of Asia.
      
      New science institute plans fundamental research of nations and countries of Asia, Northern Africa and Pacific coast, as well as studying ancient and modern East. Institute staff has already published three volumes of “History of Caliphate” and four issues of “Islam on territories of former Russian Empire”. Research fellows nearly finished computer catalogue of Tibetan manuscripts and wood cutters, catalogue of Arab and Christian manuscripts.
      
      New-born Institute has a collection of over 100 thousand items, many of which are priceless.
      
      Source: Science & Technologies